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Health & Fitness

Have a Great Summer Trip...with Fido!

Heat records are being set around the country, but advance planning and flexibility will ensure your canine companion's safety on your summer road trip.

For many families, summer time is car-trip time, and you want to include your canine companion in the fun. A little advance planning will help.

If your dog doesn’t ride regularly in your car, take her for some short rides to fun destinations in the weeks leading up to your vacation. This gives her a chance to learn that not all car trips end at the vet, the groomer, or the kennel -- ports of call that might have her associating unhappy events with car rides! Take her to a dog-friendly beach or dog park. Drive her to a pet store and take her inside to pick out a new toy. Arrange a short visit to the home of some human friends who love her, or swing by your office to pick up some files and produce a few treats from your desk drawer. Take her along when you pick up the kids from day camp or the grandparents arriving at the airport.

A series of fifteen-minute to one-hour rides will give your pet a chance to adjust to being in a car, and let you assess whether he has anxiety problems or travel sickness, both of which you can address with your vet.

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If your dog starts out reluctant to get in the car, try luring her into the vehicle -- and the crate, if that’s how you want to secure her for driving -- with some especially yummy (what trainers call “high-value”) treats such as freeze-dried liver. If your dog is more motivated by toys than treats, use a favorite play-thing to lure her. (Avoid squeaky toys or other items that will distract the driver.)

After several days of long driving, your pooch may develop a reluctance to get in the car. Turn loading up into a play session with a handful of high value treats. Give your “In the car!” command in a happy, enthusiastic voice, and lure the dog to jump in with a high value treat, praise him lavishly, then have him jump right out again for another treat and more praise. Back in, back out, back in, back out, rewarding and praising each time. 

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Several minutes of this will turn the chore of loading up into a game for your four-legged friend. On the final jump in, give a few extra treats and lavish praise before your close the door. Repeat this process each time you stop for the next few days, and you will soon have a happy canine traveler. Fade away the treats once your dog’s load-up routine is solid, but remember to always praise his obedience and enthusiasm, and periodically reinforce the good behavior with treats.

Always carry water when you have your dog in your car. If possible, have a bowl  of water available even while you are driving; if that’s not practical, offer water each time you stop. Plan to stop at least every three to four hours to let your dog stretch her legs. Use travel guides and web sites such as BringFido.com or DogFriendly.com to find dog parks and restaurants with outdoor seating along your route.

Flexibility is important when your dog is your travel companion. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and how to prevent it. Areas all across the nation are setting new high-temperature records this summer, so leaving your dog in a vehicle while your family enjoys a restaurant meal, visits a museum, or explores a theme park is not an option! Plan in advance and think up alternatives.

Instead of stopping in a restaurant, get sandwiches at a deli counter and find a shady picnic spot, or pick up a pizza and eat dinner in the comfort of your air-conditioned motel room.

While part of the family goes to a theme park, one parent can sit outside a coffeehouse with the dog and a cold drink and catch up on email. Take turns walking your dog around the courtyard of the outlet mall while others shop.

Many urban areas have doggy day care establishments where you can leave your furry friend for the day while you visit area attractions. Do some web research and make advance reservations while planning your trip.

Even if you find a cool and shady underground parking ramp and can leave the windows down and a bowl of water accessible, check back frequently to make sure the dog is still safe. And remember that if he is drinking more water than usual to stay cool, he will also need extra potty breaks!

Having a fun and safe trip with your pet is assured with advance planning and common sense!

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