Derek Tickner

© 2009 Derek Tickner

Photographer

For devoted dog owners, a holiday isn't a holiday if the mutt doesn't come along too. My mongrel Misty loves a long trip in the car. She's seen more of Australia than Burke and Wills: fortunately she has a better sense of direction.   

Driving with your dog should be problem-free, if you follow a few simple guidelines. Before setting off, make sure that your dog is in good health and its vaccinations are up to date. It's an exciting time for both you and your hound, the sound of retching from the back of the car is not a good start to a relaxed holiday.

If travelling through Queensland or the tropical north, give your dog a daily heartworm tablet. Check with your vet before going.

The day before we leave, Misty gets a bath and a thorough grooming: a smelly dog smells even smellier when confined in a car. I take a separate dog box, packed with her food, water, leash, towel, brush, bowls, some rope, flea spray, worming tablets and a favourite toy. I tie a temporary tag to her collar, giving our destination address and my mobile phone number.  

There's usually room in the back for Misty's basket. If not, I put in her old cushion. She'll be sleeping in a lot of new and strange places, so her own bedding, with its familiar smells, gives a sense of security. On the command, "Into bed", she'll know where to go.

We make our first stop soon after setting off, when we're clear of the city. Misty sees the paddocks and trees flashing by, and whimpers and whines until we pull over. For her, the great outdoors is one big toilet. An early stop gives her a chance to relieve herself and run off some of that excess energy.  

The simplest way to pick up your dog's droppings is with a plastic bag, which are easier to carry around than pooper-scoopers when you're travelling. Stick your hand in the bag like a glove (after checking there are no holes in it), pick up the poo and turn the bag inside out. Tie a knot at the top and drop it into the next bin you pass.

Back on the road, Misty settles down as we slip into the routine of a long trip. She's strapped into a dog harness, which clips onto the seat belt anchor. This will protect her in an accident and stop her from leaping around and distracting the driver. If it's a hot day, I make sure that Misty is on the shady side of the car, by a half-open window. She'll stand with her head in the slipstream, giving warning barks to passing trucks. Tiring of this game, she'll curl up for a snooze in the shade.

We stop every two hours for a short break, pulling off the main road at a rest area. Misty has a sniff around while the billy boils. I keep a close watch on her, as one intriguing scent can soon lead to another. She's liable to wander off before you can say "whiff of wombat". If there are sheep or roos around, or we're close to the highway, I put her on her leash. She gets a drink and a snack, then off we go again, both suitably refreshed.

Lunch stops are for an hour or so, allowing time for a short walk. Travelling with a dog may take a little longer, but the driver also benefits from the regular breaks and exercise: revive and survive by walking the dog.  

At some point in your journey you’ll need to leave the dog alone in the car. Obviously never leave the car in the sun, even with the windows open. The car quickly becomes an oven, and your dog will become distressed and may die. Park in the shade, with all the windows open a little. Remember that shade soon moves on, in an anti-clockwise direction. If you're stopping in a town, the lower level of a multi-story car park is ideal.

Driving along the coast, a beach is an ideal place to break your journey. Bounding up and down the sand makes up for those hours cooped up in the car. Away from cities, there are fewer restrictions for dogs on the beach. Unfortunately, but understandably, dogs are prohibited in national parks. I try explaining this to Misty as we drive past all those enticing walks. She yelps her dissent: an argument invariably follows.

Holidaying with Dogs by Peter and Sandy Dennis (published by Life. Be in it, $14.95) has a comprehensive list of motels, cottages, caravan parks and campsites where dogs are welcome, or at least permitted.

When you stop for the evening, be aware that not all your fellow travellers will love your dog as you do. Surprisingly, some people object to dogs begging around their barbie, jumping up on their children, pooing all over the place and yapping the night away.

Be mindful that some people are scared of dogs. You know that your placid mutt wouldn't hurt one of its own fleas and has a drooling smile for everyone. Your campsite neighbour may see the Hound of the Baskervilles with rabies.

So give dogs a good name. Keep them on a leash, clean up their mess and stop them from barking. Misty has her main meal in the evening. A dog with a full stomach is a quieter, more contented dog. Tie your dog up after a last walk, in a shady spot next to its water bowl.

Avoid tying the animal close to other vehicles. It may not be seen if another camper leaves before dawn. And it's best not to tie the dog to your car, as it could soon be forgotten. Later in the evening, you may need to drive into town. A sleeping dog should be left to lie - not taken for a fast, and last, walk.

Walkie-bouts with Rover

With a little thought, you can give your loveable furry friend a holiday too, says Derek Tickner.