Many people get nervous when they have to travel with their pets,
but traveling with your dog can be a very rewarding experience for
both of you.
If you are planning a trip by car, the first thing you need to do
is to get your dog used to riding in the car. The best way to do
this is to take short trips in town to places such as pet stores,
the dog park, or other places that are fun for your dog. He will
learn that car trips mean great fun and you will experience much
less of a hassle when traveling longer distances.
Another thing you need to do is decide how your dog will travel in
the car. If your dog is crate trained, and your vehicle is large
enough, you may want to consider crating him during car travel.
This will help prevent him from roaming around the car and offer
some protection in case of an accident. Bringing your dog’s crate
with you will also help keep your dog safe and happy once you
arrive at your destination. Many people choose to use other forms
of restraint, such as canine seatbelts. These products usually hook
on to a harness as well as your car’s seatbelt. You can choose
which seat to put your dog in. He will remain restrained in that
seat just as you are in yours. Canine seatbelts offer excellent
protection in the event of an accident. For those of you who prefer
to keep your dog loose in the car, you may want to consider
installing a divider of some sort. There are metal dividers and
mesh dividers available for all budgets. These devices allow for
your dog to have some roaming space in the back of the vehicle
while keeping him from interfering with your driving. Whichever way
you prefer to travel, it’s best to have a plan well in advance of a
trip to get your dog used to the method of restraint you will be
using.
The next thing to consider is what supplies you will need to bring
with you. Make sure your dog has plenty of water available to him
at all times. You may not be able to find clean, drinkable water
available at rest stops along the way, so it is very important to
have an ample supply of your own. Some dogs will drink directly
from bottles, but if your dog does not, make sure you have a bowl
available for your dog to drink from. If your dog will be crated,
you can purchase a water bottle that attaches to his crate, just
like those used to water small animals like gerbils. You will also
want to make sure that you have an ample supply of food. Dogs’
digestive systems get used to their regular food. You do not want
to run the risk of not being able to find his usual food, otherwise
you may be dealing with loose stool or vomiting.
You will also want to make sure that you bring favorite toys to
help keep your dog occupied on the road and when you arrive at your
destination. It’s always a good idea to bring your veterinary
records with you as well. Some places that you may stay require up
to date records proving vaccination history. If your dog should
happen to get sick, you will also need your records. Some states
require health certificates for interstate travel so it is very
important to check with your veterinarian if you will need one of
these prior to traveling. Having your dog microchipped prior to
travel in case he should lose his tags is a great way to ensure his
safety.
Make sure to take frequent potty breaks along the way as sometimes
the motion of the car and stress of traveling will make your dog
need to go more often than usual. He will also need to stretch his
legs frequently, just as you will.
If you will be staying in a hotel during your travels, make sure in
advance that they will allow dogs. There are many resources on the
internet that will help you find dog friendly accommodations.
Some dogs will get stressed out during travel. If this has been
your experience in the past, make sure you talk with your
veterinarian prior to travel. There are medications available to
help calm your dog during events such as long car trips.
By following this advice and the advice of your veterinarian, you
can be assured that your travel experience will be a great one for
both you and your dog.
