Page 27 - 2014 Le Mag 2nd Qtr
P. 27
Briard Summer Travel Tips
• Bring food and water from home. The last thing you want is K-9 digestive problems when you're on the road.
• Call ahead. Many places (including campgrounds) do not allow pets. Make sure it's OK to bring your Briard
before you leave home.
• Attach name tags to your dog. If your pet already has a nametag, make sure the information is up-to-date and
readable. Show dogs often do not weat buckle collars but one for travelling with a license tag and/or rabies tag
attached is highly recommended. Rather than have the tags dangle on an S hook, use a rivet gun to attach the
tags in a more permanent and safe manner. If your dog isn’t already microchipped it would be a good idea to
have it done before you leave---be sure to register the chip with AKC!
• Pack a regular and long leash. Always attach the lead before you open the door for extra safety precaution.
• Bring toys. To keep your dog from becoming bored, be sure to bring his favorite toys. Balls to fetch outside &
bones to chew on in the car to keep him occupied will help a great deal.
• Pack a first aid kit for your pet. It's always a good idea to have one handy, just in case.
• If possible use a crate in your vehicle for your Briard to ride in. If the car is too small, obtain a car safety
harness to protect your dog during sudden stops or accidents.
• Provide plenty of exercise before you leave. A well-exed Briard can travel 6 hours or more without a potty
stop. This is probably longer than his owners can last. If you do stop at a rest area, let your Briard have a chance
to potty too, as well as have a drink of water.
• Clean up after your dog out of consideration for others. Carry dog waste pick up bags or plastic bags for easy
clean up.
• Travel on an empty stomach. Car sickness is more likely if your dog has a full stomach. If the trip is long, feed
a smaller amount than normal at least two hours before you leave. If your Briard tends towards motion sickness
give him/her ginger capsules or a ginger snap cookie 20-30 minutes prior to departure.
• Get a health certificate from your veterinarian and update your pet's vaccinations. Be sure to take a copy of
the rabies certificate. This is essential if you will be traveling to state campgrounds where the documents are
often required to be shown prior to entry, or out of state or to Canada/Mexico where there are also required. If
you are stopped for a traffic infraction, the police may request your dog’s paperwork and if not on hand may
legally seize the dog. Do NOT take canches with your dog by being neglectful on essential travel paperwork.
• Bring any medications your dog is currently on or may require occadionally.
• NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT CAR even if you park in the shade. Pets are unable to control body
temperature as efficiently as humans and just a few minutes in a hot car could cause irreversible damage or
death. To keep your dog cool on the road, consider a car window shade for a cool, safe, refreshing journey.
If your vehicle has air conditioning, bring two sets of keys so that the car can be locked but the air left on. But
becareful not to leave the vehicle unwatched or a thief may take it and your Briard!
Le Magazine # 25
• Bring food and water from home. The last thing you want is K-9 digestive problems when you're on the road.
• Call ahead. Many places (including campgrounds) do not allow pets. Make sure it's OK to bring your Briard
before you leave home.
• Attach name tags to your dog. If your pet already has a nametag, make sure the information is up-to-date and
readable. Show dogs often do not weat buckle collars but one for travelling with a license tag and/or rabies tag
attached is highly recommended. Rather than have the tags dangle on an S hook, use a rivet gun to attach the
tags in a more permanent and safe manner. If your dog isn’t already microchipped it would be a good idea to
have it done before you leave---be sure to register the chip with AKC!
• Pack a regular and long leash. Always attach the lead before you open the door for extra safety precaution.
• Bring toys. To keep your dog from becoming bored, be sure to bring his favorite toys. Balls to fetch outside &
bones to chew on in the car to keep him occupied will help a great deal.
• Pack a first aid kit for your pet. It's always a good idea to have one handy, just in case.
• If possible use a crate in your vehicle for your Briard to ride in. If the car is too small, obtain a car safety
harness to protect your dog during sudden stops or accidents.
• Provide plenty of exercise before you leave. A well-exed Briard can travel 6 hours or more without a potty
stop. This is probably longer than his owners can last. If you do stop at a rest area, let your Briard have a chance
to potty too, as well as have a drink of water.
• Clean up after your dog out of consideration for others. Carry dog waste pick up bags or plastic bags for easy
clean up.
• Travel on an empty stomach. Car sickness is more likely if your dog has a full stomach. If the trip is long, feed
a smaller amount than normal at least two hours before you leave. If your Briard tends towards motion sickness
give him/her ginger capsules or a ginger snap cookie 20-30 minutes prior to departure.
• Get a health certificate from your veterinarian and update your pet's vaccinations. Be sure to take a copy of
the rabies certificate. This is essential if you will be traveling to state campgrounds where the documents are
often required to be shown prior to entry, or out of state or to Canada/Mexico where there are also required. If
you are stopped for a traffic infraction, the police may request your dog’s paperwork and if not on hand may
legally seize the dog. Do NOT take canches with your dog by being neglectful on essential travel paperwork.
• Bring any medications your dog is currently on or may require occadionally.
• NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT CAR even if you park in the shade. Pets are unable to control body
temperature as efficiently as humans and just a few minutes in a hot car could cause irreversible damage or
death. To keep your dog cool on the road, consider a car window shade for a cool, safe, refreshing journey.
If your vehicle has air conditioning, bring two sets of keys so that the car can be locked but the air left on. But
becareful not to leave the vehicle unwatched or a thief may take it and your Briard!
Le Magazine # 25
