Autumn is a great time for individuals and families to get out and enjoy the outdoors before temperatures cool off and the days grow shorter. Hiking and camping are popular ways to experience nature and dogs take pleasure in outings just as we do. In fact, dogs often discover interesting things along the way that their owners might have otherwise missed.

Before the trip begins, here are some things to think about:

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Although there are many hair colors and patterns in the animal world, there is only one pigment responsible for hair and skin color. It is called melanin. The hair (and skin) color of both people and pets is entirely dependent on the amount of pigment that is present. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, special cells in the skin, and they are stimulated by UV rays, which is why people get tan.

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“I have a 15-year-old Border Collie. I use Oxyfresh Pet Gel on his gums once a week. His gums are pink and healthy. I love this product.”
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Long Branch, New Jersey

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There are times when it is not possible or practical for our pets to travel with us so we need help in caring for them while we are away.

Look for listings in the Yellow Pages, on the Internet, classified ads or from a personal recommendation. Even with a good referral, visiting the kennel or interviewing the pet sitter is a good idea. Before boarding or hiring a pet sitter, be sure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite control measures are up to date. Have any necessary paperwork available to support your pet’s health status. Be certain to leave both emergency and non-emergency contact information just in case.

Make sure they can accommodate during high demand times like holidays. Visit the facility and ask for a tour. This way you will know firsthand where your pet will stay and what the accommodations are like. Evaluate the safety, security, cleanliness, air quality, noise level, exercise area, bedding, feeding schedule and type of foods used. Be clear on the drop off and pick up procedures and hours available. Ask about price and any optional or additional charges that might occur.

Be sure to have a personal visit, preferably in your home. Find out what their experience level is and if there is a backup if the sitter can’t make a visit. Ask questions: Does the sitter have any formal training to handle illness and emergencies? Exactly what will be done on each visit? How many visits daily are ideal for your pet? Leave plenty of food and litter with any special feeding instructions. Keep all bowls, food, leashes, etc., in a central location so your sitter can easily find it.

Consider pet motels, hotels or resorts. These run the gamut from kennels that are not much more elaborate than the sort one finds in most veterinary offices to pet resorts that specialize in services comparable to what is offered to humans in five star hotels. At a luxury hotel or resort, your pet may be given the opportunity to socialize with other pets, watch TV, get massaged and sleep on real couches or beds. Consult the Internet for a facility near you.

Most veterinarians also provide kennel space for boarding. A veterinarian’s kennel is a place for sick animals as well as healthy ones, of course. It is vital that you discuss with the vet what procedures he or she has for keeping healthy pets healthy in an atmosphere such as this. Find out how much time, if any, your pet will be allowed out of his or her primary enclosure each day. Keep in mind that an austere kennel in a busy veterinary office can be a very stressful atmosphere. However, having an animal doctor on site has undeniable advantages.