The Go-Everywhere Puppy
Traveling is a great form of socialization for dogs, and you should try to take your pup with you wherever you go. If he enjoys traveling in the car, he will soon expect that if you're going somewhere, he's going with you. Short rides, long rides, overnighters, visits to friends and family far away — for travel-happy dogs, it's not the length of the adventure, it's the adventure itself. Just as every time you come home is a cause for celebration for your dog, so is seeing you give her the invitation to join you when you pick up the keys and head for the door.
While it's wonderful to have your dog along, it's not so great to arrive somewhere and discover that you don't have what you need to be able to safely walk him or care for him. If you will be doing any traveling, be prepared and pack a bag for your puppy. It's something you can keep in the car so you won't have to scramble to find his things every time you want to go somewhere. What should be in your puppy's traveling case?
Seat Belt Security
Allowing your dog to be loose in the car is an accident waiting to happen. You may have done this without incidence for years and with many different dogs, but consider yourself lucky. Today, the roads are more crowded, people tend to drive faster, there are more distractions (cell phones, navigational systems, stereo systems, kids, etc.), and it's simply not possible to think that traveling without a seat belt is wise for any passenger in a vehicle — including your dog. All it takes is one innocent occurrence — dropping a French fry on the floor by your feet and having your puppy dive after it — to cause you to take your eyes and attention off the road, with potentially deadly results. It's fun and “free” for your pup to cruise around unfettered in your car, but it's simply not smart.
What if you were in an accident and were unable to move from your vehicle but your frightened dog got out and bolted away? He may be unharmed, but he may be lost forever. Better to know he's belted or crated and with you than lost in a strange place.
Having a crate-trained pup will make traveling much simpler and safer, as you'll be able to secure her in her crate while you're driving.
Today's canine passengers can be outfitted in many kinds of car safety contraptions to make traveling safe for them. These include specially made seat belts that pair with human seat belts, to booster seats with safety harnesses for small dogs, to tried-and-true crates, which keep your dog confined. You may even want to use different systems for different trips.
Blankets or Towels
These are indispensable. Use one to cover the car's cushion where your dog will be sitting. It is easier to remove it or wash it than it is to try getting every dog hair off the seat before someone else sits in that spot. It is also comfier for your dog, since car seat surfaces can be slippery or scratchy. Having a second old towel or blanket is handy for absorbing or wiping off mud, sand, or water after trips to the park or beach. If your pup travels in a crate, use a towel or blanket to keep it soft and cozy. You may want to keep the towels in a laundry bag to make transporting them easier.
Water and a Bowl
It can be surprisingly difficult to find water while you're on the road. Trying to get the water from a bottle into your pup's mouth in any way that doesn't waste the water and/or get both of you soaked can be a challenge. And water is the one thing your pup will definitely need at any stop you make, whether it's hot outside or not.
The best thing to do is buy a gallon jug of filtered water and put it in a cooler with some ice packs. You can put the drinks you'll want for the trip in there, too. When you've gone through the filtered water, replace it with water from your own tap so you can reuse the jug. The water should always be cool and fresh.
It's best to be able to have a supply of the water your dog is used to drinking to prevent any gastric upset. When you're at a rest stop, after a hike, or whenever you need to, fill your dog's bowl with water from this container. Keep it as cold as possible by keeping it in the shade while you're parked or near the air conditioning while traveling.
The best kind of bowl to have on the road is a collapsible bowl. It pops up and holds plenty of water when you need it, then crushes down for easy packing when you don't. These are available through pet supply catalogs or in some pet supply stores.
Poop Picker-Uppers
It is your responsibility and obligation to clean up after your dog wherever you travel with him. Make it a habit to keep a stash of plastic bags in your dog's travel case or in your car and have one with you when you bring her out of the car to exercise. Even if you don't do this at home, you must do it while on the road. It's a distasteful (but mandatory) chore that is easily accomplished by scooping with a plastic bag and disposing of the waste in a public trash receptacle. Imagine if all dog owners left their dogs' waste when they traveled. The areas would soon be littered with feces (and often are — don't contribute to the problem!).
Records
No, not the old vinyl LPs, copies of your dog's health records. These should be secured in a plastic bag so they don't get dripped on or ripped, and can come in handy in case of emergency. If your pup gets sick on the road, you'll be upset enough. Having her records available for the strange veterinarian who will be examining her can put both of you at ease. You'll want a copy of your pup's immunization records to show what shots she's had and when (rabies is especially important), as well as information about any medications she may be on, your veterinarian's phone number, and an emergency back-up number of someone to call should something happen to you.
A First Aid Kit
Better safe than sorry, right? This doesn't need to be excessive, but should include some basics: gauze bandages, vet wrap (to secure a bandage), tweezers, antibiotic ointment, premoistened antiseptic wipes, a supply of your pet's regular mediation, buffered aspirin, Mylanta, a pair of pantyhose for a make-shift muzzle, and anything else you think you might need. Label it as your dog's kit and stash it somewhere safe.
Extra Collar, Leash, and I.D. Tag
This may seem like a silly thing to have to pack, but you will be so thankful you did if something happens and you need it. For example, you may have had a wonderful visit with someone, asked your dog to jump in the car, and driven off without her leash. It could easily happen. As for a collar and I.D. tag, there should always be a tag on any collar your dog wears. If you change collars after your dog has gone for a swim, for example, you will be happy to have the spare.
Treats and Toys
One of the pleasures of being on the road is indulging in new and unusual foods. If you're doing this for yourself, why not for your puppy, too? Feel good about the kinds of treats you're giving her and avoid the potential for gastric upset by having a stash of puppy-appropriate snacks in the car. These can include small pieces of string cheese, freeze-dried liver, hot dogs, or itty-bitty dog biscuits. For longer rides where she may enjoy chewing on something, an appropriate chew toy can keep her occupied. If she has a favorite toy from home, like a pillow or stuffed animal, bring that along so she can snuggle with it.
A Supply of Food
Last but certainly not least, if you will be staying overnight or longer while on the road, be sure to bring enough of your dog's regular food to last the trip. Changing foods — especially while traveling — can upset your pup's stomach or keep her from eating. Even with a supply of the food she's used to, pups (and dogs) can get excited while traveling and often won't eat normally. This doesn't mean you should spoil her and start giving her your restaurant leftovers; it's too risky. Mixing some healthy scraps, like lean cooked meats or plain rice, into her normal food is fine and may encourage her to eat if she's fussing, but don't overindulge.
