Keeping your dog cool while travelling in hot weather is crucial to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. Here are some tips to help keep your dog cool:

Provide Adequate Water:

    • Make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times. Check out our Air Bark’n’Bark travel water bottles that are great for making sure you always have fresh water with you on your dog walks or adventures.
    • If you have access to ice, consider adding cubes to your dogs water bowl to keep it cooler for longer.
    • An insulated bottle such as a Yeti can keep water cold for up to 3 days – I keep one for myself and one for my dog. They are excellent and keep water cold for up to 3 days – check them out here
    • https://au.yeti.com/collections/drink-bottles

 

Lucy drinking from one of our great Air Bark’n’Bark travel water bottles – (these are available for $28.00 inc postage – link coming soon)

  1. Shade:
    • Try to book a shaded site at a caravan park or campsite – be upfront and ask to be near a tree (but not directly under one)
    • Create shaded areas in your space where your dog can escape the direct sunlight.
    • If you’re outside, bring a portable shade (like a pop-up tent) for your dog to rest under.
  1. Avoid Hot Surfaces:
    • Hot pavement or sand can burn your dog’s paws. Walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler
    • Test the pavement with your hand – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Another test is to walk on it for 5 seconds barefoot – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
    • Dog booties can protect their feet from hot surfaces (and other dangerous surfaces – glass, rocks and shells)
  1. Cooling Mats or Beds:
    • Purchase cooling mats or summer beds designed for dogs. These can be placed in your dog’s favorite resting spots
  1. Wet Towels:
    • Drape a damp towel over your dog or let them lie on it. The evaporating water will help cool them down.
    • You can also wet their paw pads and ears with cool water.
  1. Frozen Treats:
    • Freeze treats or make frozen dog-friendly snacks. You can use ice cubes trays with a bit of peanut butter or freeze a mix of water and low-sodium broth.
    • A licky mat in the freezer with yoghurt is a great treat and a good way to keep your dog cool.
  1. Limit Exercise:
    • Avoid vigorous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
    • If you do go for a walk, keep it short and bring water for both you and your dog, or
    • Go for a swim in the river or at the beach, but don’t linger in the sun too long, a quick dip and then some shade.
  1. Grooming:
    • Regular grooming can help keep your dog’s coat in good condition, which aids in temperature regulation.
    • However, some breeds have coats that act as insulation, so consult your vet or a professional groomer for advice.
  1. Cooling Vests:
    • Consider investing in a cooling vest for your dog. These vests use evaporative cooling or ice sheets (in the vest) to help lower your dog’s body temperature. They are relatively cheap and may be good for long haired dogs on hot days where you may not be able to access a cool space.
    • example of one type of cooling vest
  1. Ventilation:
    • Ensure good air circulation in your van or motorhome . If your dog stays indoors, make sure the environment is well-ventilated and air-conditioned if possible.
  1. Monitor for Signs of Overheating:
    • Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, drooling, weakness, or collapse. If you notice these signs, seek veterinary attention immediately.

 

    • Remember that some dog breeds are more susceptible to heat than others, especially those with short noses (brachycephalic breeds) like Bulldogs and Pugs. Always tailor your approach to your dog’s specific needs and consult with your veterinarian for personalised advice.

 

A Day at the Beach

Did you know 70 percent of Australians live within 30 kilometers of a beach. As travellers we also love our amazing beaches and the diversity this country offers, from the turquoise waters off North Western Australia, to the deep blue waters in the southern Ocean, to the spectacular east coast surf beaches and the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia is a land girt by sea. Beaches are one of our favourite places, and many of our dogs also love them. 

They get to swim, walk, play, chase balls, surf, perhaps even swim with dolphins and spend quality time with their hoomans. However it is important to be vigilant when you take your dog to the beach because there are a number of potential dangers that you should be aware of including: 

Heatstroke – On a hot day, your dog may suffer from heatstroke because the sand will burn their paws and reflect additional heat. If you are staying on the beach for a bit and maybe relaxing, or maybe doing strenuous exercise, be sure to bring some shelter/shade for your dog and plenty of fresh water. You may want to consider bringing booties to protect their paws from heat as well as rocks and sharp objects like broken shells, which can also cause painful cuts to their paws. 

Sunburn – Dogs also get sunburned, so make sure you bring pet-safe sunscreen for areas with thin fur or exposed skin, such as the nose and ears.  Don’t forget to check the temperature of the water too – if it is too hot for your dog, they should be kept away from it – especially in northern parts of Australia on hot summer days. You should also bring a towel to dry them off after their time at the beach.

