36
Wednesday, July 5, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Paw
Prints
Jodi Schneider McNamee
Columnist
Bring your dog
along on summer
vacation
When you’re ready to
hit the road this summer for
some much-needed vaca-
tion time, you can bring your
furry friend along for the
ride. Many popular human
escapes are places both pet
parents and their dogs can
enjoy together, especially
here in Central Oregon.
So, when you’re packing
for your weekend away,
don’t leave Rover’s bag
behind.
Getting out with your
dog is a great opportunity
to be active and have fun.
Whether you’re just driving
down to the dog park, head-
ing out to the coast, or taking
that weekend trip to camp
by the river, it’s important
to plan, be prepared and take
precautions.
If it’s been a while since
your dog’s last check-up,
now’s the time to take him
in. Make sure your pooch
is up-to-date for vaccina-
tions, and ask if additional
vaccinations are required for
the trip since your dog may
encounter different threats,
like lyme disease, at your
destination or along the way.
One of the most impor-
tant items to always carry
with you when you travel
with your dog is a water bot-
tle. Dehydration should be a
very real concern, especially
considering how quickly it
can occur in both humans
and their pets when you
travel. Play it safe and pack
more than you think you’ll
need.
Remember to never
leave your dog alone in a
vehicle. Even if the win-
dows are cracked, a car can
start to feel like a sauna
quickly.
Items you may need on
your trip with Rover: Food
and water bowls; toys for
chewing and fetching; his
normal food and his bed.
And don’t forget any medi-
cations; dog waste bags and
his leash. If you plan to go
boating you’ll need a doggie
life jacket.
If you’re staying close
to home you already know
that Central Oregon is full of
trails, rivers, and lakes — a
dog’s dream vacation.
When you get to your
destination get Rover into
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his normal routine as quickly
as possible. Set up a section
of your pet-friendly hotel
room, or the home you arrive
at, just for your furry friend.
Put his bed/carrier, food and
water, and his special toy or
blanket in his special area
and feed and walk him at
your normal times to avoid
throwing your pet’s schedule
off too much.
Lots of people who love
the outdoors will vacation
where there is great hiking.
Here are a few tips when you
take Rover along on those
scenic trails:
It’s important to stop fre-
quently and offer your furry
friend water throughout the
hike. It’s best not to feed
your dog a large meal before
a hike; instead, feed a por-
tion of his meal and supple-
ment treats throughout the
hike. Also, avoid hiking
during the hottest part of the
day and keep walks to a rea-
sonable pace and distance.
Dogs do not tolerate the heat
as well as people. Watch for
signs of overexertion, such
as excessive panting, drool-
ing, weakness, or bright red
gums.
Keep Rover on a leash
while hiking so you can steer
clear of poison ivy, oak and
sumac. And while he’s on a
leash you can watch out for
critters such as snakes, por-
cupines, bears, mountain
lions and coyotes.
Don’t forget to take water
breaks, preferably in the
PHOTO BY JODI SCHNEIDER MCNAMEE
Tanner enjoys the water on vaca-
tion with his pet parent.
shade. After the hike check
him for fleas and ticks.
There are many who
plan to spend every chance
they get splashing in the
pool, hanging out at the
beach, river or boating on a
lake.
It’s important for your
dog to have a life jacket
before you take him out
onto the water. You may
think your dog is a strong
swimmer, but depending
on the conditions, includ-
ing weather and currents, he
could face problems.
Many dogs are well
equipped to swim but con-
trary to popular belief, not
all dogs are good swimmers.
Each year approximately
40,000 pets die in drown-
ing accidents. While acci-
dents like this happen for
many different reasons, it’s
always best to be well pre-
pared to keep your dog safe
this season. Always be aware
of Rover ’s whereabouts
while he is playing in the
water.
And remember that fresh-
water lakes often contain
harmful organisms, so don’t
allow your pooch to drink
from a lake. Bring fresh
water along and give him
that.
Whether you and your
furry friend are into hiking,
swimming or even surfing,
there’s a great vacation out
there for both of you as long
as you’re prepared!
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