OkcPets Magazine March 2021

30 OKC Pets • March/April 2021 What You’ll Need: ❑ Water bottles Don’t plan on sharing your water because one of you will end up thirsty, and it’s probably going to be you. Dogs may be nervous or excited on a trip, and they can drool, which will make them quite thirsty. Overestimate the amount of water you need to bring. Spilled bowls from happy pups mean numerous refills. Keep them hydrated! ❑ Travel bowls for food and water (preferably the collapsible kind) There’s a myriad of travel bowls on the market right now. Take your pick or just throw an old bowl in the backpack; they won’t care! Al- though I did have a dog who could not drink out of metal bowls in the sun because the reflection and ripples absolutely mesmerized her. I learned that odd lesson on a long road trip and had to switch her water bowl with the bottom of a Jack in the Box cup until we could fetch a new, less shiny model. ❑ Small bag of food (in case you’re gone longer than you planned) You may be tempted to share that roadside BBQ with your best friend, but remember: what goes in must come out. Gas isn’t only for your car tank if you know what I mean. Rich food can give dogs an upset stomach and lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, the worst, car dog farts. Let’s stick with their own food. ❑ Treats (you buy trip snacks; your dog needs them too!) Get the good treats—the kind that smells awful (to you) and makes your dog’s eyes sparkle. Trips should be a special day with exciting treats. ❑ Meds If your pup is on medication, be sure to keep at least a day’s worth in the backpack. You may be having so much fun that you grab a hotel and continue the adventure, or weather/car problems might prolong your journey. ❑ Wet wipes (because dogs love dirt … and gross things) ❑ Towels (because of the gross and wet things) Now for cleanup. You know that tranquil stream you hiked to? Well, your dog jumped in it and now looks like the sasquatch that David Payne is always looking for. You’re glad you brought towels and wet wipes now, eh? ❑ Blanket or seat cover (pups like com- fort) Protect your car with a blanket or seat cover. Seat covers for dogs come in a variety of colors and sizes to best fit your vehicle and are usually waterproof. Some even have pockets for extra storage. ❑ Seatbelt leash (these are short leashes that snap into your seatbelt) Seatbelt leashes are short straps with a seatbelt buckle on one end and a clip for a collar or harness on the other. These are amazing! Not only do they protect your pup while on the road, they also prevent your dog from jumping out the minute you open the door. This gives you time to clip on the leash and exit the car safe- ly. These little gems are quite affordable and usually come in packs of two, which is handy. ❑ Leashes, secure harness or collar, and tags (for the exploring) The last items are all about security. Road trips contain a lot of new stimuli for your pup to process. New sights, smells and sounds can put your best friend into overdrive. He might run and pull on the leash or dart around in fear or excitement. Use your most secure leash, collar and/or harness. You do not want him breaking away in unfa- miliar territory. Make sure your dog’s tags have up-to-date information and that his microchip information is current as well. You may think this is a bit much for a spontaneous adventure with your pup, but it’s best to be prepared for anything the journey throws your way.