Sand ingestion – if more than a little, can cause serious bowel impactions  -so, if playing ball with your dog, make sure your dog doesn’t get too much sand in their mouth – keep the ball dry as much as possible, so that not too much sand sticks to it. Don’t throw sticks, as they can hold more sand in crevices and if running can cause injury from sharp ends. 

Salt water ingestion – if only a few mouthfuls, your dog may get diarrhoea, but drinking a large amount of sea water can be fatal. When a dog ingests salt water, the excess salt draws water from the blood into the intestines, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Don’t let your dog drink from the sea. 

Dangerous sea creatures that often wash ashore, such as:

Puffer fish – highly toxic puffer fish can wash ashore and are a curiosity to our dogs. They contain the substance tetrodotoxin, one of the most lethal natural substances. A puffer fish contains enough tetrodotoxin to kill 30 people. Do not let your dog near them as even licking or biting them can cause a serious case of poisoning. Symptoms can progress quickly from vomiting, drooling and lethargy to muscle tremors, seizures, trembling and dilated pupils then paralysis and coma. It is important to get your dog to a vet immediately if you think your dog has ingested any puffer fish toxin. 

Photo by Abhilash Balakrishnan on Unsplash

Sea slugs (aka Sea hares)  – Sea Slugs secrete a toxic dye and slime but also can have a toxic slime layer over their bodies, so even licking a spot where a sea slug was can be dangerous.  Once a dog licks or picks up a Sea Slug, they can ingest the dye or slime.  This can cause spasms and other serious reactions. If your dog has eaten a sea slug, contact a veterinarian immediately. 

 

Always take your dog to dedicated dog beaches. 

There are also many species of wildlife on the beach, such as crabs, fish, and other marine animals in shallow rock pools, and many bird species as well – some species of birds such as shorebirds are dependent upon this habitat for survival. Non-migratory species like these pied Oystercathers (photo inset) nest in the dunes and feed and roost along the shoreline. Protecting them is important for the ecological balance of our beaches.

Each spring many migratory shorebird species travel thousands of kilometres from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to feed and rest here. When people and dogs regularly disturb them, they may not be able to build enough energy reserves to return to their northern breeding grounds. 

Please obey the rules and regulations, keep your pets away from dog-prohibited beaches, leash them on leash-only beaches, walk your pets on the wet sand and never let them chase birds or other wildlife.

Off leash dog beaches are the only places you should let your dogs run free, but they should also be controlled, and you need to be vigilant of potential dangers. Above all, enjoy your time with your bestie. 

How do I keep my van clean when I bring my dog with me?

Do you love to travel in your van or caravan with your dog? There is no better road trip buddy than your four legged friend.

Not only is it great to have your best mate with you on the road, they make us walk more, they make the solo traveller more confident to start conversations with fellow travellers and they make us feel more safe.

However, there is one part of travelling with pets that can get complicated: keeping your van clean. Cleanliness in your van is essential. Not only is it a small space that you’re travelling in, but it is also the place where you eat, sleep, and if in a campervan, drive.  Thus, it is key to keep your home on wheels fresh and clean for both you and your pet(s) to enjoy. If you’re not sure the best way to do this, here are some tips.

  1. The floor is important

Rather than deal with the hassle of scrubbing out the inevitable pet mess on your van’s  carpet floor while travelling, invest a bit of money and swap out the carpet for vinyl or laminate flooring.  If you are still looking to purchase a van, make a smooth floor part of your criteria. No matter how well-house/van trained your dog is, there will be times you don’t know he or she has “gotta go, right now”. Carpets may look plush and feel warmer, but trust me, your dog’s particular scents will be soaked up by carpet and your van will smell like a kennel, not a home.

Vinyl is a great option that is cheap and automatically elevates the appearance of your van’s interior. There are some really cool looking vinyl tiles/planks these days that are perfect for your van. A smooth floor is easy to sweep out and clean – I sprinkle some bicarb on the floor and use a little white vinegar to clean it – works a treat and smells great. If you need to use chemicals there are some good plant based cleaners too. I personally like the method brand you can get from Big W.

  1. Cover your furniture

Similar to the carpet concept, your furniture will pick up the scent of your pet if he/she is laying on it a lot. And, they likely will be since there is a lot of downtime on the road. That’s why it’s a good idea to get furniture covers that protect the actual furniture underneath, and that you can take off regularly to wash. Trying to clean your van’s furniture on a regular basis will drive you crazy — that’s the type of thing you really only want to do once or twice a year, not every time you travel with your pets.

