| Keeping your dog comfortable while on vacation, | | | | familiar makes a major difference. Don't forget to |
| both during travel and at your destination, is | | | | take a first-aid kit (for dogs) and always have a |
| important and is easier to achieve than you may | | | | container of drinking water with you. |
| think. In fact, when you take your dog on | | | | Make sure your dog is acclimated to his or her |
| vacation, he or she should be comfortable for the | | | | carrier or restraining harness in the months |
| duration of the trip. This means that you should | | | | preceding your trip. Let him or her explore the |
| check the climate of your destination before | | | | carrier and be confined to it for short periods of |
| booking anything. The climate is important | | | | time. Take short drives around the neighborhood |
| because some dogs just cannot cope with overly | | | | with your dog in the carrier to get him or her |
| hot or overly cold climates. This is a key part of | | | | used to it before the planned vacation. |
| comfort when you take your dog on vacation. | | | | Like humans, some dogs may experience motion |
| However, there are other things you can do as | | | | sickness. Take along ice cubes, which are easier |
| well. | | | | on your dog than large amounts of water. Keep |
| Before embarking on your journey, take your | | | | feeding to a minimum during travel to prevent |
| dog to the vet for a checkup to ensure that he | | | | stomach upset, and allow small amounts of water |
| or she is healthy enough to travel. | | | | periodically in the hours before the trip. |
| When packing, include your dog's food, food and | | | | Paying careful attention to the small aspects can |
| water dishes, blankets, bedding, leash, collar and | | | | make the experience a good one when taking |
| tags, grooming supplies, toys and any necessary | | | | your dog on vacation. |
| medications. Providing familiarity can assure the | | | | For more information on taking your dog on |
| physical and mental comfort of your dog. The | | | | vacation, see Taking Your Dog On Vacation. |