on the road with fido

Go ahead, take the pooch. Why not? A slew of hotels, airlines, and clubs cater to four-legged guests, and dogs make fabulous traveling companions. Rex travels light. Fluffy doesn't try to give directions. Fido won't argue at the restaurant over what to order (The steak or lamb? He'll wolf down both). Plus, you'll look super-stylish if you tote your bud in this carrier from Lola and Penelope's ([314] 863-5652 or www.lolaandpenelopes.com) in clayton, Missouri.

Best of all, taking His Royal Slobberer may save money in the long run by avoiding high kennel bills. Just follow our advice below, and tell Skipper he's hitting the road. Good luck out there. -MORGAN MURPHY

IN THE CAR

One of life's great mysteries is why dogs love to stick their heads out the car window. Perhaps it's the smells. Maybe it's the scenery. Or, like us, they could just love the feel of the open road. Whatever the reason, make sure your pet is protected. "Think of all the flying bugs that hit your windshield-those could hit your dog in the eye and do some damage," says Dr. William Goodwin of Hoover Animal Clinic in Hoover, Alabama. "Also, if you're going 25 to 30 mph, your dog might see another dog or something else and jump out," Solutions? Try these flame-covered Doggies from Kool Dawg Tees (starting at $21.50; www.kooldawgtees.com). Henry, pictured here, thought they were weird at first, but he eventually adjusted and seemed to enjoy his wind-free vision. Also, many pet-supply stores carry doggy seat belts, which will prevent your critter from jumping out or being harmed in a sudden stop.

Protect your four-legged friend's eyes from flying debris with a cool pair of Doggies.

TRAVEL TIP STRIP

We asked Cassville, Missouri, vet Chip Kammerlohr for his top tips for traveling with your hound.

Tip 1: Always, always call ahead to theme parks, hotels, and anyplace else you plan to stop to make sure your pet is welcome.

Tip 2: Never leave your pet in an enclosed car.

Tip 3: Bring papers to show a dog's proof of vaccinations. Requirements may vary by state.

Tip 4: When you stop, always take your dog out on a leash. I wouldn't dream of letting him out at an unfamiliar rest area near an interstate.

Tip 5: We recommend Dramamine or a child's dose of antihistamines to calm pets before travel. Visit your vet before heading out to ensure proper dosage.

Tip 6: If your dog tends to get carsick, plan ahead. Don't feed him the morning of travel. Or, if water is a problem for a queasy dog, feed him ice chips instead. Hydration is very important.

Tip 7: We bring a bottle with our home's tap water. For the first day, our dogs drink that. Then they drink the same water my wife and I are drinking-it helps them acclimate.

Tip 8: People always bring lots of toys to kennels, but in my experience, pets don't play with them. Instead, keep some towels in his bed at home. When you travel put the same towels in the animal's crate, and keep them nearby in the hotel.

KNOW A SAVVY TIP?

Send it to me at Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or e-mail travel tips to morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2006
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