If your furniture is built in place and you can’t fit covers, you can use throw rugs and blankets or sheets to cover them – being able to remove them and for washing makes life sweeter on the road. I also put a throw rug on my bed as my Lucy is an opportunist and will take any advantage of a free pillow .

  1. Keep your dogs bedding clean

Regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding will help keep your van clean and your dog will feel more comfortable too. I shake Lucy’s bedding daily, before I sweep the floor, and I vacuum it with the pet head attachment a couple of times a week. Occasionally, if it’s getting dirty, I will throw it in the washing machine, that’s if it’s a fine day and it will dry quickly.

  1. A clean dog helps keep a clean van.

Not only is it important to keep the surfaces your dog will spend time on clean, but it is also important to keep your pet clean. Even though you’re on the road, regular grooming will help to keep your pet’s coat healthy and clean. The grooming can be done by a professional, or yourself if you aren’t somewhere that has a groomer locally. My Lucy is a short coat JRT, so she doesn’t require grooming or even regular washing. Occasionally, she gets a bath at a DIY pet wash, but mostly I wipe her with a damp cloth and brush her a few times a week. It will depend on the type of fur your dog has as to the regularity of washing you will need to do. Some van parks have dog wash areas too these days. Importantly use soap designed for your dog (not hoomans) and make sure your dog is dry before being allowed back inside – wet dog equals smelly van.

In wet weather when it gets muddy around your van, I keep a dog towel near the door to my van to wipe her down and ensure her feet are not muddy before she comes inside. I also have a mud mat just before my caravan step for my own feet.

Do a daily fur clean up.

To keep fur buildup to a minimum, it’s a good idea to clean up the fur daily that makes its way onto every surface of your Van. This is something you should do every day unless you have a dog that does not shed. This not only keeps your van clean but also keeps you from getting overwhelmed with pet hairs. I use a broom and dustpan daily and I found an awesome rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner that includes a pet brush head, at Aldi for around $60 – it’s the bomb in the van and I use it every few days.

 

Table of Contents

Keep these treats for the humans, not the dogs at Christmas 

Christmas is here, which means lots of festive foods.  While we’re indulging in ham, chocolate, alcohol and Christmas Cake, we may not notice our poochy companion sneak a treat for themselves. It’s important to be aware of the health risks to your dogs at Christmas. The following foods should be kept out of reach of your dog during the holiday season.

Chocolate 

We all know that chocolate can be dangerous, and certain types are more dangerous than others. For example, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs. There’s usually plenty of chocolate around at Christmas. Chocolate contains Theobromine which, when ingested, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, so best to make sure it’s not accessible to your dog.

Raisins, Grapes and Sultanas

These Christmas favourites, either out for snacking or mixed into Christmas cakes and treats, are toxic for pets and can cause vomiting, and in more severe cases kidney failure. It’s been recently discovered that it’s the tartaric acid in them that is toxic to our pets, so it is recommended to keep them well away from our furry friends. No Christmas cake or pudding cake for you fido. Apparently green grapes are less toxic but still not recommended.

Onions

Popular on the BBQ and in many turkey stuffings, onions can cause problems if eaten in excess by our pets. It can cause long-term problems to your dog’s red blood cells, which may lead to anaemia; making them weak and lethargic. They may also experience gastrointestinal upsets from onion.

Macadamia Nuts (and limit others)

Macadamias are highly poisonous to dogs. The signs of macadamia poisoning include vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia and in serious cases, the inability to walk and paralysis. In addition, eating a macadamia that is still encased in its shell could cause a blockage in their digestive system. Most nuts, including almonds, pecans and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils which may result in vomiting and diarrhoea. Keep the nut bowl out of reach this Christmas so your dogs are not tempted.

Nutmeg

It wouldn’t be Christmas without that hallmark combination of spices lingering in the air, and nutmeg is one of them. As you dust off your next eggnog, be careful not to fling nutmeg around too much as it is a lesser known toxins to dogs. The Australian Veterinary Association notes that nutmeg can be associated with tremors, seizures and nervous system issues.

Cooked Bones

A raw meaty bone is excellent for your dog’s dental and mental health. Chewing promotes a feeling of wellbeing and stimulation. Cooked bones are dangerous for your dog because they can splinter, causing internal injuries. It’s common for unknowing family members to offer cooked bones to your dog as treats at Christmas, so make sure you clear bones away from your dog’s reach.

