Memorial Day Travel Tips

Memorial Day, this seems to be the long weekend that kicks off the summer fun and travel.  I want to take a break from my regular dog product posts to share some travel safety tips that you should know when traveling with your dog or dogs.  I have shared a similar blog in the past but I just feel strongly about this and I am going to do another post about it today.  These tips are for anyone planning on traveling this long weekend via  automobile with their dog or dogs.

Here are some of the basic tips to keep in mind before you set off to enjoy your long weekend:

1.  If your dog or dogs are not used to riding in the car, you may want to prepare them ahead of time by taking them on a few short trips first and then gradually increase the amount of time they are spending in the vehicle so that they will not be as anxious when it comes to the real trip.

2.  Just as you will be packing everything you need for your long weekend away from home, don't forget to pack your dogs stuff as well.  Some things that you should remember to bring with you are the dogs medical records, their food, bowls, a leash, a waste scoop and plastic bags to pick up after them, a pet first aid kit, their dog bed, and a favorite toy.  You may want to also consider a ramp or step if you have an elderly dog or a dog that has a hard time getting in and out of the vehicle.  Don't forget to also pack some water for them to drink when you make your stops along the way.

3.  Make sure that your dog has a collar with a tag that has information on it that allows someone to contact you immediately in the event the dog is lost while away from home.

4.  Make sure you have a safe way for your pet to travel while inside the vehicle.  Either a crate or kennel or a seat belt harness.  Make sure that if you are using a crate or kennel that it has enough room for your pet to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around.  Just as you would make sure that the dog is used to the vehicle before your trip, you want to do the same if using a crate or kennel.

5.  When it comes to the travel day, you should feed your dog a light meal several hours prior to you leaving.  You should not feed them while the car is in motion.  This will help avoid them from getting car sick.  Just for your own piece of mind though, you may want to get some floor liners or seat covers in the event they do have an accident or get sick.

6.  You should stop every two to three hours and let the dog get out and stretch their legs, burn off a little energy, and use the bathroom before continuing on with your journey.  PLEASE, DO NOT, leave your animal alone in a parked car!  It does not take long for a hot car to heat up and cause heatstroke for your dog.  We have all heard the sad stories of what can happen to a dog left alone in a car.  Please, please, please, don't let that happen to your dog.  Even with the windows open, it can just get too hot, too fast for it to be safe for your dog.

These are just some of the tips that I feel are important before you travel this weekend.  I am sure that others may have tips of their own that may help.  If you do, please share it with the rest of us.  We want you all to have a great and safe  holiday weekend!

God Bless All of Our Military Members past and present as well as their families!