Dog Days of Spring
By CHELSEA MULDER
It’s that time of year! User-friendly temperatures inspire family travel, whether it’s a quick visit to a dog park or a spring-break vacation across the country. More and more, families find dog-friendly accommodations make it easier than ever to take their furry friends along for the ride. Read on for tips on how to make the journey safe and stress-free for you and your pooch.
Airplane Travel with Fido
Airlines are recognizing consumers’ desire to travel with pets and are creating innovative ways to make it easier on passengers. For instance, at Austin Bergstrom Airport, you’ll find a landscaped and illuminated dog walk on either end of the public parking garage for easy access to a pet drinking fountain, relief area and pleasant place to stretch your legs—whether you have two or four. Denver International Airport has private restrooms for pets in each concourse and adjacent to the airport is the Paradise 4 Paws pet resort with private suites, TVs, massage therapy and on-site medical experts. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport offers a 1,000-square-foot off-leash dog park with seating and biodegradable waste bags.
Major airlines now allow small dogs to ride in your lap or in a carrier stowed under your seat. Prior notice is required and you’ll probably pay a fee. For larger dogs, you’ll need to invest in a special crate found at pet-supply stores. Keep the crate in your home at least for a few days before traveling so your dog can investigate it and get used to riding inside.
Prior to booking your dog a ticket, contact the airline to learn more about its pet policies. Some airlines require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian, while others require proof of vaccinations.
Quick tip: Unless your dog is a frequent jet-setter, he or she will probably be pretty stressed out by the hustle and bustle of an airport. Products like Comfort Zone DAP (Dog-Appeasing Pheromone) are a popular way to help a dog relax. They mimic naturally occurring pheromones that have a calming effect; you can use a spray (use on your dog’s favorite blanket), wipes (for the walls inside the crate) or a collar.
Lake Effect
Looking for great “stay-cation” ideas? A day trip to Chalk Ridge Falls hiking trail is a perfect way to unwind after a long week. Not only is it pet-friendly, the park also boasts a variety of hiking trails for every skill level, a suspension bridge over the Lampasas River and several scenic waterfalls. The Texas Parks and Recreation Department requires you to keep your dog on a leash (no longer than six feet) at all times, but it does permit them to be off-leash
in the water.
For a longer getaway, rent a camping space at one of Bell County’s lakes. Pets can join you at no extra charge. No self-respecting dog can resist a tennis ball lobbed into the lake for a chase, but remember there are boaters out there—keep an eye out for distracted drivers who might be less than careful. Most dogs are natural swimmers, but occasionally a dog will hesitate to go in the water. Try sitting calmly in shallow water on the beach with your dog until she gains confidence in her wading skills. Check your campsite for any fire ant mounds before pitching your tent—those are guests you will not want joining you for the weekend.
Quick tip: Dogs can be bothered or stung by insects just as humans can. Check your local pet-supply store for insect repellent made specifically for canines.
Dog Park Etiquette
Even if a vacation isn’t in the plans, squeeze in some quality time with your dog at a local dog park. Most dog parks have designated areas for smaller or larger dogs, so your Pomeranian won’t have to worry about fending off a Great Dane. Most dogs in the dog park will be off-leash—if your dog has trouble socializing, this can be a stressful environment for both you and your pooch. The best way to familiarize your dog with the area is to walk a couple laps around the park on the leash. This helps him feel calm by your side, observing the behavior of other dogs and taking comforting cues from your body language.
Always pack a container of water, a ball to toss and some doggie waste bags. A ball is an asset at the dog park, but if you bring Fido’s favorite plush toy, prepare for it to picked up by other dogs—stuffed toys should probably stay home.
The park is a place for your dog to run wild, make new dog friends and allow you some play time together. Not every dog owner is responsible though, so it’s important that you understand your dog well enough to observe his or her personal signs of stress, fear or aggression.
Check out these local dog parks:
- Purser Family Park, 100 Mountain Lion Rd., Harker Heights
- Mickey’s Dog Park, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Killeen
- Central Texas Bark Park, 4320 Lions Park Rd., Temple
Quick tip: If your dog isn’t spayed or neutered, think twice before subjecting your furry friend to other dogs at a dog park—you’re too young to be a grandparent!
