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10 Tips for Traveling with Dogs
Try to prepare before you start traveling with your dog. Ensure the dog is in excellent condition, ready for the trip.
10:54 18 August 2020
If possible, you need to start on a short trip. Take your car with you on the trunk of the car and see how it will behave. You may realize the dog becomes nervous. In such a case, you need to look for ways to make it comfortable before the trip begins.
A healthy pet will make your trip easy. Always ensure you make the dog comfortable during the trip. Carry with you the items your dog will sue and play when traveling. Here are other tips to check out so that you can make your dog happy during the trip:
1. Ensure the pet is safe for traveling before you start
You need to check the dog and ensure it has no underlying medical conditions before starting the trip. There are several signs you can check out to know whether your dog is not feeling comfortable. If there are any preexisting conditions, you need to ensure you treat them before you can proceed to start the trip. It’s wise to also use a pet disaster kit checklist.
2. Locate pet-friendly accommodations
Not all accommodation facilities will allow pets. You need to check out and know whether the given accommodation facility you have booked will enable dogs. Ensure you check out the pet policies from where you can understand what you are supposed to do before you can carry your pet. Some accommodations allow facilities where the pet can play. Booking such a given location will make it easy for your pet to enjoy the stay.
3. Choose a destination with conditions similar to your home
Your dog is used to specific conditions. For instance, if you live in Florida's coastal parts, then your dog issued to high temperatures. The suburb where you live may have few people. You will make your dog anxious if you will plan a trip to a location where it will have to interact with a lot of people. A crowded place can make a dog uncomfortable if it is used to places with few people. Take into consideration what your dog is used to before you can decide on a given destination.
4. Start with a test drive
Are you planning to take your dog form a vacation in a recreation vehicle? You need to know how your dog will behave when in a car. Start on a short trip and see how it will behave. You will not be happy if you will have a dog barking as you try to enjoy your destination. Try to make the dog comfortable in all your journey. At first, the dog may be uncomfortable, try to take it for several trips, and get used to moving objects.
5. Crate traing your dog before the trip
Whether you're traveling with your dog, whether in a cabin or in a hold, or taking them to public transit where they need to ride in a carrier, the process would be much easier and less frustrating for anyone if the dog has already been trained in a crate. Crate training is also useful if you have to leave your dog in their crate in a hotel room, or use it for protection while you drive in a vehicle. Fortunately, there are many online courses that teach you how to crate train your dog by using modern and positive training methods.
6. Carry the dog medication and food
When packing your belongings, you need to carry the necessary items for the dog. There are some items you would like to carry for the dog. For example, you may like to carry the right food and medication if the dog has any other underlying conditions. The dog will be happy if you can carry the right food that the dog is used to. Always ensure you take necessary precautions before you can proceed to carry the dog if it has any preexisting conditions.
7. Carry your pet first aid
Just the way you prepare for hiking, you should as well prepare for the dog out. You may like to go out and enjoy adventures such as hiking. In such a case, you need to get the right accessories to allow the dog to enjoy the whole adventure. You may have to carry an extra collar just if your dog breaks one or the one you have lost. Check out the local authority's regulation in regard to pets. Your pet should be put under control at all times as you travel.
8. Pack the dog favorite blankets, toys and bed
Your dog should be comfortable at all times. When traveling, you may reach a place where the dog will not get access to its favorite toys. Even if you visit a pet-friendly destination, the hotels may not have the right blankets to keep the dog comfortable. In such a case, ensure you carry the necessary blankets to keep the dog comfortable. Your dog will feel comfortable if it will be allowed to sleep in a bed that it is used to.
9. Plan for pit stops
Your dog will not be comfortable if you will keep it in the car for the whole trip. Try to plan for stops where the dog will relax on the floor and even run around a bit to keep it comfortable. People preparing for long trips can have several stops and allow the dog to relax the joints. The dog can start running around. Ensure you stop in places with few people so that you can avoid accidents as the dog relaxes. Always ensure you have full control of the dog as you move it around.
10. Keep the dog company
Always stay close to your pet after you arrive in the new location. Your main aim of carrying the pet with you is to have a company. Try to keep the dog company so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. Your dog may feel anxious after you introduce it to the new place. Try to give the dog attention so that it can calm down and attend to you.
11. Carry puppy pads
Keep the dog safe as you travel. Ensure you pack enough puppy pads and place them strategically around the dog cage as you travel. The dog will remain comfortable, making it less anxious during the trip.
Stick to airline rules fi you intend to fly with your pet. Some train services also have rules you should stick to. Check on the local regulations where you intend to travel before you carry the pet. It will be easy to enjoy the trip if you can stay informed about the local rules and guidelines.