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Since Thanksgiving is a time for sharing good times with family and other loved ones in celebration of giving thanks for your blessings, family pets are often included in these gatherings. So let’s see how you can make the most of your fun times with Fido around!
1) Before you go you want to make sure your dog is up to date with all shots, especially rabies, and has proof for you to carry along in the form of tags and written documentation. Ask your vet for help here as needed. If your dog will need medication, heartworm pills or other subscription items, make sure to have plenty available for your trip by planning ahead, asking the vet for updated prescriptions and filling them. Get help from PetMeds.com if you need to; they can ship items to your door.
2) Have your dog groomed before you leave home. Wash and brush the coat. Trim nails. Clean eyes and ears. Brush teeth. A little doggie deodorant and mouthwash can’t hurt either!
3) Necessities to make sure and package well in airtight containers are dog food, treats or biscuits, and water for traveling. Bring along a cage if your dog is used to sleeping and / or traveling in one, and thoroughly clean the cage before you leave home so it’s also fresh for traveling.
4) Accessories to add in your bag may include plastic bags, paper towels and wet wipes for cleaning up drool, droppings and other assorted mishaps en route. Also while traveling, your dog may be tiny or elderly, having a difficult time getting in and out of the car and house, so bring along any dog steps you may need. Also bring along a leash, bowls for water and food, favorite toy and bed or blanket / pillow, etc. as needed.
5) On the road items may also include any pet stairs to help tiny dogs and elderly ones get in and out of vehicles and doors in a more efficient manner without having to pt your back into it. If you will be in and out of nasty weather, bring along a small travel sized bottle of shampoo and a nice large towel in case you need to have an emergency clean up session for your pet. Do stop plenty of times for your dog to have a bathroom break.
6) On a plane, boat or other type of transport, call ahead and / or check online for the most recent info on items like airline approved dog carriers so that your dog isn’t left off the passenger list due to not having the right carrier. Check to see when the last meal and drink of water should be, too, before you board your pet.
7) Once you arrive at your destination, remember that not everyone is a dog lover. Keep an eye out for safety; i.e. many strangers like to try and pet dogs, so warn them if this scares your dog or irritates it so no biting occurs. Use the cage as appropriate until everyone is settled in and you have a chance to introduce the dog in a calm mode.
Take plenty of time to pet your dog and remember it is part of the family, too. Don’t just ignore it and leave it for others to care for since it’s a holiday. It’s a holiday for everyone.
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