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Pet Care Tips

A Pet can be a person's best friend. Whether young or old, the bundle of joy that you bring home will become a part of your life.

Please consider this information to be merely a starting point for more detailed discussions you should have with your veterinarian.

Last Updated - 24th September 2005

Adjusting to New Surroundings

The First Few Days
Bringing a new dog or puppy home is an exciting time for the whole family. The first few days are extremely important in forming a bond with your new family member and there are certain things you can do that will help establish a positive relationship between you and your dog.
The first night will probably be the hardest for you and your new dog. He will most likely cry at some point during the night, do not punish him for this because it will only make things worse. You may want to keep him in your bedroom until he is used to his new surroundings. He can be kept in his crate or bed so he won't get in too much trouble while you're asleep. If you don't want your dog sleeping in your room indefinitely, then make sure you only allow him to stay with you the first few nights or it will become a habit that is very hard to break.
In order to make your new dog's introduction to your household go smoothly you will need to do some preparation beforehand. Because your new dog, whether he's a puppy or an adult, will be put into a stressful situation the first few days you will also need to be prepared to lessen this stress as much as possible. A little preparation will lead to a lifetime of happy times with your new friend!

Safety Precautions
Just like with a new baby, you will need to puppy-proof your house and yard before you even bring your new dog home. A good way to make sure your house is safe is to crawl around on your hands and knees and look at the environment from a dog's-eye-view! You may feel silly, but you will probably catch potential dangers that you ordinarily wouldn't have noticed.
An important precaution is to make sure no electrical cords and wires can be chewed. These should be wrapped up and tucked away. You should also make sure that any cleaning chemicals in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms are out of reach. It's best to make sure your dog can't get into any cabinets because seemingly harmless items can prove to be dangerous. Trashcans should also be out of reach or closed securely. Houseplants can also pose problems because they can be knocked over and possibly eaten. This should be avoided because certain plants are poisonous to dogs. Also, it is usually a good idea to get some baby gates to block off certain rooms and staircases.
You will also want to make sure your yard is safe. This includes making sure your fence is secure so that your dog can't get out and other animals can't get in. Also, fence off any pools and flower or vegetable gardens. It's also a good idea to put away any tools or toys in the yard. If your dog will have access to the garage, any potentially poisonous chemicals should be out of reach. This includes anti-freeze, which dogs are attracted to because of its sweet smell but can be deadly if ingested. The use of special "non-toxic" antifreeze can alleviate this problem.

Easing Stress
Now that your house is puppy-proofed you are ready to bring him home. This is an exciting time for your family, but remember that your new dog will be understandably nervous. It is best to pick up the dog in the morning, so he'll have a whole day to get used to you before his first night alone. Try not to leave your new dog alone for long, a good time to bring him home is during a vacation if you normally work during the day. You and your dog need this time to bond. If you can't be with your dog for a while, you should put him in a crate. You should also have a bed ready for your dog where he can go to get some quiet time and feel secure.
Most likely, the first thing your dog will want to do is investigate and explore. Let him do this so he gets used to his surroundings. Once he's explored for a while, you should take him outside to urinate - it's never too early to start housetraining. You should already have a food and water bowl ready, with water available at all times except at night. You can give your dog his first meal soon after he arrives home, but you may want to give him less than he'd normally get because he will be nervous.
If you have other dogs in your household, their first introduction to the new family member should be on neutral territory, such as a park. For at least a week, the other pets and your new dog should be closely supervised. If you have children introduce them to the new dog slowly and remind them to keep their energy level down because it will make the dog less nervous. For the same reason, you shouldn't subject your dog or puppy to loud noises in the first few days. You can play with your dog right away, but puppies should not be over-exercised because this can cause problems in bone and muscle development. Make sure any toys you get are puppy-safe, for example no ball should be smaller than a tennis ball, to prevent choking. Chew toys are a good idea, especially for a teething puppy. Don't give your dog old socks to chew on or you'll soon find that all your socks have holes in them and are strewn throughout the house!

