8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

Why shouldn’t you bring him along?

8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

 

Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful and rewarding experience if you prepare properly ahead of time. Your dog is a member of your family, so why shouldn’t you bring him along. A properly thought out trip will include your dog and bring many lasting memories of the whole family together. Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your dog are ready for the trip.

If going on an extended trip, it is wise to obtain a check-up for your dog from your vet. While at the vet, get a copy of his records and any certifications you may need. The airlines require certification of your dog’s health and vaccinations before allowing him to fly.

Pack a supply of your dog’s regular food, distilled water (local water can upset your dog’s stomach, leading to diarrhea or other problems), and any favorite toys. Remember your dog is like a child and needs entertainment for the trip. Also bring along any medications if needed.

8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

Make sure you have a collar on your dog with an ID tag containing the name of your dog, your name and number, in case your dog gets lost. Bring along a recent picture to help with searching for him.</li>

A sturdy leash or harness is always essential for keeping your dog safe and to aid with making sure he gets to go. Harnesses with leases are recommended to keep your dog safe over just a collar and leash, which the dog can slip over his head. Most cities do not allow dogs to run free without being on a leash except in designated areas.

If you will be traveling by car, make sure you take your dog on short trips ahead of time to get him used to road trips before taking a long trip. To avoid car sickness, avoid feeding your dog before the trip, empty stomach’s travel better. Keep plenty of water available and make sure you allow ventilation in the car. Stop often for exercise and potty breaks, this helps keep your dog settled down. Never leave your dog in the car without a window open and not at all on hot days, the car will overheat hurting him.

A few rules to follow if you are planning on crating your dog for travel. Place the crate in your house a few days ahead of time to allow your dog to investigate and familiarize with it. This allows your dog to get used to the crate, so it will not be a scary thing. When picking out the perfect crate make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. It should have a leak proof bottom, good ventilation, labels on the outside pointing up and marking it as a live animal. Make sure you put a comfortable mat, plenty of water, and toys for your dog.

8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

If you are planning on staying in hotels, plan ahead. You can call or go online for lists of hotels that allow dogs to stay. Ask about what rules they have and places where you can walk your dog. More hotels are becoming pet friendly but most have regulations with how large of an animal they allow and what they can or cannot do while on the property. Please follow these rules and regulations as that it can cause hotels to stop dogs from staying on their property if you do not.

And always remember to clean up behind your dog, where ever you are. Not only is it rude, but it is your responsibility for owning a dog.

Follow these tips and ideas for planning a trip with your dog and you should have a memory filled trip for the both of you.

8 Valuable Tips for Traveling with Your Dog