Part 4 of 4 - Summer Dog Safety Series
Homemade Puppies, LLC strives to be your trusted source for not only connecting with your new fur-baby, but also answering the dog related questions you may have to enhance your experience with your dog/puppy. Each week our in house dog expert, Katie, answers your puppy and dog questions. Submit your canine questions to info@homemadepuppies.com.
As always puppies advertised with Homemade Puppies, LLC are always 100% raised in-home by responsible family breeders...never raised outside or in a barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise. www.homemadepuppies.com
Here is this week's blog from Katie!
Summer time is the prime time for vacations! In part 4 of our Summer Series I will go over vacation safety tips, whether you take your dog along or leave them with a pet sitter.
ID Tags
Whether you are taking your dog on vacation with you or they are staying with a pet sitter or boarding facility, having an ID tag on your dog's collar is a good idea. If your dog would get loose and become lost, an ID tag with at least your phone number will help get your dog reunited with you.
Hotels/ Campgrounds
If you are taking your dog with you on vacation, be sure to check your hotel's/campground's pet policy. Having a set itinerary and planning ahead is a good idea. Not all hotels or campgrounds welcome dogs. Taking a crate along to secure your dog is always a good idea. It's best if you don't leave your dog alone for long periods of time in a hotel room or camp site. Most hotels and campgrounds have policies on how long a dog can be left alone. You want to ensure that your dog is a good neighbor and not barking excessively when you are gone. Always make sure to clean up after your pet.
Car Travel/ Air Travel
When traveling by car, it is best to secure your dog in some way. That could be in a crate or with a harness and a seatbelt. This helps ensure your dog does not jump out of the car and become lost and is safe in the event of an accident. Taking a favorite toy to entertain your dog is a good idea. Plan to make plenty of stops for your dog to relieve themself and offer water. To help prevent car sickness feed a small meal before traveling.
If traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian 10 days or less before travel. Most airlines require a certification of health from a veterinarian before a flight. Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Talk with your veterinarian about a sedative for your dog before flying. Be sure to check the temperature of the flight from starting point to ending point. Federal regulations prohibit an animal to be in cargo if the external temperature is below 45°F or above 85°F for more than 4 hours during departure, arrival or while making connections. Each airline has its own regulations. Crates must meet certain requirements. Make sure you find out all the requirements BEFORE arriving at the airport with your dog. Some small dogs may be allowed to fly in the cabin with you if their carrier can fit under the seat in front of you.
Pet Sitters/ Boarding
Choose a pet sitter or boarding faculty that best meets your dog's needs. Some pet sitters will come and stay at your home or make visits to your home. This is good as it lets the dog stay in their familiar environment. Some pet sitters take your dog into their home. If you choose this type of pet sitting, take your dog to visit before you leave for vacation. Ensure the pet sitter's house is a safe environment for your dog. If choosing a boarding facility, visit the facility before you leave for vacation. Ask the boarding kennel what kind of schedule they will have your dog on. Provide your dog's food so that they don't suffer stomach upset from a switch in food. For a pet sitter or boarding facility, make sure to give them contact information for yourself as well as an emergency contact and veterinarian information in case of emergency. Check with the boarding facility about what vaccinations are required for your dog.
By doing some research before embarking on vacation with or without your dog, you will ensure that your vacation can go without a hitch.
Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.
Looking for a puppy? We have a large variety of puppies from pure-bred to mixed breed and large to small. Check out the in-home raised puppies we offer at www.homemadepuppies.com. The puppy's information such as location, description, price, breeder's contact information will be listed on the puppy's page. As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home...never a kennel or barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise.
Do you have a litter of in-home raised puppies that you would like to advertise on www.homemadepuppies.com? Email info@homemadepuppies.com for more information on how to get started!
