TRAVEL TIPS

If you are planning a vacation trip by car you may want to include your dog in your travel plans. Before making that decision, however, consider your dog's age, health and personality. You must also determine whether your dog will be included in your vacation activities. If your dog isn't up to extensive traveling or would only end up spending lonely hours in a hotel room while you go sightseeing, leave your pet at a boarding kennel or with a professional pet sitter.

If you've contemplated the situation carefully and have decided that your dog should travel with you, the following suggestions will help insure that both you and your dog will enjoy your vacation.

Before your departure, take your dog to your veterinarian to get a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. Different states have different regulations, so take your dog's records with you in case they are required. Let your vet know where you will be traveling in case there are communicable diseases you should be aware of. If you are going to be hiking in wilderness areas, inquire about Lyme disease.

Most dogs love to travel in the car, but if your dog is not accustomed to traveling, take him for mini-trips beforehand. To help your dog overcome motion sickness, feed him lightly before the trip, about one-third the usual amount and use Dramamine or Bonine.   If he never feels motion sickness in early travel, he is less likely to become sick on future trips.

Your vacation route should be planned with your dog's needs in mind. Rest stops should be included every four to six hours so your dog can relieve himself. Water should be offered at each stop. Be sure to carry paper towels to clean up potential car accidents and pickup bags to scoop-up after rest stops.

During your trip, your dog should always wear a collar with rabies and identification tags. Keep an extra ID tag on your dog's collar with a friend's name and address -- since you will not be at home to receive any calls if your dog is lost. Of course, the most permanent form of identification is a tattoo on the inside of your dog's rear leg.

Although you may be tempted to let your dog wander around in the car while driving, he could represent a real hazard if he wanders underneath your feet or gets in between you and the steering wheel. Do not let your dog stick his head out of the window since this can lead to ear or eye injuries. He could also be hurled against the windshield or escape through a shattered window in the event of an accident. (A dog should never be allowed to ride in the back of an open pickup truck. In case of an accident, the dog would be thrown from the vehicle.)

As a safety measure, it is a much better idea to keep your dog in a crate while driving. When confined to a crate, your dog won't be able to get in the way of your driving and will be better protected in the case of an accident. (You may want to check into the new doggy car harness that are now available. Made from nylon, these harness-like seat belts attach to human belts.) A crate will also provide a den for your dog when you reach your destination. Your dog will feel secure in his crate, despite the strange location.

Please remember when traveling with your dog that you must never leave it in a parked car. Even a car parked in direct sun on a cool day, with the windows cracked a few inches, can heat to more than 120? F in less than 10 minutes.

For more information on traveling with your dog write to the American Dog Owners Association, 1654 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton NY, 12033.