Supplies Needed
Following is a list of some items you will need or want to get either before you bring your new dog home or soon after:

baby gates

food and water bowls

a crate or bed for at night or when you need to leave your dog alone
collar

leash

identification tags

food appropriate for dog's age, size, medical condition, etc.

toys (chew toys, squeaky toy, balls that are at least as big as tennis balls)

Housebreaking Tips

Housebreaking Hints
Most new dog owners look forward to housebreaking their dog as eagerly as they look forward to a root canal, but with a lot of patience and understanding this important step in dog ownership can be successful without being a nightmare.
The amount of time it will take to housebreak your dog will depend on the dog himself, just be patient and keep in mind that he is not smelling up your house on purpose. Often it takes young puppies a while to gain the muscle control to hold it in. The secret to housebreaking - as with all training - is consistency and repetition. Remember, there has never been a dog that could not be housetrained.

General Hints :

There are some basic principles or guidelines you should follow no matter which method of training you are using.

Probably the most important rule to remember is positive reinforcement. Every time your dog goes where he's supposed to, lavish him with praise.

Only punish your dog when you catch him in the act. Punishing after the fact will be futile and may even hinder the training process.

Take your dog outside as soon as possible after naps, meals or play sessions.

Get your dog on a regular feeding schedule

Take away his water dish at night

Learn to recognize your dog's signals that he needs to go out. For example, many dogs will sniff the floor and walk in circles when they need to go.

Training Methods
There are two methods that are generally used in housebreaking: paper training and crate training. They each have advantages and disadvantages, and the method you choose will depend on your living situation and lifestyle.

Paper Training: Paper training is typically used by people who live in apartments or who are away from home for extended periods during the day. It basically consists of spreading newspapers on the floor in one room for your dog to use. Gradually you will be able to take away newspapers as your dog settles on a favorite area of the room. Once your dog is used to going on the papers, you will take them away and start bringing him outside instead. This method usually takes longer than crate training, and some dogs simply will not go on newspapers. Since no dog has ever become literate through paper training, crate training is probably the preferable training method if possible.

Crate Training:
If you decide to use a crate to housebreak your dog the crate should be inviting, since your dog will view it as his home (or den) until he is trained. You can do this by putting a blanket and a couple of toys in the crate. Part of the crate can also be lined with papers for him to use overnight or if you're gone for long periods. Generally a dog will not go in his own bed, so being in the crate will teach him to hold it until he is outside.

Eventually your dog will view the whole house, and not just his crate, as his home and consequently will not go anywhere indoors.

Odor and Stain Control
The most important thing to remember is to clean up an accident as soon as it happens. The best way to control odor and clean pet stains is to use a commercial cleaner that does not contain ammonia. Look for these products in your supermarket's household cleaning aisle. When using a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the label directions. After you have cleaned the area, blot up as much moisture as possible using an absorbent cloth or paper towels with a heavy object placed on top. Replace the cloth or paper towels frequently until no more moisture is being absorbed. This process will help remove any residual stain. Remember, pet stains are among the most difficult types of stains to clean. You may need to repeat the cleaning process several times, before the stain is completely removed.

Feeding

Proper Nutrition
It is important to feed your dog a well balanced diet that provides enough nutrients and energy to ensure a happy, healthy dog. Your dog's diet should consist of the proper amounts of the following:

protein: which aids in growth and maintenance

fat: for skin and coat and energy

vitamins and minerals: for bone development

fiber: aids in digestion

There are minimum requirements of nutrients, and dog food manufacturers have formulated their food to met these requirements. As a result, most commercial dog foods provide a well balanced, high quality diet. Ordinarily, it is not necessary to use vitamin supplements. Your dog is most likely getting all the vitamins he needs from his food and an overdose of certain vitamins can lead to serious health problems.

What to Look For
Always look for a label on dog food that says it provides "complete" nutrition. This will ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs and you won't need to supplement. Keep an eye on your dog when you start feeding him a particular brand to make sure the food agrees with him. For example, if he has diarrhea, the food may contain too much fiber.
As with most things, when it comes to dog food, you basically get what you pay for. Some of the lower priced foods can be poor quality and not provide enough nutrients. It is probably best to buy a well known brand from a reputable company that has most likely done research to make their dog food formulation measure up to the caring dog owner's expectations. Also, you often need to feed your dog less of the more expensive brands because it takes less volume to provide your dog with the needed nutrients. This should be factored into your price comparisons. The premium foods are usually higher in fat and calories than other brands, which gives your dog a shiny coat.

