Flying With A Dog

Dog owners who go on business trips or take vacations have to decide whether to board their dog in a kennel or take the dog with them. For many dog owners, leaving their animals behind is not an option; they want the animal to accompany them, even if it means flying with a dog.

The key element when flying with a dog on an airplane is to make plans and work out the specifics in advance of the flight. The following is a list of details to consider before flying with a dog:

1. Dog owners who are flying with a dog will want to plan a direct flight to their destination, if possible. This will shorten flight time and help to reduce the dog’s time in the animal-transportation carrier. The dog owner should call the airline as soon as the itinerary has been finalized. The airline may have rules, regulations, and policies that must be followed. If an overseas trip has been planned, there may be quarantine regulations that must be considered. Also, calling the airline in advance will enable a dog owner to discuss any requests or requirements that the owner may have. It is imperative to make sure that the cargo compartment of the airplane is pressurized, so that the animal will have oxygen and be warm enough while traveling.
2. There are different types of carriers used by the various airlines. A dog owner can contact the airline and ask them to provide a carrier in advance. Having the carrier at home before the flight will allow the dog owner to help the dog get used to being confined. This will help reduce some of the fear or anxiety that the dog may experience on the day of the flight. Some dogs need mild tranquilizers to help them remain calm while flying.
3. When the flight day arrives, the dog owner should plan to start the day early. This will give the owner enough time to exercise the dog, allow the animal to ‘go potty,’ and help the dog become comfortable in the carrier. Before the animal enters the carrier, the dog owner needs to place the dog’s identifying information on the carrier and make sure it is on the dog as well. The owner can write the dog’s name on the carrier in large letters, along with the owner’s name and contact information. The owner needs to make sure that this information is securely attached to the dog’s carrier as well as on his tag on his collar. An implanted ID tag is also a good idea, but must be obtained via a veterinarian prior to the trip.
4. After the dog owner releases the dog and carrier to the airline, the owner needs to request confirmation that the dog has been securely and safely loaded onto the plane. The dog owner also needs to verify, with an airline representative, that the dog is on the right plane.
5. After the owner arrives at the intended destination, he or she should immediately tell a flight attendant and an airline representative in the airport that his or her dog is on board. The owner can request that the dog’s removal from the plane be given immediate priority. Finally, the dog owner needs to ask for the exact point of removal. Some airlines have a separate office or facility where passengers pick up cargo, including animals, from a flight.

Dog owners who follow the above guidelines will be well-prepared when they are flying with a dog. They will ensure the dog’s safety. In addition, the dog will be more at ease and less likely to experience fear or anxiety during an airline flight. Flying with a dog can be a great experience if precautions are taken to prepare ahead of time.

Sunny Locations For Your Next Trip

Who doesn’t crave a vacation in a sunny climate? Sunny holidays are the perfect thing to beat the winter blues, or just experience a change of scene. When planning your next journey towards the equator, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Take the time a few months before your trip to figure out your travel arrangements. You can often get great discounts on hotel rooms or other accommodations if you book early. Talk to a travel agent or go online to a travel booking website to find the best deals. You might even find a package where you get your flight and your hotel for one low price.

It is important to keep your money safe when you travel. Many tourists opt for traveler’s checks, which can be converted quickly into cash. These days, it is very easy to travel solely with plastic; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a city where the shops and restaurants don’t take major credit cards. ATMs are everywhere at your disposal when you need to withdraw money. Additionally, if you misplace your plastic or, in the worst case scenario, it gets stolen, you can easily call your credit card company to cancel the card or dispute any charges. Just make sure to keep the crucial phone numbers in a place separate from your wallet, just in case that goes missing too.

If you are traveling with children, make sure that they are going to have enough recreational activities to keep them busy and out of your hair. Nothing puts a damper on your sunny, dream vacation faster than whining, bored children. Check into a hotel that has play areas or supervised pools for their entertainment. Many hotels offer childcare services as well and safe, child-centered activities. This way you can leave the kids in good hands and go off to explore the grown-up scene, which brings us to our next holiday element…

Nightclubs! If you and your significant other are the partying types, be sure to investigate the nightlife of your destination in advance of your trip. What are the bars and clubs like? Are there safe places to go drinking or dancing where you’ll encounter other tourists? You’ll have your best luck in places with a reputation for late night partying. Try Las Vegas or Key West. These are sunny destinations that stay just as fun when the sun goes down.

There are so many activities to choose from in sunny climates. You can swim or lounge by the pool, drinking boat drinks. You can fish or snorkel. You can go jet-skiing or scuba diving. You can also explore aquariums and maritime museums if you are married to the luxury of air-conditioning. Make sure to pack lots of sunscreen and floppy hats to shield your winter skin from the equatorial climate. Try not to stay in the sun too long. Nothing ruins a beach vacation faster than a first degree sunburn. Dress appropriately for the hot weather. Bathing suits and minimal clothing are your best choice in sunny locations.

Traveling with Your Dog Companion

As you might imagine there are tips for just about any type of pet care or dog care. You will find the following information provided is how to care for your dog during travel. There are of course several modes of travel so you will want to consider everything before taking your dog on a trip.

Dogs can become quite agitated when left alone for too long. They can also become anxious during travel. You need to learn how to relieve some of these problems by preparing for your vacation and the mode you will take. Traveling on a plane is probably the most difficult for a dog to handle. Most dogs will have to be caged, given a sedative that will last most of the flight, and then you will be able to help relieve their anxiety. Some of the smaller dogs can be brought with you on the plane and most often they will not be given a sedative, unless the vet thinks it is necessary. Dogs can get air sick as well so make sure you provide them with plenty of space and water. You may wish to feed them four hours prior to a flight in order to avoid discomfort.

When you are traveling you need to consider the area you are traveling to. There are certain places that cause disease your dog is not vaccinated for. If you have any questions about the vaccinations they have received and may need speak with your veterinarian. You will also want to see your vet about two weeks before you travel to ensure that they are healthy enough for the trip and that you have everything you need as far as vaccinations, medications, and tips for traveling with a dog.

If you are going camping you definitely want to make sure the dog has been treated with a tick and flea medication before leaving. These medications can be purchased through your vet or online from a pet store. Things such as Lyme disease, spotted fever, and other diseases can be on the road when you are camping.

Exercise is also very important especially if you will be traveling by car, truck or RV. They will need to have stops along the way as well as exercise outside of the vehicle during the trip. Even if it is a road trip you need to spend at least twenty minutes every three hours at a rest stop letting the dog out. They will need to have bathroom breaks, water and food during the journey.

Items that you may wish to bring should include: a crate, first aid kit, familiar toys- to relieve anxiety, dog food, treats, their leash, a spare collar, food and water bowls, their tags, vaccination records, and grooming tools. You may also want to have an extra set of tags just in case they loose their collar.

If you are going to leave them in the car during your meal breaks make sure you have provided them with enough air, food, shade, and water. It is best to park in the best-shaded area even if you have to walk a little to the restaurant. They are already going to be a little anxious so adding to it is not a good thing. You may want to bring them to the outside of the restaurant for exercise where they can see you and you can see them. You will of course need to make sure they are tied to a post of some sort. Taking your dog on a trip can be very demanding for them so you need as much comfort as possible.