Christmas Ham

A common cause for a vet visit at Christmas time is the salty Christmas ham. The curing salts in bacon and hams can cause painful digestive upsets with diarrhoea and vomiting and, sometimes, can lead to pancreatitis. This can be really distressing for you and your pet, so make sure you restrict the ham to the hoomans.

Xylitol

This sweetener can be found in lollies, chewing gum, baked goods, toothpaste and even in some peanut butters. It can cause insulin release in most species. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Your dog may experience vomiting and lethargy, which can develop into seizures, and in worse cases, liver failure within a few days.

Alcohol

Alcohol poisonings in dogs can occur very quickly because dogs are much more sensitive to its effects than humans. This may present with symptoms of vomiting, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing. If you spill it, clean it up straight away, do not let your dog clean the floor.

What to do if my dog eats one of these foods?

Try to estimate how much of the food your pet has eaten, stay calm and contact your vet right away. Your vet will be able to determine whether you need to make an emergency trip to the clinic.

If the foods upset their digestive system, a probiotic may assist them in recovering and restoring their digestive balance. 

What treats can my dog have at Christmas?

Dog’s tastebuds are not as sensitive as ours, so strong tasting treats like sardines and anchovies are highly rated by some dogs – my Lucy is crazy for anchovies. Blueberries and natural yoghurt (unsweetened) is a great treat too. Or you could bake your own treats for your dog, there are plenty of websites with great recipes for dog treats – google is your friend. And of course there are many species appropriate treats at your pet store.

Vets are being overrun with a rising number of pets presenting with paralysis ticks this spring and summer in south east Australia.  In addition, more and more people are getting ticks – I personally encountered one a couple of weeks ago after going for a walk in the Beowa National Park. Ticks are unpleasant for humans and can cause illness, especially if you are a child or are allergic to ticks, but for dogs they can be fatal. As ticks consume the dog’s blood, they inject a toxin that affects the dog’s nervous system, paralysing them to the point they can no longer breathe.

Our extreme wet weather over the past two years has created the ideal humid environment for tick populations to explode. There is also a shortage of the serum needed to treat the toxins due to the number of dogs being infected with ticks. So, at present it’s super important to take preventative measures to reduce the chance of your dog getting ill from a tick.

There’s a range of products available from your pet supply or online chemist store and really it’s up to you and what suits your dog as to what is the best fit for you.

It’s also useful to grab a can of  this new product ‘Tick Tox’ from the chemist (for around $20).This is the easiest and most effective way to remove a tick and reduces the risk of the toxin being injected into the host through forceful removal with fingers or tweezers.  Tick Tox is a little spray bottle that freezes and instantly kills the tick. One spray bottle of Tick Tox can kill up to 40 ticks and will last for ages, so it’s really handy to have in your first aid kit or take with you wherever you go walking in the Australian bush. The tick will usually fall off the host within 24 hours. 

Even with tick prevention, it’s important to check your dog after each walk as many prevention treatments don’t actually stop ticks from attaching to a dog, they generally work to kill the tick once it attaches. To check for ticks on dogs, run your fingers through your dog’s coat systematically checking the whole skin surface. Approximately 85-90% of paralysis ticks will attach around the head, neck, chest and shoulders but they can be sneaky and attach anywhere, even inside the mouth, between the toes and under the tail.

If your dog walks into long grass, under trees or shrubs or if you have native wildlife near your pet’s environment, they are at higher risk. If you are travelling to other areas with your dog, make sure you protect against ticks and consider starting a preventative  treatment before travelling.

Safe travels everyone, especially our canine companions.

Air Bark’n’Bark 

There are two schools of thought when it comes to travelling with dogs. There are those who worry about missing out on national parks or the inconvenience of trying to find a dog friendly pub. And then there are those who think: “Go camping without my dog? Are you mad? I’d rather go without my left leg!”

I’m certainly in the latter category… except for the leg part. That’s kind of essential. But I definitely could not travel for more than a few days without the Labs. We’re mutually inclusive.

But it can be difficult when you want to get out and see this great land but keep running up against the dreaded “dogs prohibited” signs. For me, national parks and the like aren’t so much of a problem because there are so many other wonderful places outside of them. And we’ve seen plenty that I wouldn’t have visited if I didn’t have the Labs to exercise.

But sometimes it’d be really good to have a proper haircut. Or shop for clothes. Or visit a physio. Normal everyday things that are hard to do when you have a couple of dogs that can’t come with you. At times like these I’ve looked around for doggy daycare facilities, but they’re expensive and limited to bigger towns. And occasionally I’ve checked out the various dog minding apps which, frankly, don’t inspire much confidence. I’d rather let my hair grow a bit.

It seems I’m not alone.