Feeding Amounts
The amount of food your dog needs depends on a variety of factors including: age, size, metabolism and activity level. The actual amount needed is based on the energy needs of your dog. For example, a working dog or a dog that is outside all the time in the winter will need more food than a sedentary dog who is mainly kept inside. Puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs need double the amount of food that an adult dog needs. It is important not to feed a growing dog too much because rapid growth can be harmful and can even shorten the life span of your dog.
It is important not to let your dog become obese, which is an increasingly common problem among today's dogs. Not only will your dog have less energy if he's obese, but it can lead to serious health problems. When deciding how much to feed your dog, read the label on his food and feed him the right amount for his weight, age, etc. If he seems to weigh too much, try cutting back on his portions.

Dry Food
Contrary to it's name, dry food does contain some water, although less than canned or semi-moist food. It has certain advantages over canned food and if you are only going to feed your dog one type of food, dry is usually the best choice.
One reason for this is that it tends to be the most economical because it can be bought in bulk, although you don't want to store it too long because it can lose some of its vitamins. Dry food is also more easily digestible and chewing it helps remove plaque from your dog's teeth.
If your dog doesn't seem to like the taste of the dry brand you choose, you may want to find another with different ingredients and see if he prefers it.

Canned Food
There are two types of canned food, all-meat and complete. The all-meat food does not provide a balanced diet and needs to be supplemented with biscuits. It can also cause diarrhea in some dogs. The complete canned food does provide all the nutrients your dog requires.
Canned food is probably best used as a special treat that can be mixed with dry food occasionally, but not fed exclusively. Canned food is available in different flavors, so you may need to try a few different ones to find one that suits your dog's taste and digestive system

Special Feeding Needs
There are a number of different dog food formulations on the market for different health and dietary needs. Before you start giving any of these to your dog, it is best to see your vet and make sure it's necessary. For example, there are special foods for obese dogs, but sometimes simply feeding smaller portions of your regular food will help your dog lose weight.
There are also special foods available for dental problems. These may be recommended by your vet if your dog has a tendency for plaque and tartar build-up, or has suffered from periodontal disease.

Treats
Everyone enjoys a treat every once in a while, and dogs are no exception. Treats can serve a number of useful purposes, such as training rewards, satisfying the urge to chew and as part of your dental care routine.
There are at least as many, if not more, types of treats on the market as there are types of dog food. It shouldn't be difficult to find a few brands that your dog enjoys, just be careful not to overindulge him, or he could become obese

Health Tips

Choosing a Vet
Choosing a veterinarian for your dog is not unlike choosing a doctor for yourself. You will want to find someone who is willing to listen to your questions and give you explanations in terms that you will understand. It's also important to observe how the vet and his or her staff interacts with your dog. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with your vet, then he or she is probably not the right vet for you, and you should not hesitate to look for someone else.
Another important consideration when choosing a vet is whether or not they provide emergency care and 24 hour care. If they don't, you will need to know what to do in case of an emergency, or where you will be referred if your dog ever needs to stay overnight. Finally, observe your vet during visits. He or she should always perform a thorough exam and, if it is the first visit, ask about your dog's medical history.

Preventative Health
There are certain preventive measures you can take that can save time, money and suffering when it comes to your dog's health. By keeping on top of your dog's medical care you can catch any potential problem early and avoid costly medical intervention further down the road. Also, by taking the time to keep your dog up to date on vaccinations, etc. you can prevent certain diseases from ever appearing.

At-Home Prevention
There are a number of steps you can take on your own to evaluate your dog's medical condition. In order to do this you need to become familiar with your pet's normal state, so that you can detect any changes. Try to examine your pet frequently from head to toe. You should look for any lumps or swelling and any changes in his breathing, also examine his eyes, ears and mouth. Also watch for changes in your dog's behavior, such as his eating habits or activity level. Notify your vet if you observe anything out of the ordinary.

