Before taking your dog on your next trip:
* Prepare your dog for a long car ride by taking him on shorter trips beforehand.
* Feed your dog lightly before beginning a trip, about 1/3 the normal amount.
* Take fresh water for your dog to drink.
* Travel with a leash but remove it after placing your dog in a crate, as it could become entangled.
* Check with airlines, hotels and campgrounds regarding dog restrictions that may apply.
* Pack a copy of your dog's health records and rabies vaccination certificate. Include a recent photo and physical description and consider a microchip to aid in identification.
* Add a tag to your dog's collar that includes a telephone number where you can be reached if your dog gets separated from you.
* Never sedate your dog during travel unless your veterinarian recommends it. Some medications can trigger equilibrium, respiratory, cardiovascular or temperature regulation problems.
* Ask your veterinarian to exaine your dog to make sure he is in good health. It is especially important that your dog is protected against infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Contact with other dogs carrying this disease-causing bacteria could put your pet at risk.
