Dog on board

Dear Fisher,

I love summertime and the road trips I take with my family, but sometimes I cause a few problems for them and I need advice. It’s the same routine every time. We are all excited about the trip. Usually I am the one bouncing up and down and getting the most excited. I am in and out of the house “supervising” the packing of the car and making sure there is no chance I get left behind. I get more pets and scratches because I am pretty much in the way and they don’t seem to care. I love that!

Then, about three or four hours into the trip, it happens. All of a sudden my stomach just turns and “oops and AAAAAAARRF” and now I made a mess in the back seat. I never have this problem on our short trips. What can I do?

Goofy

Dear Goofy,

Thanks to the remarkable description of your problem, I can fully understand your concern. The solution is really quite simple, but you will have to get your family in on it.
It is very common for humans to overcompensate for any possible missed meal times you may encounter while traveling long distances. They only want the best for you – whether you ask for it or not. Their solution is usually to load you up with an extra big breakfast just before that early break away out of town. This process naturally disrupts your own normal intake and output, if you know what I mean. The timing and the excitement add to the problem, although those should not be changed.

Somehow you will need to refrain from eating up everything they put in front of you and concentrate more on preparing for your trip. Here are a few suggestions:

• Check directly with the hotel you are staying at to make sure they accept pets.
• Also check on Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you are headed.
• Make sure you have all the required vaccinations and take your papers!
• Make arrangements for car travel safety, i.e. sudden stop protection.
• Never EVER let anyone leave you alone in a hot car!

Find out more great information at Pets Welcome. They have lots of ideas on travel and lodging.

Remember now – just a small snack plus all the excitement is plenty to get you through at least the first four hours. Your people will definitely get more involved with your plan when they see the remarkable difference in the back seat.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt Tampa Bay Out There weekend edition