Dogs, Cats, and Other People by Matthew Margolis

The situation: You are in desperate need of a vacation.

The complication: You have a dog.

The question: To bring or not to bring the dog.

As worthy a question as the deliberations of Hamlet. In order to avoid all that Shakespearean bloodshed, let's break it down:

— Where are you going and what will you be doing?

If you're going camping, a dog's a great companion. If you're going skiing, a dog is destined for substantial time alone in the lodge. Why not leave him at home with a dog sitter?

— Does the place where you'd like to stay allow dogs?

If not, the choice is made for you. But even if they do, most places that welcome dogs do so on the condition that they are supervised at all times on the property. So be prepared to have a canine tagalong for all of your activities, or plan ahead to arrange daytime boarding in the area.

— How long will you be gone?

If you're taking a yearlong sabbatical and renting a chateau in Paris, consider bringing le chien. If you're escaping for the weekend, entice a buddy to dog-sit and camp at your pad for a couple of days — fill the fridge with their favorite food and drink, and leave an envelope on the counter with detailed instructions, contact information and a little something for their trouble. If you're going away for a week or two, a kennel might be your best bet. Plan ahead. Do some research. Take your dog in for a visit and a tour. It's the little extras that will put your mind at ease.

But if it's a dog-friendly vacation or bust, here's a checklist of necessities:

— an ID tag with your name, your dog's name and your cell phone number

— current vaccines for rabies, Bordatella and Lyme disease, and proof of vaccination in case you have to board him

— heartworm and flea preventives

— an ample supply of any medication your dog is on

— his regular dog food

— plenty of bottled water

— plastic food and water bowls

— a leash (which he should be on at all times)

— plastic bags for picking up after him

— his crate for the hotel room and/or campsite and car

— his blanket and favorite toy

— a doggie harness, seatbelt or other restraint for car travel if not a crate

— a doggie first aid kit for things like ticks, cuts, burns and bites

A good rule of thumb is to treat your dog as you would a small child when it comes to the car:

— Keep the car cool and ventilated.

— Head and paws should remain inside the car at all times.

— Never leave a dog in a parked car — not even in the shade, not even with the windows cracked.

A car can heat up to intolerable temperatures in minutes.

— Like you, your dog will require regular stops to stretch and relieve himself.

— Crating your dog in the car will keep you, him and everyone else on the road safer.

Whether the dog stays or goes, be smart and plan ahead for his well-being and your peace of mind. And count your lucky stars you aren't plotting revenge against your uncle for murdering your father and usurping the throne of Denmark.

Woof!

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

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