Earlier this year I was contacted by Vicki Cronan, a friend of a friend, who was working on helping to solve this problem for travellers (particularly those of us in the “grey” category) and their dogs. A reciprocal dog minding network with the clever name of Air Bark’n’Bark. Fast forward several months and Vicki’s now got the model up and running with a live website, a growing number of members, and an app due to be released in December. It’s a simple but clever model that gives people on the road an option to have a hair cut in peace (or visit that national park, if that’s your thing), and then potentially return the favour for someone else down the track. Air Bark’n’Bark also offers the opportunity for people like us grey nomads to earn a bit of extra income on the road by taking care of other campers’ dogs.

It sounds like a great idea to us so we’re happy to give Air Bark’n’Bark a plug and encourage those of you travelling with dogs, or those who just can’t get enough doggy love, to get onboard and support this great start-up business. Find Air Bark’n’Bark online at https://www.airbarknbark.com.au or on Facebook.

Here’s a photo of the long suffering Labs posing in front of yet another silly sign.

 

 

Introduction

Dogs are a lot like us humans. They want to travel in comfort, which means having ample space to move around and sleep comfortably. The best way for you and your pooch to travel is by taking them with you in your vehicle, but there are some things you need to consider before making the trip. So here’s what we have done when traveling with our dog.

It’s important to be prepared.

If you’re planning on bringing your dog in the van with you, it is important to be prepared. Dogs require regular feeding, water and rest just like humans. It’s also important that they have a sense of security and familiarity when travelling. At a minimum a harness and seatbelt is essential in the car or van. You should also consider where the airbags are as they can injure dogs if inflated in an accident. For example, dogs have been known to be injured or killed by airbags inflating in the passenger side of the front seat of a vehicle. I always secure my dog in the back seat.

You’re going to want a dog bed that’s compact and comfortable.

The first thing to consider when choosing a dog bed for your travels is comfort. Your dog might be able to do without it for a day or two, but you’re going to want something that feels just as soft and cuddly as their usual bed at home if you are spending more time on the road . For night time, I like a snuggle bed for my Jack Russell as it is warm and cosy and easily fits on my bed without dirtying my bed linen.

For outside the van during the day choosing one that’s off the ground so they won’t get cold or feel damp is important. The fold up camp bed from BCF (pictured below) at around $50 is great, it’s easy to set up and is small enough to store on the road – the last thing you need is an overflowing storage locker!

Finally, make sure whatever bed you choose is durable enough to withstand regular wear-and-tear while traveling around; this means making sure it’s washable and easy to install/remove each time you want to move on to new places.

Keeping your dog secure

We can’t always be watching our dogs for every single minute, so you need to have a place where your dog is safe and secure. A securing post that is driven into the ground is important at a campsite and ensures your dog does not roam free.

Another option is a pop up tent/enclosure which can easily fit your dog, his bed, a water bowl and toys . This way, your dog will be happy and secure. A pop up tent will also protect your dog from bugs, provide some shade should it be hot or some cover if it’s raining. I love the folding ones you can buy from K-Mart for around $25

If you want to go for a premium enclosure there is a range of portable fencing options from around $100 up to $1000.

Be prepared

I always carry a dog first aid kit in my van in case my dog sustains an injury during travelling or if I find an injured dog. You don’t need to buy a specialised one, you can make one yourself for less cost than a specialised pet first aid kit. I include several essential items in my kit. Importantly I include some paperwork such as my dog’s vaccination certificate, emergency phone number and any medication they may require. I also include a spare adjustable size collar and a lead in case I find a lost dog who has no collar.

Hydrogen peroxide 3% is useful for cleaning wounds and if required can also be used to induce vomiting by using 1ml per pound of dog weight. A syringe in your kit will enable you to squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the back of the dogs throat. If vomiting does not occur after 15 minutes, call a vet or the pet poison hotline on 1300 869 738.

Include gauze, compression bandages, scissors, tweezers, tape and rubber gloves for any cuts, splinters or puncture wounds as well as suspected fractures. A blanket, towel or wet wipes are also useful. Keep some treats and comfort items as well such as chew toys in the kit. Because my dog likes to scavenge for food, I also include a muzzle, especially for places where it is known that baits or poisons are laid for feral pests.

We all hope our dog will travel safely with us but accidents do happen and if you are prepared you could save a life. There is a handy first aid book for dogs – ‘The safe dog handbook’ that can be purchased from Amazon and would be useful in situations where you may not have an internet connection.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you safe travels with your dog!

 

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Air Bark'N'Bark App