{"id":11275,"date":"2012-10-21T18:34:20","date_gmt":"2012-10-21T22:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albany.com\/dog-talk\/2012\/10\/q-should-i-take-my-dog-home-for-thanksgiving.html"},"modified":"2017-11-08T11:43:14","modified_gmt":"2017-11-08T16:43:14","slug":"q-should-i-take-my-dog-home-for-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.albany.com\/dog-talk\/2012\/10\/q-should-i-take-my-dog-home-for-thanksgiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Q: Should I Take My Dog Home for Thanksgiving?"},"content":{"rendered":"
A<\/b>: Sure! <\/b>Bringing your dog home for the holidays will definitely add to the fun. There are just a few things to keep in mind while you get your suitcase packed and gas in the car for the trip.<\/p>\n
Although it hasn’t been legislated yet, it’s only a matter of time before New York passes a law that dogs must be restrained while traveling in a car. It actually makes good sense to keep your dog safe by using a special seat belt harness that you can find online or in any pet supply store. Kurgo makes some of the best ones I’ve seen.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you don’t already have ID tags for your dog, get one now! Even better, have him microchipped. This is a permanent form of identification,\u00a0and helps ensure your dog is returned to you if he gets lost during the trip.<\/p>\n
Who doesn’t have a photo of their dog on their smartphone? Download the photo and print it out to make it easier for others to help you look for him should he get lost.<\/p>\n
Bring bottled water and your dog’s own food and bedding. Familiar items will make him more comfortable and prevent stomach upsets as well.<\/p>\n
And speaking of upsets, if your dog tends to get anxious or sick in the car, ask your veterinarian to recommend a medication.<\/p>\n
Plan to stop every 4 hours or so to give your dog (and you!) a break. Always leash your dog before taking him out of the car.<\/p>\n