I will share our journey and the “potential events” that Chelsea - And now Whisper and I live with and during our travels most days of each year.

As you navigate this site, it is my hope that you will find a tip or two along the way to better prepare your pup for your next journey!

And, being prepared for an unknown event is a good idea when sometimes too far from the nearest veterinarian to assist our dog in need.

Whether traveling away from home for a short stint, or trucking across this country delivering America's goods; our furry companions can sometimes find trouble.

What mother nature has planned for us from day to day is always at the top of our list to prepare for before heading out.

A typical winter day could begin with 15 degrees Fahrenheit in Flagstaff, AZ and be 85 degrees in Phoenix several hours later. Or maybe blowing 70 mph and -25 in Livingston, MT and just a balmy 30 in Billings, MT.

So, it's hugely important to prepare your dog for a wide degree of temperature variants when traveling. And, plan for the worst should the weather get nasty. 

If you are on the road for any amount of time, Dog Preventative Paw Care is just as important the shoes that you consider for your outdoor activities.

Many of the noticeable injuries that I have witnessed during my trucking travels is paw pad injuries.

Some have been from slight abrasions or small cuts to the paw. Others, and very unfortunately (because most dog paw injuries are certainly preventable), are burns from summer hot pavements or unprotected paws on the ice (chemicals from road salt treatments are also a concern).

Technology is awesome. However, if we are not prepared for the unknown (mental physical awareness of your surroundings), then the best technology may not be able to assist our dogs in a time of crisis.

God forbid your dog is choking on a chicken wing that another motorist may have tossed out the window?  Please beware around rest areas and truck stops during your travels of foreign debris - Unfortunately, choking hazards can be abundant in these areas.

Do you know what to do? Is the procedure for performing the dog Heimlich maneuver second nature to you?

Hypothetically - Maybe, the kids are enjoying some run and fun with "Max," the family dog during a roadside picnic.

And, you notice that Max is panting very quick and heavy under the midday sun. Do you know the symptoms of heat stroke in a dog? Or, what steps to take next and other signs to look for?

​These are all good and very essential knowledge areas that may assist you in helping your dog should he become overheated.

And, possibly save your pup's life until able to get your dog to a medical professional.

A good canine kit (and the know-how to use it) will be one of the greatest assets (outside of fresh water), that you can pack when traveling with your dog(s).

Chelsea and I got outdoors, hiked, rafted and out of the Dog-Gone Truck as often as possible – Whisper is now approaching 7 months and am looking forward to those long treks as well!

And, once a year or so, the good doctor checks my kit and we resupply outdated items as needed.

Thankfully, we have never had to utilize anything much larger than the Benadryl, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, maybe some Pepto Bismol and triple- antibiotic ointment.

Remember to pack a dog first aid kit for your next road trip - Hopefully, you will never need it!  And, in the unfortunate event of a more serious injury like a muscle tear, broken bone or worse; you, the responsible dog owner, will be in the drivers seat to stabilize your dog until a professional can take over.

And, that's a Very Good Thing!

Here are a few resources that have certainly been useful to me as I travel different parts of our country. I hope that you will find them as informative and useful as I have. If you have anything that you would like to add to this, please leave me a email through the contact form or simply leave a comment below. And, thanks in advance!

DOG GONE HELPFUL ANDROID APPS

Here are 3 apps that I found in the Google Play Store and keep on my "Android" phone. The vet finder can be especially helpful while on the road and away from home. (Please Note: I do not have any affiliation with these apps or the information contained within them. They were free at the time of this post - And, you will have to check Google's Play Store for any changes and device usage guidelines).

And, remember that if you are traveling, hiking or camping in an area without an internet connection - And, an unfortunate mishap occurs.., Then these tools are Not going to help you or Your Dog out of a Crisis.

It is my belief that the kindest thing that we can do for our dog(s) - is to learn how to recognize if something is amiss - And, if necessary, patch them up until we can safely get them to the professional that can best care for them!

If you need a quick answer on what you can safely feed your dog (until you can confirm with your vet), you will most likely find it here.

To include, which foods, medications, supplements, toys and even shampoos are safe for your dog.

This site even covers if You, the dog owner, are capable of giving pink-eye to your dog OR even giving your dog an IQ Test!! There is an absolute wealth of information here to take advantage of!

Ticks and mosquitoes can both be killers for our furry loved ones. Some parts of the country are certainly more prone to outbreaks in either insect for sure.

And, Lyme disease in dogs is nothing to fool around with.  Being prepared to remove ticks from your pup safely is important.  And, quickly while on the road before any tick borne diseases can be transmitted to your dog.

This site provides an insight into what parts of our country may be hit the hardest in any given year. You will find a comprehensive list of the many types of parasites which can affect your dog while on the road.

It really doesn't matter if you are a RVer, an occasional vactioneer OR big-rig truck driver. When traveling across our nation, the impact of parasites can change dramatically from region to region.

From Ear Mites, to Scabies, Hookworm and Ticks. This is a great resource to see what might be “Biting” in your neck of the woods.

In an emergency. And, especially while traveling on the road, time may not be on your dog's side. This resource provides a comprehensive list of symptoms, conditions and behaviors.

For instance, a swollen abdomen in your dog could be a life threatening emergency.

This information can also assist you in making an informed decision should an unfortunate event occur while on the road and away from home.

Let's all join together in ensuring a safe road trip for all of our dogs.  Enjoy the heck out of your pup - They ask for so little. Yet, Reward All of Us Huge! They're not with us long enough. That's for dog gone sure!

Whisper Playing near Missoula, Montana December 2016