Hitting the road?

It's summer — finally, what with all the rain and coolish temperatures — and if you haven't already thought about taking a trip with your pet, you need to do so.

An article in the Marin Independent Journal in Novato, Calif., has some good suggestions on how to make traveling with your pet less of a chore and more enjoyable for both of you.

And the nice thing is, they are good for all times of the year. If your pet doesn't travel that well, like my Kate, then these tips could make a real difference on the odd occasion when pooch has to be packed for a trip.

Some things to consider from the article:

• Is your pet a good traveler? Sick, young, old — could make a difference.
• Where are pet-friendly rooms available? Advance research is necessary.
• Check hotel rooms for hidden hazards, and keep the toilet seat down (chemical bowl cleaners are probably used)
• For your pet, pack food, water, first aid kit and its favorite toys and treats.
• Never, never, never leave your pet inside the car unattended. Hot or cold days could send your companion into life-threatening situations.

Have a good time traveling with your pet.

Safety first

With the long (for some people) holiday weekend approaching, it's time to review some travel tips if you plan on taking Fido along for the ride. There will also be a reminder about the Fourth of July madness that is fireworks.

An article in the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star discusses keeping your dog safe and comfortable on a trip and provides suggestions from the American Kennel Club.

• Practice for long trips by taking your dog on short ones.

• Collar + cell phone number = Smart thing. Also take a picture of your dog with you.

• Secure your dog in a crate, carrier or harness that attaches to the seat belt. .

• Do not let your dog stick his head out the car window. Eye and ear injuries are possible.

• Stop regularly to allow your dog to relieve himself and take a drink.

• Do not ever leave your pet unattended in the car on hot days.

The article also has some tips on flying with your pet, also from the AKC.

• • • • •

Fireworks in Dutchess County start Friday, so consider that a heads up if your dog, or any pet, is frightened by loud, sudden noises that gradually grow louder then stop for a moment and then all hell breaks loose in an ear-shattering, bone shaking cacophony of diabolical sounds. Then the eerie quiet. There's got to be more. More! So I can't relax. Must pant. And pace.

You think I'm making that up? Kate dictated that paragraph.

So again here are some tips for keeping your pet safe during fireworks from the Humane Society of the United States. For the complete list, click the link.

• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area.

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

Traveling with your pet?

With vacations underway, it's time to think about how to safely travel with your dog or cat.

Car trips can be stressful for humans, so think how Fido or Fluffy must feel. At least they don't have to worry about the price of gasoline.

Response Insurance has a few tips to help make the journey a smooth one.

• If your pet isn't used to car trips, try a few test runs to acclimate them. Spending time in the car while parked and short drives at first is a good start.

• Cats should be kept in a carrier; dogs should be held in a restraining harness. This keeps your pet stable in the event of sudden movement or a crash.

• Feed the pet less than normal. Too much water can upset the stomach; provide ice to chew on. Pack toys and bedding.

• Outfit your pet with a collar that has an ID tag that includes permanent and vacation addresses and phone numbers. Have a photo of your pet with you. There is always micro-chipping.

• Don't let your dog stick its head out the car window. Small stones and debris become dangerous projectiles at highway speeds.

• Never, never, never (my emphasis) leave your pet in a car in warm or hot weather.

• Pack a first-aid kit with tweezers and alcohol for tick removal, cloth bandages and topical antiseptic.

Traveling with Fido or Fluffy?

New Dutchess County reporter Jenny Lee has an article in today's Poughkeepsie Journal on traveling during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Along with it are tips for traveling with your pets.

The information, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, includes such suggestions as keeping your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, never leaving your animal alone in a parked vehicle and making sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information.

There is one hint that is a "pet" peeve of mine. Please don't let your pet ride with its head outside the window. This, according to the ASPCA, can subject it to inner ear damage and lung infections. And it could be injured by flying objects.

That said, have a great holiday.