October 22, 2002, Bend, OR - More and more dogs are taking the high road and joining their families on vacations. According to a Ralston-Purina study, more than 45% of people with dogs have taken their dogs on vacation. Given the estimated 68 million canines in the United States, that adds up to a total of 30.6 million dogs on the go.

However, traveling with a dog is not without its hazards. Like people, dogs do best when they are comfortable, have sufficient food and water, and are kept out of harm's way. By planning in advance and packing a few key items for your dog, you can improve both your own and your dog's travel experience.

"Many dogs enjoy travel," says Patrick Kruse, owner and founder of Ruff Wear for Dogs on the Go™, an Oregon based company. "When traveling with a dog, thinking ahead can go a long way toward avoiding problems on the road." Kruse takes his dog, Otis, on many of his trips and has even brought Otis kayaking and backpacking.

Over the years, Ruff Wear has developed several tips for smooth travels:

If traveling by car, expose your dog to travel in a vehicle whenever possible. They will become adjusted and excited to join you on your adventures.
Provide a space and place that is familiar to the dog and bring items that remind your dog of home. Toys, bedding, or a favorite chew toy are a few examples of items that will console the dog and provide an outlet for nervous or excessive energy.
Bring along a pad or bed that can be moved from the car to camp to temporary accommodations so that the dog knows that this is their space to call home for awhile.
An alternative to sedating your dog is to expose your dog to travel several times with a positive outcome. If you are driving, let the dog get used to the vehicle. If flying, familiarize the dog with the crate so it is not a new experience on the day of departure. Again, familiar toys and bedding can go a long way toward making a space feel like home.
Always keep your dog's collar and tags on. If the dog is lost in unfamiliar territory, the tags may be your only hope of reuniting with your dog. Identification tags should include a phone number that has a local contact, if possible, or a number where a caller can leave a message that can be retrieved while on the road.
Always bring extra water for the dog. If you can't leave a bowl out, make sure you frequently offer water to the dog. If you suspect that the dog is becoming dehydrated, pull straight up on the skin on the back of the neck and release the skin. If the skin does not immediately fall back into place, chances are the dog is dehydrated.
Follow your feeding routine to maintain the eating schedule the dog has become accustomed to and stick to the food you use at home.
When you stop, make sure you are safely off the road and away from traffic. Always have a leash on hand if there are cars or other dogs in the vicinity. Keep the dog away from suspect food and water sources, flora and fauna.
When traveling with a dog, it is always better to be well-prepared. Ruff Wear recommends bringing:

Water, Food, Identification tags, Vaccination records, Food and Water bowls, Dog Bed, First Aid Kit, Leash and Toys.

Ruff Wear makes several products designed specifically to make traveling with a dog good for both you and the dog.

Traveling with a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a little common sense, you and your four-legged friend will become inseparable traveling companions, with stories that will have your friends and family howling.