Today, traveling with pets is a growing trend, and for some people, a trip is no fun without a four-legged family member. We try to take Rocky and Kona on as many trips. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel with a dog below are some tips that will make a journey with your pooch a relaxing one.
How to travel with a dog
Your furry friends are part of your family and should be with you on all your family vacations to be part of the fun. But you will need to be prepared.
Start with a Test Drive
Before you embark on that journey, try and take your dog along with you for a test drive. The test drive will allow you to see how the dog will react and ensure that the dog will be able to travel without any issues like motion sickness, agitation, or anxiety. You cannot have a long smooth trip with your furry friend if he cannot stand a short trip.
Prepare for your Trip
Start preparing for your trip if you think your dog is good to go for a vacation. Make a list of all the things that you do for your dog. If your pooch needs some specific prescriptions, be sure to top-up it before you start your trip. Don’t forget to carry food and water for the whole trip plus a few extra days, just in case. If your dog loves his usual bulky bowl, which you should never carry with you on a journey, buy a portable one and let him get used to it in the week before you travel.
Remember that canines are creatures of habit; therefore, you should never forget to pack their favorite blankets, beds, and toys. Carry with you some items that will remind them of home to prevent them from feeling so alienated and anxious.
Get a Checkup Before Traveling
Take your pet dog to the veterinarian to make sure that it is safe to travel. This is vital, especially if your dog has a current illness that needs medication for comfort on the road.
Plan an Itinerary
When it comes to traveling with pets, there is more to carrying food, water, and medications. You need to make sure that your destination has an excellent option for pet-friendly things to do. There is nothing more disappointing than getting to your destination, only to find out that the vacation spot is not pet-friendly.
Make sure that you find a pet -friendly accommodation before traveling. Check the pet policies and see if the accommodation charges an extra fee for pets. Confirm to see if the restaurants are pet-friendly. You will be lucky if you are traveling using an RV since all the RV sites typically allow pets.
Safety Tips
Driving is less risky when compared to flying; however, you need to take some precautions:
- Do not leave your dog alone in a car. It takes only fifteen minutes for animals to succumb to heatstroke.
- Never open your car window or door when your dog is unleashed.
- To prevent illness, feed your dog early enough so that they don’t eat in the few hours before departure. Make sure that you exercise them some hours before leaving to prevent them from getting thirsty or too hot in the car.
- Never carry your dog in the bed of a pickup wagon.
- If your dog is prone to motion sickness, consult with your veterinarian to get remedies to help.
Traveling alone with your pets gives you enough time to bond. However, it can be challenging to go along with your pooch. It will, therefore, be gratifying to plan ahead and adapt an itinerary accordingly.