Veterinary Prevention
You should take your dog or puppy to the vet as soon as possible after you acquire him. If he's a puppy he will probably need a series of shots to immunize him against certain diseases. It is important to take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a thorough exam and to be re-vaccinated. At these exams, be sure to tell your vet about any changes you've noticed in your dog and bring up any concerns you may have. If your dog is a purebreed, your vet should also check for any diseases or conditions that your breed is prone to

Spay/Neuter
One of the many choices you'll have to make concerning your dog is whether to have him or her spayed or neutered. If you do not plan on breeding your dog, it is a good idea to get this done. There is a huge pet overpopulation problem, with animal shelters and humane societies filled with stray or abandoned dogs. Many of these dogs have to be euthanized because there aren't enough people willing to adopt them. Responsible dog owners have an opportunity to do something to solve this problem by spaying or neutering their dogs.
This is a fairly routine operation that is usually performed at about six months of age, although it can be done earlier or later if necessary. There are many myths about spaying and neutering, and most of them are untrue. For example, it will not make your dog fat or lazy and will not change his or her personality. Spaying and neutering actually has many advantages beyond preventing unwanted litters. The operation can reduce roaming, which greatly reduces the chances that your dog will get hit by a car and that he or she will get in a fight with other dogs. Spaying and neutering has also been proven to lessen the occurrence of certain tumors. The operation has also been found to lessen certain aggressive tendencies in dogs.

Immunizations
One very important way to prevent your dog from getting sick is to get him immunized against certain diseases. Following is a brief description of five major infectious diseases: distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis and rabies. Distemper, canine hepatitis and parvovirus are all viruses, which means that there are no antibiotics and your vet can only treat the symptoms, but your dog's body has to fight the disease. All of these diseases can be fatal, but as long as you get your dog vaccinated you should not need to worry about him ever being infected.
The immunization process for all these diseases consists of a series of shots when the dog is still a puppy, with booster shots usually given once a year. Often one shot can be given to cover distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis.

Distemper:
This is a virus that affects the nervous and immune systems. It usually strikes puppies, but adults can be infected as well. Distemper is transmitted through the air. Puppies usually receive a series of 3 vaccines; the first at 6-8 weeks, the 2nd at 10-12 weeks, and the third at 14-16 weeks. A booster shot should be given once a year.

Canine Hepatitis:
As with distemper, this is a virus that mainly hits puppies less than a year old. It affects the liver and can lead to kidney disease. Canine Hepatitis is usually spread through infected dog's urine, stool and saliva. The vaccine timing is typically the same as the distemper vaccine, and a booster is given once a year.

Parvovirus:
This virus is fatal if not treated immediately. It affects the intestines and bowel and is spread through the stools of infected dogs. The timing of the vaccine is the same as distemper and canine hepatitis.

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Leptospirosis:
Unlike distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus, this is a bacterial disease. There are two kinds of leptospirosis, one type attacks the kidney and the other attacks the liver. It is spread through the urine of animals that have had the disease. Although antibiotics are available, vaccination is strongly recommended. The vaccine is given at the same time as distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.

Rabies:
This virus is always fatal and affects the nervous system. Dogs who are suspected of being infected are almost always euthanized. Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals. The first vaccine for rabies is usually given at 3-4 months, the second about one year later, and a booster shot given every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccine your vet uses

Good Teeth
If your furry friend has morning breath that seems to last all day, he could need a good tooth brushing! Yes, believe it or not, your dog needs basically the same dental care routine that you need. Although dogs generally do not get cavities, they do get dental diseases caused by excess plaque and tartar build-up. Periodontal or gum disease is the most common affliction among dogs. In fact, almost all dental procedures that are done on humans can now be done on dogs - everything from braces to crowns and bridges! Although most of these procedures will never be necessary for your dog, keeping his teeth and gums clean and healthy will prevent future problems.
The first step in preventive dental care is to check your dog's teeth and gums on a regular basis. You should look for discolored gums and any plaque or tartar build-up. Red, inflamed gums are a sign of gingivitis, which is caused by bacteria building up in the gums. Other signs of gingivitis are bad breath and excessive saliva. Also check for broken teeth and see your vet if you find any

Ten Tips for a Poison-Safe Household

Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet's yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, sago palm, easter lily, or yew plant material, by an animal, could be fatal.

