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Dog Travel Tips for Your Boston Terrier

Travel Tips:

Should your dog travel with you? While some Bostons love traveling with their humans, some have issues such as carsickness, or are just plain fearful of riding in the car. Here are some tips to make trips with your dog more enjoyable.

Local Trips:

Take your Boston on short, fun rides with you as early as possible. This will help him get used to traveling in the car and make your future rides more comfortable. If the only time your dog travels is when he gets shots at the vet, he probably won't want to get in the car!

Some dogs get carsick more easily than others. If this is a problem for your Boston, plan his feeding so that he has an empty stomach for your trips. If carsickness is a problem, there are over-the-counter medications for motion sickness available, or your veterinarian can prescribe a medication to help.

Give your BT a chance to relieve himself before getting in the car. Be sure to take along a leash, bag, paper towels and a bath towel for any clean-ups that might be needed. The safest place for your Boston while in the car is in a crate, although some dogs become carsick in close quarters. Another option is a car harness or tether attached to your dog's harness or collar.

Some dog travel considerations for the car:

Don't leave your Boston loose in the car with a leash on - he could hang himself.
Don't let him put his head out an open window. Debris can easily get into his eyes. Because Boston Terriers' eyes are so prominent, they are especially susceptible to damaging air pressure and debris!
Don't leave your Boston unattended in the car in extremely hot or cold weather. Temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Road Trips:

Before you take your BT on a road trip with you, give some consideration to whether it's best for him to travel with you or to board him. Will there be a point where you have to leave him in the car (to go into a restaurant or other facility he where he can't go)? If so, how will you ensure he is secure and has adequate ventilation?

What will you do if your Boston becomes ill or hurt during the trip or if he becomes exposed to fleas or ticks? Will your motel/hotel accept pets? Call ahead to confirm. A pet deposit may be required. If you decide to take your Boston on the road with you, here are some things you'll want to pack:

Flea spray - some areas of the country are heavily infested with fleas, and you may find them at your accommodations.
Waste bags for cleaning up his messes.
Depending on where you're going, you may need to take an updated health certificate (available from your veterinarian).
Take your Boston's medical information (just in case). Include the name, address and phone number for your veterinarian, rabies certificate, vaccination record, and make note of any medication he is taking. You'll also want to pack a small first aid kit.

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