| Packing for your dog may seem a bit eccentric | | | | This is especially important if your dog is |
| and, well, let's face it, a bit over the top, | | | | used to being indoors most of the time or if |
| however it really can make the difference | | | | you live in a year round warm climate. If you |
| between a stressful and frustrating vacation | | | | want to stay conservative there are lots of |
| or trip and a really enjoyable experience. | | | | basic sweaters and heavier dog shirts and |
| Although some dogs are happy jumping in the | | | | sweat suits available at pet store or online. |
| car and heading out on the road with just | | | | For those that have more of a fashion flair, |
| their collar and a leash, most dogs are much | | | | specialty dog boutiques and online stores |
| more comfortable when they have some familiar | | | | offer endless outdoor gear options. |
| items around them. In turn, the more | | | | |
| comfortable and relaxed your dog is the | | | | A small, well equipped first aid kit for your |
| better the trip will be for everyone. Taking | | | | dog is very important. Your vet may sell |
| a bit of time to pack your dog's travel gear | | | | pre-packaged pet first aid kits that will |
| is just part of being the great owner and | | | | typically include bandages, gauze, |
| companion to your pet you always wanted to | | | | disinfectant, antibacterial spray, tweezers, |
| be. | | | | scissors as well as any medication that your |
| | | | pet is currently taking. If your pet is on |
| Deciding what gear your dog will need on the | | | | medications be sure you have enough to |
| trip is largely a function of where you are | | | | provide the medication as per the |
| going and what you are planning to do when | | | | prescription for the duration of your trip. |
| you get there. Of course you will need the | | | | |
| basic leash and collar or harness, but you | | | | Treats and toys should also be included in |
| may also want to consider some additional | | | | your pet packing project and although you |
| items such as a retractable leash or an extra | | | | don't need to bring all the favorite toys a |
| long leash or lunge line to allow your pet to | | | | few of your dog's top toys should be brought |
| exercise and roam a bit while still staying | | | | on the trip. It is always a good idea to pack |
| under control. Remember you are going to be | | | | treats in several zip lock or sealed bags or |
| in an unfamiliar place and even the best | | | | containers so that you can easily grab a |
| behaved and trained dog may get the urge to | | | | small bag to take on a walk or just to hand |
| explore, developing selective hearing | | | | out a few treats throughout the day. If your |
| regarding your increasingly frantic calls to | | | | dog has a specialty food that is difficult to |
| return. A retractable leash for smaller to | | | | find always pack enough for the trip if at |
| medium sized dogs is great option to allow | | | | all possible. If the dog eats a readily |
| space and freedom while still having control | | | | available commercial brand it is still a good |
| of the dog. For larger, heavier and stronger | | | | idea to bring enough for a couple of meals, |
| breeds a horse lunge line is an inexpensive | | | | just in case you have difficulty in getting |
| option for a long leash plus they come in a | | | | to a store during business hours. |
| wide assortment of colors and patterns. | | | | |
| | | | A great way to pack your doggy gear is in a |
| If you have a short haired breed or a small | | | | backpack that is lightweight, waterproof and |
| dog and you are taking a winter holiday to | | | | easy to carry. Some dog carriers and crates |
| enjoy the snowy weather, packing some dog | | | | also have cubby holes and spaces for packing, |
| sweaters and even dog booties may be | | | | which is terrific if space saving is |
| important to protect your pet from the cold. | | | | important. |