Hints for Lodging With a Dog

Editor's Note:  With the holidays upon us, many of us will be traveling and taking our beloved dogs with us.  Here are some hints and tips on what to do if you're staying in a hotel.

Make sure your dog is flea-free before departing on your trip.  Also, aggressive otherwise uncontrolled dogs should not be taken to hotels or motels.  Any bad behavior an establishment experiences with one dog will be held against all days.  Also, most hotel/motels add on anywhere from $5 to $50 per night as well as a security deposit so be sure to call the hotel before arriving to find out what their rules are regarding pets in the rooms.

Try not to allow your dog on the bed or furniture in a hotel.  If your dog can't stand to sleep away from you or insists on being on the couch, bring a sheet or blanket from home to cover the area where he will lie.  Make sure your dog is housetrained BEFORE bringing him inside.  Even if your dog has been reliable and has not had an accident in years, staying in a hotel is a new and sometimes unsettling experience, which can lead to accidents.  Many dogs are reluctant to drink water or relieve themselves during a car trip or outside an airport, but once they arrive at a destination and relax, they cut loose.  Take your dog for a couple of walks upon arrival and before settling down for the evening.

If you plan to leave your dog in the hotel while you are out, bring a crate.  This will keep him safe and secure, eliminate the chance of his inflicting damage, and allow the housekeeping staff to come in while you're gone.  If you don't use a crate, find a hotel that offers a dog-sitting service.  This is unusual but not unheard of, especially in large cities such as New York or San Fransisco.  Some hotels pride themselves on being pet-friendly and even offer pet packages with everything from keepsake food bowls to dog treat cookbooks to daily walks.

Another option is to stay in a guest rental.  Many resort areas offer private homes for rent.  This can be an ideal option for a dog owner, but again, check the pet policy before you book.  If traveling to a rural area, camping facilities are usually dog friendly as long as they are kept leashed.  Ask about park policies when reserving a campsite.

Traveling With Fido

Now that summer is upon us, we will be going on vacations and rather than boarding our pets, we may choose to take them along too. If that's what you decide to do, there's things you need to bring along to ensure their health and safety.

Up-to-date Identification Tags; include your cell phone number and the phone number of your destination

Food, fresh water, and sturdy bowls for both

A strong leash

A few of your dog's favorite toys; include different types (frizbees are great for the beach)

Bedding that can be used both in the car and in hotel rooms

Basic grooming supplies

Medications in sturdy, water-proof containers

Dramamine for carsickness; check with your veterinarian for the correct dosage for your dog

Tranquilizers, if prescribed by your veterinarian

Proof of vaccinations and copies of other medical records

Pet first-aid kit

Doggy seat belt or crate

Your veterinarian's telephone number and the number of an emergency veterinarian at your destination

A current photograph of your dog in case he gets lost

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun but some dogs do not always do well traveling and get carsick. My dachshund does not travel well so it is not an option for him to travel with us as much as we would like for him to. He does not respond well to carsickness medication like Dramamine. As hard as it can be to leave them behind, if you have someone you and your dog likes and trusts, it may be in their best interest to let them stay at home. There is nothing wrong with this option. Just be sure to give the caregiver all the information regarding how they can reach you, their medical records, medications, etc. Also let your vet know that someone else will be caring for your dog while you are gone. That way your vet will not be alarmed that someone else is bringing in your dog. Whichever you choose, boarding or bringing him along, make sure he has a pleasant vacation too!