THE PET FILES
Special care is required for travelling hounds
CHOMPOO TRAKULLERTSATHIEN
As Parichatr Kaemsuwan packed the car for the day's outing, she found that the luggage of Golden, her one-year-old golden retriever, was bigger than hers. But she couldn't remove any of the essential items.
"I have to prepare everything for my dog since unexpected things can happen while travelling. Besides, pet shops are less frequent in the countryside, so I need to bring everything with us," said Parichart.
Essential items include dog food, food and water bowls, clean water, dog treats, a chain or leash, a collar, dog shampoo, towels, a hair dryer, a spread sheet, a blanket and air freshener for the car and hotel room.
"Don't forget to bring a tent since dogs are prohibited in some hotels and resorts. Dog clothes are also important if the temperature might be below normal. A dog can fall ill if it isn't kept warm. And during evening activities, clothes should always be worn," advised Parichart.
After finishing the packing, her next task was bathing Golden one day before the trip to prevent any unpleasant odours during the drive. The appropriate time of day for showering is late morning, so the dog can dry in the sun. On the day of travel, Parichart cleaned Golden's coat with a wet cloth before putting her in her cage.
 |
| Keep a watchful eye on your dog when taking it outdoors. — SUCHADA HONGSA |
"After going to the toilet she will feel more comfortable while in a car. It is not advised to allow her to go to the toilet in the car, for hygienic reasons. But if necessary, you should stop at an appropriate place and let her do her business," she said.
Parichatr suggested that taking a dog for exercise 30 minutes before a car trip is ideal since the animal will then sleep happily while in the car.
"After exercise, allow the animal to rest and cool down for about 10 minutes. This helps reduce saliva and helps keep the car clean. Allowing your dog to sleep before the trip and again in the car can be disruptive."
Small dogs should be kept in a cage for their own safety, since they can potentially jump from the car while the doors are open. Large dogs that get used to longer car journeys can sit in the back or the front seat by the driver. If it sleeps during the trip, try to call its name from time to time. If the response is faint or slow, open a window to circulate fresh air. If this is ineffective, take the dog to the nearest clinic since it might be experiencing a serious problem. Before the trip, if you have time, you should take your dog for a check-up to make sure it is healthy enough to travel.
When arriving at the destination, allow the dog to survey the entire area so it can adjust to the new environment. At the end of the day, dog owners should keep their dog's hair dry to prevent humidity and skin problems. Clean the coat with a wet towel and dry it with a hair dryer. If the animal has to sleep in an air-conditioned room, make sure it will be warm enough.
"Dog owners should pay more attention to their dogs during a trip. Keep a watchful eye over your pet, as it might get lost or hurt. Unexpected things can happen all the time, and prevention is always better than cure."
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Next
