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Travel — February 3, 2012 11:07 pm

Dog Travel Tips from Vets

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As travels get underway, there is no need to leave the furry members of your family behind. When you travel by car, you can ensure a crate free experience for your dog. Also, more and more dog boarding facilities from Los Angeles to New York are going crate free, allowing you to find the perfect vacation for you and your pet.

If you choose to take Fido along with you, following these dog travel tips from vets can make your travel go smoothly, whether you leave your pooch at a crate free dog boarding facility or plan to hit the highway for a road trip:

1.    Safety is first when it comes to traveling, whether you’re heading to a city like Los Angeles or a small town off the beaten path. Before you go, brush up on basic first aid for pets and find out where the local animal hospital is located. According to Dr. Rebecca Westbrook, a vet in Dallas, it can also be helpful to download an animal safety app for your phone.

2.    VCA Animal Hospitals veterinarian and pet health expert Dr. Donna Spector recommends finding dog boarding before you leave. This way, you will know ahead of time what to expect before dropping off your dog.

3.    Dr. Spector also recommends packing for your dog ahead of time. Bring essentials such as: water and food bowls, portable or collapsible bowls for daytime excursions, your dog’s regular food (packed in airtight containers), pooper scooper and bags, ID tags, medication and a Pet First Aid Kit—which can be provided by your vet.

Following these tips is sure to ensure a great vacation for you and your pet. More travel tips can be found here.

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