Page 19 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Summer 2021

EXPLORE | DESTINATIONS SUMMER 2021
Taking Your Pet Travelers to the Great Outdoors
Travelers planning on adventure travel such as a camping vacation should make some additional preparations. Check in advance to be sure your pet is permitted at campgrounds, parks, beaches, trails and anywhere else you will be visiting. If there are restrictions – and there usually are – follow them. Remember that pets other than service animals usually are not allowed in public buildings.
Note: It is not advisable to take animals other than dogs into wilderness areas. For example, bringing a pet is not recommended at some national parks in Alaska. Also keep in mind that rural areas often have few veterinarians and even fewer boarding kennels.
USE COMMON SENSE
Clean up after your pet during your vacation. Do not allow excessive vocalizing and keep her under your control. If the property requires your pet to be leashed or crated at all times, do so. Few parks or natural areas will allow a pet to be unattended, even when chained – the risk of disagreeable encounters with other travelers or wildlife is too great. The National Park Service may confiscate pets that harm wildlife or other visitors.
If camping during your vacation, crate your pet at night to protect him from the elements and predators. (Chaining confines the animal but won’t keep him from becoming a midnight snack.)
TAKING YOUR PET WITH YOU WHEN HIKING
When hiking, stick to the trail and keep your pet on a short leash. It is all too easy for an unleashed pet to wander off and get lost or fall prey to a larger animal. Keep an eye out for such wildlife as alligators, bears, big cats, porcupines and skunks, and avoid other dogs and small children. Be aware
of indigenous poisonous plants, such as English ivy and oleander, or those causing physical injury, such as cactus, poison ivy or stinging nettle. Your veterinarian or local poison control center should be able to give you a full list of hazardous flora.
An animal that rarely exercises at home will not suddenly be ready for a 10-mile trek across uneven terrain.
LightField Studios | Shutterstock.com
Before setting out on the trail, make sure both of you are in good physical shape. An animal that rarely exercises at home will not suddenly be ready for a 10-mile trek across uneven terrain. Plan a hike well within the limits of your pet’s endurance, and don’t push – remember, if Spot gets too tired to make it back on her own, you’ll have to carry her – not quite the type of adventure travel that you were looking forward to.
CARRY THE RIGHT SUPPLIES FOR YOUR PET
Always carry basic first-aid supplies, including a first-aid guide. Also carry fresh drinking water for both of you – “found” water may contain harmful germs or toxins. Drink often, not just when thirst strikes, and have your pet do the same. Watch for signs of dehydration, leg or foot injuries, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Stop immediately and return home or to camp if any of these occur.
Note: Dogs can carry their own backpacks (check your local pet store for specially designed packs), but should never carry more than one-third of their body weight. Train the dog to accept the pack beforehand, and only use it with a strong, healthy animal in excellent physical condition.
No matter where or how you spend your vacation, visit the veterinarian when you return home to check for injuries, parasites and general health. By taking your pet to the veterinarian, packing the right supplies and staying on the marked trails, you further ensure that you and your pet have the time of your lives. After all, even adventure travel needs to be safe, especially if you have your dog in tow.
For more Traveling with Your Pet articles, pet photo contest, and more, go to AAA.com/PetTravel.
19