When cleaning your house, never allow your pet access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach.

When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your animals. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attracting to your pet.

Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of your veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetominophen tablet (500mg) can kill a 7 lbs cat.

Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a 10 lb dog.

Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.

Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies(high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene- one or two balls can be life threatening in most species),potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.

All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from pet access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a 7 lb cat and less than one tablespoon could be lethal to a 20 lb dog. Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommendedfor your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your animals or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats. Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE use of the product. When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your animals away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.

Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your animals or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled “for use in dogs only” this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats. Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE use of the product.

When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your animals away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.

Fleas and Ticks

The Problem
As most dog owners discover, along with the advantages of the warm summer months comes the disadvantage of the dreaded flea and tick season. But this problem can be kept under control with a little vigilance on your part. Although controllable, fleas and ticks should always be taken seriously because both can carry diseases that can affect both animals and people. For example, ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease, and fleas can carry tapeworm. To prevent the spread of these and other diseases, you should keep a close eye on your dog and take care of any problems before they escalate Ticks.
Ticks are most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas, so one way to control them is to cut back any tall grass around your house. Throughout tick season you should check your dog often, especially under his legs and around his ears. If you do find a tick, remove it as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Lyme disease is one of the biggest fears associated with ticks, and cases have been reported throughout the United States. When removing ticks be careful that none of their blood gets directly on your skin because Lyme and other diseases could be spread this way. There is a vaccine for Lyme disease, so you may want to ask your vet if he or she recommends this for your dog.
The best way to remove a tick from your dog is to grab it with tweezers where the mouth enters the skin and with a firm pull try to get the whole tick at once. After removing the tick you may want to clean the area with an antibiotic. Do not try to remove a tick by burning it off, this is ineffective and may hurt your dog. Applying a flea dip or alcohol before pulling the tick off can sometimes help by killing the tick first.

Fleas
Fleas are similar to ticks in that they are usually seen in the summer and they suck the blood of their host. They can spread diseases and cause skin irritations in your dog. Fleas are not just found on dogs, but also in your house, yard and your dog's bedding. In fact, they spend more time off your dog laying eggs than on him. Because of this, flea treatment and prevention will not work unless you treat both your dog and his environment.
The key to successful flea control is to keep both your dog and your house clean. The whole house should be vacuumed regularly and any bedding your dog uses should be washed. Depending on the extent of the flea infestation, your house and yard may need spraying and sometimes an exterminator is necessary.

Solutions
There are a huge number of products on the market for preventing and controlling fleas and ticks. Usually the same treatments you use for fleas can be used for ticks because they tend to be sensitive to the same chemicals. Following is a list of the various treatment and prevention methods that are available:

Flea Pills

Sprays and Foggers

Flea and Tick Collars

Flea Shampoos

Flea and Tick Dips

Flea and Tick Powders & Sprays.

Grooming Tips

Basics
Grooming your pet can be a positive experience for both you and your dog. It will keep your dog feeling and looking good and will help build a close and trusting relationship between the two of you. The amount of grooming that your dog needs will depend on a variety of factors, such as; length of hair, coat type and how much he sheds.
Some dogs will need to go to a professional groomer periodically, but in almost all cases there are grooming techniques that can be done at home. These include bathing, brushing, cleaning teeth and ears, and some light clipping. Bathing will keep your dog's coat healthy by removing dead hair and cleaning his skin. Bathing and brushing will also prevent matting and fleas. Keeping his ears clean will prevent infection. Brushing your dog's teeth can lessen bad breath and prevent tooth decay.

How Often
How often you have to groom your dog will depend on the dog's specific needs. All dogs can be brushed daily. This only needs to take 5-10 minutes per session and should be viewed as a pleasant activity that you and your dog share. Bathing should be done on an "as needed" basis, which can be judged by the appearance, odor and the feel of the hair. In many cases you can bathe your dog as infrequently as twice a year. If he has fleas, ticks or any type of skin allergies he may need a bath more often.
Any between-bath grooming that is needed will depend on your dog's coat. Longer hair requires more attention. Sometimes you may need to do some clipping to remove extra hair from around the eyes, ears and feet, or to remove hair mats.
How often you will need to cut your dog's toenails will depend on how much outdoor exercise he gets, the more he is outside the less you'll need to clip his nails. The correct length for the nails is just touching the ground.
The frequency of teeth cleaning depends on the amount of plaque build-up your dog has on his teeth, but can be done as often as twice a week. Ears should be cleaned once a month to remove dirt and wax.

