Okay my son David is begging for a dog. I have been resisting. He cries that he will take care of the pooch and that I am totally mean for not getting him one. Part of me wants to give in and give this 6-year old a chance at being responsible as well as bonding with a furry animal. I do worry about my freedom and what to do with a canine when we are out for a long day or on a vacation. I checked in with the folks at Bark Buckle UP an industry non-profit organization, which educates pet owners on safety.  They offered tips on what to do when traveling with your pet on vacation. So now if I do get David the dog he so much wants..I will be prepared.

CAR, RV AND TRUCK SAFETY

·         Buckle Them In: Secure your pet with a travel harness, carrier, crate, tether or dog/cat car seat as an animal can become a projectile in the event of an accident.  Statistics show that a 60 pound golden retriever becomes a 2,700 pound projectile during a 35 mph crash.

·         Sit in the Back Seat: For their–and your–own safety, always drive with your pet secured in the backseat of your vehicle as airbags deploy at over 200 miles per hour  during an accident – that’s faster than you can blink your eyes! This will ensure that they are comfortable and out of harm’s way in the event of an accident.

·         Never Leave a Pet In a Hot Car: Never leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle in hot weather as temperatures can reach heat in excess of 120 degrees within minutes. Cracking the window is not enough! Extreme heat can seriously harm or take the life of a pet within 10 minutes or less.  If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, call the police or fire department for help.

SAFETY ON THE WATER

·         Pet Life Vests: The odds of a pet drowning are 1 out of 1,028. When around water, always ensure your pet is wearing a life vest to provide buoyancy, high visibility and safety should they take an unexpected dip. If your pet falls in the pool or gets knocked off of the boat (perhaps getting injured in the process), or is tired and/or cold from choppy water or sudden storm, a life jacket could save your pet's life.

·         Provide Them With Steps:  While the majority of animals can swim, they can not necessarily get out of the water by themselves. Keep a ramp for boats or pools, in case your pet goes in the water when you are not home. Be sure your dog knows how to get out of your pool and teach them where the steps are starting when they are a puppy. 

·         Rinse Them Off After Swimming:  Salt water and chlorine from the pool can irritate your pet’s skin. Always be sure to rinse your pet thoroughly with fresh water following all pool and salt water swimming activities.

·         Can You Lotion…My Dog?  Light colored dogs and pink noses can easily burn during fun in the sun. Ask your veterinarian about doggie sunscreen that you can spray on your light colored pets. Don’t forget to take plenty of sun breaks and relax in the shade!

KEEPING YOUR BACKYARD SAFE

·         Know Your Garden: Be aware of the plants and flowers in your yard as there are more than 700 varieties that have been identified as poisonous to pets – including the lily of the valley, iris, velvet grass and many more. Also, too much fruit will make Fido sick, so watch that they do not eat too much of it! They don’t often pass up fruit that has fallen on to the ground! 

·         Watch What They Drink:  Runoff and pooling water can contain dangerous traces of chemicals such as coolant, engine oil, fertilizers, plant foods and pesticides. So keep an eye on them and don’t let your pet drink water that isn’t fresh!

·         Get The Lead Out: Many dog toys or flower planters may have been linked to high lead content levels. Bark Buckle UP tests a wide range of products for lead levels. To view a list of products to avoid, visit our website at www.barkbuckleup.com.

·         Protect their Paws: The summer heat can cause hot sand, pavement or mud to burn the bottoms of your pet’s paws. Use disposable pet booties for their comfort and to help protect and keep them safe from the hot ground!