Taking Dixie to Florida

[ilovemydixie]

I'm taking Dix to Florida for a week doggiex1in April. My boyfriend and I found a pet-friendly house we are staying in. The house has tile floors(Dixie likes), fenced in backyard and a screened-in patio. I wanted to make Dixie as comfortable as possible. This will be her first long trip. Any suggestions? :094

(I accidently posted this in the Picture Forum 1st) 415

[Cassidy'sMom]

Are you flying or driving? I don't know about flying (never flew my dogs) but I have taken many road trips with dogs. If you're driving I suggest bringing some Kaopectate (sp?) or another over-the-counter med for sore stomach incase she gets car sick. You will also need to bring a copy of her vet records incase you need proof (never know what could happen). Bring her bed or favorite blanket so she will feel comforted by the "smell of home" when she sleeps at night. I think it obvious, but bring all her favorite toys! Don't forget shampoo if you plan to let her go to the beach. And an ear-drying agent to prevent ear infections from the beach. If you don't already have one, I always carry a Pet First Aid kit in my car - you may want to invest in one of these too. Other than all this, just remember to pack enough food & treats.

One more thought: is Dixie on heartworm preventative? If she's not you need to consult your vet. Florida is an area where there are lots of mosquitos and she needs protection!

Have fun!!! banana

[ilovemydixie]

Thanks for the advice! Is Kaopectate okay for dogs? Dixie does get car sick and I was going to ask my vet about meds for her to take. Yes, Dixie does take a monthly heartworm, flea and tick preventative. Should I keep her in a crate while driving (she has NEVER been in one)or let her ride free?

[sidneyandfishey]

Make sure Dixie always wears her collar with her ID tag on it. If you don't have one I strongly suggest you get one. You may also want to get her microchipped if she is not already. You just never know when a mishap can happen and you wouldn't want to lose your beloved Dixie.
Have fun on your trip!! banana

[Cassidy'sMom]

Thanks for the advice! Is Kaopectate okay for dogs? Dixie does get car sick and I was going to ask my vet about meds for her to take. Yes, Dixie does take a monthly heartworm, flea and tick preventative. Should I keep her in a crate while driving (she has NEVER been in one)or let her ride free?

Yes, its okay. I use it all the time. But the vet might be able to get you something stronger since she's already known to get car sick.

If she's NEVER been in a crate I would not use the car as her first experience with it. It will be tramatic for both of you. She is cry, bark, whine the ENTIRE trip. If she's comfortable laying in the back, just leave her that way. If you think she will be too hyper or restless for a long trip, you can always give Bynerdryl to calm her down. Get a dosage from the vet - it goes according to weight.

She, and you, will do fine. Once this first trip is over you will wonder how you ever had any fun on trips without her!

Have fun! Wish I was heading to Flordia. :032

[meandgracie]

I keep a doggie travel bag in the car that has a bath towel, paper towels, wet naps, pooper scooper bags, ziploc bags, a flashlight, her shot documentation, a travel water bowl, a bottle of water, a small bottle of peroxide and her picture. I've been meaning to add more first aid supplies.

It'll make your trip longer, but frequent stops to walk might help with the car sicknesses. On the other hand maybe it's better to get there as soon as possible.

Think about buying jugs of water when you get to Florida - they say changes in water can upset tummies. Of course, my dog tries to drink from mud puddles. Best of luck on your trip!

[theGoldenPup]

Just what I was going to say-water!

On the note of tags, for the price of them $6 or so, it may be wise to make a new one for this trip with a cell phone number on it (or the place where you are staying).

When you get there, or preferably before then, be sure to have a number and directions to a local vet and 24 hour emergancy clinic. You never know what could happen. I have a relative whose dog almost died because the numbers weren't handy, the local vets couldn't be contacted, and the 24 place wouldn't take a credit card. Not something you'd like to think about, but, something that is better safe than sorry.

A spare collar and leash is a good thing.

And don't forget the camera!

GoldenPup

[ilovemydixie]

Thanks for all this advice. I would have never thought about the water. Florida water is grose :eek:. I can't even brush my teeth using that water, so I definitely wouldn't expect my Dixie to drink it! So I guess it would be a good idea to pack Dixie her own "doggie suitcase" ;). I will take all this advice and use it wisely! doggiex1 doggiex1
Thanks
-Mindy

[theGoldenPup]

Hehe, usually when the dogs come, thier suitcases are bigger than mine!

GoldenPup

[Karefl]

Thanks for all this advice. I would have never thought about the water. Florida water is grose :eek:. I can't even brush my teeth using that water, so I definitely wouldn't expect my Dixie to drink it! So I guess it would be a good idea to pack Dixie her own "doggie suitcase" ;). I will take all this advice and use it wisely! doggiex1 doggiex1
Thanks
-Mindy

Well, I brush my teeth with it & drink it. I'm still living. LOL About the vet... Where are you staying? I live about 5 min. from Disney. I'll look up the a 24 hr vet # in the Orlando book if your going to be in this area.

[ilovemydixie]

Well, I brush my teeth with it & drink it. I'm still living. LOL About the vet... Where are you staying? I live about 5 min. from Disney. I'll look up the a 24 hr vet # in the Orlando book if your going to be in this area.
Panama City

[Abby Aniela]

I took my Abby to Florida for Christmas ... it was her first long road trip and she did so well!

In her bag I packed treats, food, water, shampoo, ear cleaner, toys, her leash, poop bags, and some doggie wipes for those muddy paws.

But let me tell you, I wish I had packed some spray cleaner and paper towels, too .... my cousin stepped in some doggie poop that OTHERS didn't feel the need to clean up. Be careful where you step!

Abby was un-crated in the backseat. Just not enough room for her crate in my CR-V. She did really well, slept most of the way. What really helped her though was a shirt that I had worn to bed for a few nights ... my scent calmed her right down.

Just watch out for nighttime .... it sort of freaked Abby out a bit ... the lights and the loud sounds in the dark.

Have fun! doggiex1