It’s A Dog’s Life—

Vacationing With Or Without Your Dog

By Mary Jane Anderson

Dog owners often face the question: What shall I do with my dog when I go on vacation — take him with us or board him in a kennel? Here are some guidelines to help make your decision.

Traveling With Your Dog

1. Do not feed or give your dog water before starting on the trip.

2. Take a container of fresh water along. A sudden change of drinking water can cause a temporary upset in some dogs.

3. Pack a travel kit to include food and water dishes, treats, toys, and a blanket. To be on the safe side, add paper towels and plastic bags for any accidents, and take a room air freshener so that any pet odors will not linger.

4. Make sure your dog knows to sit or lie quietly in his own place in the car that he has learned not to annoy the driver or passengers or to bark at passing cars. A folding crate can be useful in the car, in motels, or at wayside rest stops.

5. Plan to stop at regular intervals for the dog’s feeding, watering, or relief, as needed.

6. Be confidant that your dog is well trained to his leash. Always attach the leash before opening the car door and detach it after he is inside and the door closed. Don’t give your dog a chance to bolt — especially while stopping at gas stations or restaurants. Many dogs are lost this way. Using a stake with a long lead is handy when you stop for a picnic.

7. Be alert to the car’s temperature. Cars can be death traps for dogs in the summer. On an 85 degree day, with windows slightly open, the air temperature in the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, 120 degrees in 30 minutes. A dog’s temperature is 101.5.

8. Line up ahead of time, if possible, which motels and hotels permit dogs to stay with their owners or that have means of kenneling their dog.

Kenneling Your Dog

The first thing you might do is consult your veterinarian. You can also visit the kennels in your area. Whether you go in person or call the kennel, asking the right questions should give you a pretty good idea of the kennel’s quality. Have a check list ready.

1. Are there indoor and outdoor runs?

2. Will there be veterinary attention, if needed? Who?

3. Are there isolated facilities for dogs that become sick? Are sick dogs taken to a veterinarian hospital? Which one?

4. Are the dogs required to have an update on vaccinations before being accepted?

5. How are internal or external parasites controlled at the kennel?

6. How often are the runs cleaned?

7. What is done to control mosquitoes, flies, etc?

8. What is the feeding and exercise program? What kind of food is given?

Potential sources for infections in kennels are ventilation, water containers, good, bedding material, cages, and other animals. If you visit the kennel yourself, ask for a tour of the facility.

When your dog returns home, he might have loose stools; he might seem very hungry or thirsty. This is not unusual. Most animals that are seldom kenneled are homesick and may not eat or sleep well when away. The only way to help your dog overcome his dislike of kenneling may be to leave him at a kennel more often. Another help, either serve the same brand of food at home as your kennel uses, or, if this can be arranged, leave a supply of your dog’s brand with the kennel.

There are bound to be some health hazards in kenneling your dog, no matter where your pet stays. Some of the risks are unavoidable and occur when pets congregate. The preventive measure, however, of checking out kennels can minimize the problems.