Supplies

There are a wide variety of supplies available for grooming, but what you purchase will depend on how much grooming you plan to do. Most supplies can be purchased at pet supply stores, grocery stores or through mail order catalogs. Following is a general list of grooming supplies that you may need:

Brush (the type will depend on your dog's coat)

Fine-toothed comb

Wide-toothed comb

Scissors (rounded edges are best for safety purposes)

Nail clippers

Toothbrush

Toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs

Shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs (or baby shampoo)

Flea shampoo (if needed)

Travel Tips

Planning Ahead
With a little bit of preparation, traveling with your dog can be an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Whether you're traveling by car or by air, staying in a hotel, campground or with friends, planning ahead is crucial for making this a successful trip.

Following are some tips to help you get ready for your journey with your four-legged friend:

Make sure your dog is wearing current identification tags with your name, address and phone number. It's probably a good idea to also get temporary tags with the name and phone number of where you are staying on your trip.

Take your dog to the vet beforehand to obtain a health certificate (this is required by airlines and most national parks). Also make sure you have proof that your dog is up to date on rabies shots.

Confirm in advance that the hotel/motel where you are staying allows dogs. Some may charge an extra fee for cleaning.

If you are traveling by car, get your dog used to car trips by taking short, local trips. Driving to a park and throwing a ball around for a while makes for a good practice run. Remember, if your dog only associates the car with going to the vet, then your journey will not be a positive experience.

If you plan to use a crate or carrier in the car, get your dog used to being in the carrier before your trip.

Car Travel
When taking your dog on a car trip it is important to keep him properly restrained, for the safety of everyone involved. This can be done by using a dog grille to keep the dog in one area of the car, by using a harness (which is similar to a seat belt), or using a crate. It is also a good idea to use window guards which allow you to keep the windows open for ventilation, but prevent your dog from jumping out.
Plan to make frequent stops for water, stretching and letting your dog relieve itself. Never leave a dog unattended in the car, especially in hot weather. Try not to give your dog too much to eat because this could upset his stomach. If your dog is prone to car sickness you may be able to give him motion sickness pills, but never give your dog any medications without your vet's permissionAir Travel
Taking your dog on an airplane is possible, and even has some advantages, as long as certain precautions are taken. All airlines are regulated by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and the USDA and must follow certain safety rules. You should always check with your airline and get a list of their regulations and requirements for flying with pets. Most require a current health certificate, and some have requirements concerning the age and breed of the dog.
You should make sure your carrier meets the IATA requirements concerning size, ventilation, closures, etc. These guidelines can be obtained from your airline or travel agent. Some airlines will allow you to keep small dogs in the passenger cabin if the carrier will fit under the seat. It is very important that your carrier is properly labeled with your name, address, phone number and dog's name.
When making your reservations try to book a direct, non-stop flight. You should also avoid traveling during extreme heat or cold; at night or early in the morning are usually the best times. Make your reservations early because there are usually limits on the number of dogs allowed on each flight. Once you are settled on the plane, ask a flight attendant to inform the pilot that there is a dog on board.

Pet Carriers
Whatever method of travel you plan to use, car or airplane, it is a good idea to use some type of carrier or crate for your dog. This is required for airline travel and is an important safety precaution when traveling by car. Anyone who has tried to drive while a dog is climbing in their lap and licking their face knows this! A crate can also help to soothe a dog who doesn't like being in the car by making them feel more protected in the confined space. Placing a familiar object, such as a blanket or toy, in the crate will remind your dog of home.
When purchasing a crate or carrier make sure it is the right size for your dog. It should be big enough so he is able to move around comfortably, but not so big that he'll be thrown around. When you are packing your car make sure there is plenty of space around the crate to allow for ventilation. If you are traveling by plane, the carrier should meet the requirements of the airline and the IATA

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