F.I.D.O.

F.I.D.O. Tips Sheet

Print out this list and keep a copy wherever your dog is. It just may save its life!

F.I.D.O. Tips Sheet - PDF

Dogs and Cars

  • The safest place for your dog to travel is in a crate in the far back, or in the back seat with a dog seat belt. Never have your dog ride in the front passenger seat.
  • Don't let your dog stick his head out of the window. Even if your dog doesn't get hit by an errant pebble, dogs do jump from moving cars if the right reason comes along.
  • Prevent Canine travel sickness by witholding food and water before a trip. Talk to your vet about an anti-nausea medicine or sedative.
  • Cars heat up -- especially in the summer. Never leave your dog alone in the car.
  • Antifreeze is deadly to dogs! Even in small amounts. There are brands of antifreeze made from propylene glycol, which will not be fatal if ingested by your dog. Ask your mechanic to use "pet safe" propylene glycol antifreeze if he can.

Doggie First Aid

  • Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, bright red gums, unsteadiness, or vomiting may indicate that your dog has heat stroke. Act immediately. Move your dog to a shady spot and pour cool water all over his body. Get your dog to a vet!
  • Got a dog emergency? If your dog is bleeding, in shock, disoriented, lame, has any major injury, is bloated, or shows signs of heat stroke, call your vet immediately.
  • If your dog does get into antifreeze, call your vet immediately.
  • If you think your dog got into anything that may be poisonous, call your vet. If you can't reach him/her, call the Animal Poison Control Hotline at (800) 548-2423.
Doggie First Aid Kit List:

hydrogen peroxide 3%
can of soft dog food
nonstick bandages
gauze and Adhesive tape
saline eye solution
rubber gloves

forceps
muzzle
pet carrier
dog's health record
emergency phone numbers
copies of health certificates

Dogs Out and About

  • Looking for a place to stay with your dog? Check out the searchable database at the InterPet Explorer web site at www.petswelcome.com
  • Need a vet while you're on the road? Call the American Animal Hospital Association's animal hospital locator at 1-800-252-2242 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • In a strange city and need to walk your dog? Borrow someone's computer and check out the searchable database at The Dog Park web site at www.dogpark.com/

Before you leave:

Traveling can be a traumatic experience for your dog. Bring a few of his favorite toys and blankets.

Plan bathroom breaks.

Be especially careful at rest areas, which can pose all sorts of hazards.

Supplies to remember:
  • Flat collar, with ID tags for both his home address and any temporary address you might be using.
  • Leash
  • Paper towels and disinfect (in case of an "incident")
  • Windshield cover, to keep your car cool during stops
  • Towels, to clean up mud
  • Plastic bags, to clean up during visits to town
  • Water bottle and collapsible bowl
  • Any medications your dog is on with current prescriptions, so you don't run out on the road.