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Quick Summary
- A dog owner needs to bring their furry friend to the vet for a check-up to make sure they are healthy and that they have all the vaccinations they need for traveling.
- Make sure to pack some of your dog’s favorite belongings to make them feel comfortable and safe during the trip.
- Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise before the trip and does not eat too much, so they can be tired out during the trip and there will not be as many messes to clean.
- Get the right equipment to make sure that your dog is safe during the trip and always check beforehand to make sure airlines and hotels are pet friendly.
I find it hard to plan a trip, especially when I want to include my furry friend. However, my experience has shown me that if you understand these tips for traveling with dogs, traveling with your furry friend can be an extremely positive experience for all involved. This article is a complete guide that provides tips for traveling with dogs to make sure everyone’s traveling experiences go as smoothly as possible.
I know there are many dog-friendly hotels and destinations available worldwide; however, for many dog parents, it is the dog-friendliness of the journey, not the destination, that worries them.
When traveling with your dog or many dogs, smaller pets, or larger pets, several safety concerns need to be addressed. In this article, I will walk you through some tips for traveling with dogs which will take the stress out of traveling with your pet and make the experience more comfortable for both you and your pup.
1. Take a Trip to the Vet
Travel can be taxing on a dog’s body and immune system, due to different environments, schedules, and food and sleep patterns. A quick trip to the vet a few weeks before your intended travel date can help your dog to be in tip-top shape and ready to travel.
Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date so they don’t risk picking up any illnesses, and ask your vet about any known health concerns in your destination city, state, or country.
Even their nails can be a problem as they may scratch the seats while you are traveling. The best solution is an inexpensive yet incredibly functional dog nail grinder.
Your vet can also suggest tips to keep your dog comfortable based on their health certificate and physical characteristics.
2. Pack the Essentials
My favorite pair of PJs can make me feel at home, even when I’m on the road, and I know the same applies to my furry friend. In the interest of packing light, many pet parents make the mistake of leaving behind most of their dog’s things while traveling. After all, you can always buy supplies on the way, right? Wrong.
Just like a child is used to their stuffed animal or favorite toy, dogs also feel more comfortable with their special things. So, to make travel as comfortable as possible for your dog, bring their favorite chew toys, the best indestructible dog toys, blankets, bowls, and treats. These familiar items will help them feel at home on the road.
3. More Exercise, Less Dog Food
I’ve learned that you should not feed your dog just before traveling. While your parental instincts may urge you to do so, you must resist.
Traveling on a full tummy can make your dog feel nauseous and uncomfortable while on the move, and create some unfortunate messes. Moreover, motion sickness is common among dogs, and traveling on an empty stomach is one way to reduce discomfort.
One thing you should do more of before traveling is exercise. Working off his excess energy will help your dog to fall asleep during the journey. Any typical hotel chain will probably suffice if you’re traveling with a small dog who doesn’t require much exercise [1].
When traveling, a tired dog is a happier dog, as dogs who can sleep through most of their journeys experience much less travel anxiety and motion sickness than dogs who don’t.
4. Safety Is Paramount
Your dog’s safety is of utmost importance when you are traveling. Get a clear understanding of what you’ll be doing on your trip, and make sure you have all the items you need to keep your dog safe. If you’re going on a road trip, make sure you have a seatbelt harness for your dog. If you’re flying, make sure you have an airline-approved dog carrier. Your pup needs the best dog crate to keep them comfortable. You may also need to understand tips for flying with a dog safely. You may also want to bring a shorter leash than the one you usually use so you can keep your dog beside you at rest stops, in airports, or anywhere else you may be on your journey.
Most importantly, ensure your dog has appropriate identification such as a collar with up-to-date ID tags during your trip. Make sure the tags have your mobile cell phone number. If your dog gets loose at an airport, it won’t help if someone calls your home phone number to let you know they’ve been found.
What to Do With Your Dog When You Travel – Tips for Traveling With Dogs
Air Travel Checklist Pet Owners Should Consider – Best Way to Travel With a Dog
When traveling on an airplane, try to find a pet-friendly airline! Many airlines let pets on board as long as you call or email them before booking your tickets.
The first thing you should do is double-check the airline’s dog travel policies and travel documents. You’ll need your dog’s medical records when crossing borders or traveling overseas.
If you’re flying with your dog, you’ll need to arrive at the airport a little earlier than if you’re flying alone (allow an extra hour), and you’ll need to check in at the counter.
When traveling with a service animal, you are required to follow airline service and carry-on guidelines.
People who use service animals may take them onto the airport concourse and aboard their flight (in the cabin; under some circumstances, they may be transported in the cargo hold). People with emotional support animals, psychiatric service animals, or other assistive animals may take them into the cabin.
Choose a leakproof and well-ventilated pet carrier that you and your pet will like.
Choose a direct flight if at all feasible. As difficult as traveling is for a dog, especially in the cargo area, subjecting them to even longer travel durations and numerous contacts with baggage handling may quickly spiral out of control.
Safety Tips For Traveling With Dogs (Things You Need For A Road Trip)
When it comes to long car rides, I know you’re probably wondering how you’re going to get around with the pet.
Before going on a road trip with a dog on long distances, bring them on for 2-4 hours of car travel to see how they behave. If you’re taking a road trip with a family member, take your dog on another long drive with that family member in the car to see how your dog reacts.
Poop bags, the best dog leash, and a harness are just a few of the items you’ll need. Also, give your dog bottled water to drink, as drinking water from an unexpected source can cause an upset stomach. On road trips, leave plenty of time for potty breaks for your furry friend. Don’t forget to give them time to get some fresh air before getting back in the car. Also bring paper towels, a stain remover, a pet first aid kit, and a lint brush just in case.
If you’re going by car with your furry friends and family members, make sure your dog is safe in the back seat. Find a nearby dog park if your dog is used to mingling with other dogs or wants some off-leash time.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog means you need to put some extra time aside for check-ups before and after travel. An added benefit of checking up on your dog after the long trip journey is that you can make sure that they’re not too traumatized by the experience. These tips for traveling with your dog ensure that they have the best trip while increasing the chances they will want to keep traveling with you.
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