Tips to Travel with Your Dog

There’s nothing more exciting (especially for the kids) than having to travel with your dog. We know it’s a lot to handle, more so if you haven’t tried it before. By following these tips to travel with your dog, you can make the experience much better and safer for everyone involved.

It’ll be more fun for everyone when your furry buddy comes along on the trip, and you don’t have to worry about what to do with them. After all, our pets deserve some R&R too!

1- Finding a Dog-Friendly Destination

For our first on the list of tips to travel with your dog, you must pick a destination that will accommodate your pooch. You’re all caught up with the prospect of bringing Fido along for the trip, but you haven’t even figured out where you’re going yet.

Plenty of websites and blogs offer lists of pet-friendly places to stay, restaurants, attractions, and more. Do some research on the area you’ll be visiting and ensure it’s a good fit for your dog.

Figure out how easy or difficult it’ll be to get around with your pet. If you’re planning on walking, make sure the sidewalks are wide enough and there aren’t too many stairs.

2- Accommodation Concerns

Several things must be taken care of before you can even start packing for your travel with your dog. The first is finding a place to stay.

Many hotels will allow dogs, but there may be size or breed restrictions. Look for hotels or vacation rentals that are comfortable with having animals in the room, which won’t charge you an extra fee (or a pet deposit).

Also, make sure that the room you’re getting is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably. You need an area to put their food and water bowls down without them being in the way and have a place to sleep that’s out of the way of foot traffic.

If you’re staying in a rental home, check to see if there are any rules or regulations about having animals on the property. You never want to be asked to leave because you violated the rules.

3- Health and Safety Tips

Now that you’ve got the logistics out of the way, the next concern is keeping your dog safe and healthy while you’re travelling with your dog. Here’s what you must cover:

• Ensure their vaccinations are up to date. It’s doubly important if you’re staying in a hotel or rental property, as you don’t want to risk your dog exposing other animals to any diseases they may have.
• Pack a first-aid kit for your dog. Include things like gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and tweezers in case they hurt themselves while you’re away from home.
• The dogs’ ID tags must be up-to-date, too, and they’re wearing them at all times. If your dog happens to get lost while you’re away, it’ll increase the chance of your dog returning to you as quickly as possible.
• Pack their food and water bowls and enough food and water for the entire trip. It could be difficult to find pet-friendly restaurants, so it’s always better to be prepared.
• Bring your dog’s favourite toy or two to keep them entertained while you’re travelling.
• Don’t forget the collar and leash for your dog and a harness if they’re particularly strong or excited.
• Bring a crate with you. This one’s essential because it’ll give your dog a safe space to stay in when you’re driving or if they need a break from being out and about.

4- Prepping for the Trip

At last, we’ve reached the point where the actual trip begins. But not so fast! Considering that you’re bringing an extra “four-legged” passenger with you, it only means there’s another set of prepping to do.

• Before you leave, start feeding your dog smaller meals more often. It’ll help prevent them from getting car sick.
• If your dog is prone to anxiety, consider giving them a calming supplement or CBD oil to keep them relaxed during the trip.
• Make sure your dog goes to the bathroom before getting in the car. It’ll be a long ride, and you don’t want them to have an “accident.
• Get them used to being in their crate by feeding them their meals and letting them stay in there for short periods while at home.

5- Handling a Dog When Travelling by Car

If you’re travelling by car, the foremost concern is a dog getting car sick and making a mess inside. As we mentioned, feed them smaller meals more often in the days leading up to the trip to help with this.

Another thing you can do is put a towel or dog bed in the crate, so they have something soft to lie on. If your dog gets car sick easily, you might also consider buying a dog car seat.

Some dogs get anxious when travelling by car, so it might help to have someone ride with you so they can keep your dog company. So, if your family is with you, it means there is someone who can take care of the dog while you’re driving.

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It pays to take plenty of breaks! Let your dog out of the crate every few hours so they can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.

6- Travelling by Plane with a Dog

Travelling by plane with your dog is tricky and can be overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check with the airline to see if they allow dogs on the plane. Each airline has different rules and regulations regarding travelling with pets.
• If the airline does allow dogs on the plane, find out what type of crate they require and get one that meets those specifications.
• The night before your flight, pack everything you need for your dog in a carry-on bag, i.e., food, water, bowls, toys, leash, waste bags, and any medication they might need. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
• It’s a good idea for dogs to be well-exercised before the flight to be tired and less likely to get anxious on the plane.
• When it’s time to board, keep your dog close to you and don’t let them out of your sight. The last thing you want is for them to get lost in the airport.

7- Boat Trip with Your Dog

Like any other mode of transportation, travelling by boat with your dog comes with its challenges. The thing is, you must get your dog used to being on a boat. If they’re not used to it, the motion of the waves will most certainly make them seasick.

Start by taking them out on short trips on calm days. If they seem to be enjoying it, gradually increase the length of the trips. And don’t forget Fido’s life jacket!

8- Travelling by Bus or Train

Travelling by bus or train with your dog is fairly similar to travelling by car. The main concern is keeping your dog from getting car sick. If you’re taking a long travel with your dog, it’s best to get a seat near the aisle, so it’s easy to take your dog out for potty breaks and stretch their legs.

Final Thoughts

Quite honestly, travelling with your dog is a rather straightforward affair if you’re prepared. We hope you found these tips to travel with your dog useful. Most people think it’s inconvenient, and it is. But you’ll realize right after the travel with your dog that it’s not that big of a deal. The reward of seeing your furry friend just as happy as everyone else in the family is worth all the hassle. Bon, voyage!