More and more we see dogs shifting roles from \u201cwatch guard\u201d to \u201cpart of the family\u201d, meaning that holidays are now, more than ever, being planned with pets in mind.<\/p>\n
Great news for dogs around the country, but this does mean that a little more planning and preparation is needed, to ensure your hounds are travel ready.<\/p>
\u201cDogs travel relatively well, especially those who have become accustomed to the car from a young age,\u201d said Barry Hundley, executive director of the Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI).<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those that are less familiar with road tripping, there are certain steps that owners can take to make the trip more manageable.\u201d<\/p>
Dogs thrive on routine, and while your trip will disrupt this, travelling with all the comforts of home will assist them in adjusting to the new situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Be sure to pack your dog\u2019s favourite blanket, toys and feeding dishes.<\/p>\n
\u201cTop of the list of things to pack is your dog\u2019s regular food to avoid any possible digestive disturbances that switching over to a new food may cause. Although many foods are stocked nationally, it is possible that you may end up in a remote part of the country where your regular food choice is not available,\u201d Hundley said.<\/p>\n
Hundley recommends making an appointment with your vet before beginning any long journey with your dog\/s.<\/p>\n
\u201cVaccinations should be up to date before you depart, the vet should give your dogs the all clear for travel and you may want to take the opportunity to discuss sedative options for nervous and restless travellers or car sickness remedies,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Be sure to travel with your pets\u2019 veterinary certificates and be well-prepared with additional equipment to make the journey and holiday a safe, relaxed and comfortable one, such as:<\/p>\n
In your planning stages you\u2019ll want to ensure that your destination is pet-friendly.<\/p>\n
Once there your dog should wear a sturdy collar with an information disc containing your contact details especially your cellphone number.<\/p>\n
\u201cMicrochips are becoming more popular as methods of identification, but a tag offers an immediate solution, and owners can often be located before needing to take the pet to the vet to read the microchip. It\u2019s also a good idea to travel with a photo of your pet in case he gets lost,\u201d suggested Hundley.<\/p>\n
On the day of travel it is recommended to get a walk in before you depart.<\/p>\n
Only feed a small meal a few hours before you leave to limit the effect of car sickness.<\/p>\n
Be prepared to stop often, to allow your dog to toilet and stretch his legs. Offer him small amounts of water at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe sure that your dog is secured on a leash and that you have a steady grip on the leash before opening any doors,\u201d Hundley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough your dog may love sticking his head out of the window, it really is not recommended \u2013 the risk of injury is high, with debris and insects flying by, cold wind being forced into their lungs and electric window controls easily stepped on.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe aware of the temperature in the car, from your dog\u2019s perspective. Blankets are needed in cold temperatures and open windows or air conditioners (with vents in reach of your dog) are needed when travelling in very hot weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever leave your pet in the car as the car\u2019s internal temperature could rise to fatal levels very quickly,\u201d Hundley advised.<\/p>\n