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" Use Your Pack
Mentality" Checklist
On
the Road | By Plane (Coming
Next!) |
By
Train, Bus & Boat
Dog
Friendly Accommodations |
Other
Travel Links
You may not need all of these things
of course but its best to consider unexpected needs when away from
home! A plastic container with a snap-on lid or duffel bags that are
pre-packed with most of these items will make it easy to hit the road.
Food and Related
Items
- Your
dogs regular food and treats bring more than you think you
need in case you end up being away from home longer than expected.
- Measuring
cup. (may want to pre-measure food and place in zip-lock bags to
make it easy to pack for a day trip.)
- Your
Labs regular food supplements/vitamins.
- Food
and water bowls as well as collapsible bowls for day trips.
- Clip-on
or hanging water/ food dishes for their crate.
- Jug(s) of water from home or purchased bottles/jugs of
distilled or purified water. Tap
water from different places can give your Lab diarrhea.
- A cooler and ice packs if your dog eats
homemade/fresh food.
Dog-Wear
- Sturdy
collar. Bring one or two extras in case one breaks or gets badly
soiled.
- Tags:
your dogs regular tag with home contact information and several
temporary/write on tags as well as his local registration tag or
license. Attach one temp tag with contact info for your
destination but prepare a new one any time you stop overnight
along the way with your local contact information. If you have a
cell phone, adding that number may be a good way to reach you.
- Sturdy
leash. As with collars, bring extras. Include one 6 foot long and
one shorter (for city sidewalks perhaps.)
- A
coat or sweater if necessary for cold weather.
- Dog
boots. Its best to condition your dog to these beforehand-they
could come in handy if your Lab injures a paw or two (or all 4!)
They may also be useful in heavy snow to help prevent snow and ice
from becoming impacted between their pads. Some beach areas have
plant life that drops very sharp burrs during certain times of the
year-these can make walking your dog almost impossible without
boots.
- A
back-pack for the dog if youre planning on hiking so that he
can carry his own food and water!
- A
dog life preserver or flotation device.
Crate/Bedding
- A
sturdy crate with a crate pad that fits the bottom. Loose or ill
fitted bedding will leave your dog sliding around within the crate
making it harder for him to sleep and to steady himself on hard
turns or stops. On long trips, the more comfortable your dog is
the more likely he is to sleep, making it easier on both of you!
- Extra
fleece pads in case their bedding becomes soiled and perhaps an
extra bed if you want to leave one in the car and have one inside.
- A
blanket or king sized flat sheet to cover the bed.
Medical
Supplies
-
Any
regular medications including heartworm, flea and tick
protection.
-
A
first
aid kit packed with any medications/treatments
appropriate for the area youll be traveling in and for the
activities in which youll be engaged.
-
First
Aid Book-most good commercially prepared kits will contain one.
-
Motion-sickness
remedies.
Grooming/Cleanup
- Plenty
of towels for wiping wet or dirty dogs.
- Brush.
- Flea
comb.
- Cleaning
and deodorizing solution and rags/paper towels. A spray bottle
with a 4 to 1 mixture of water and white vinegar helps remove
smells.
- Shampoo
- for those emergency baths!
- De-skunking
solution.
- Pooper
scoopers/pick-up bags.
- Plenty
of zip lock type plastic bags to contain smelly messes.
- Large
garbage bags for big problems (like soiled bedding.)
- Dog
toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Nail
clipper.
- Pre-moistened
towelettes and paper towels.
Information
- Your
veterinarians contact information (including an emergency phone
number) and a listing of vets in the areas youll be traveling
with their contact information.
- Listing
of kennels in the areas youll be traveling in case you need to
unexpectedly board your dog.
- Medical
records/health certificate especially proof of rabies and
vaccinations (most kennels require this.)
- A
recent photo of your dog in case he gets lost.
- Contact
info for your tattoo registration service (if your dog is
tattooed.)
- Contact
info for other lost dog services.
- Written
confirmation of your room reservation including your dog.
- Pre-printed
information on your dogs routine/feeding instructions in case
you have to board them or leave them with someone.
Other
- Extra
tote bag or backpack for day trips.
- Harness
restraint (if not using a crate in your vehicle.)
- Flashlight
and extra batteries for night walking.
-
Coated cable tie-out with clips at both ends.
Last but not least:
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