Comprehensive Travel Guide for Dog Owners

For some families, this is common practice and it takes a formidable set of organizational skills to pull it off. If you intend on including your dog into your adventures, here are some tips that will make the experience all the more enjoyable for both sides.

Health and Safety Issues

Before embarking on your journey, make sure to take your dog to the vet for a checkup. All vaccinations need to be up-to-date and take all the necessary records with you, especially if you are traveling with an airliner. Your canine buddy should also have an adequate mobile place to sleep in peace, such as a cheap weighted blanket or a cushioned box. Bring along your supply of food that ensures nutrition and tastes good, too. Furthermore, be prepared for any emergencies. It is best to list out all the nearby vet hospitals on your route so you can be prepared to respond at any given moment.

Transportation Crates

A crate will keep your canine pet safe in the car. As for airline travel, crates are a necessary requirement. According to Comfort Puppy, an online pet gear supplier, adequate crates need to be:

• Large enough to allow the dog to stand.
• Strong, durable, and free of any protrusions.
• With handles and grips.
• Leak-proof at the bottom with absorbent material.
• With adequate ventilation.
• With proper identification, including the owner’s name, address, and phone number.
• Stocked with a comfortable mat, water bottle, and, of course, with his favorite toy.

Dog ID

In case you lose your dog during your trips, proper dog ID can drastically increase your chances of recovery. Make sure he always wears his leash and collar. The collar should include all relevant information, including your home phone number and proof of rabies shots. A microchip can also be of tremendous help, but people will still need a reader to extract information from it—and sometimes that won’t be the case depending on your destination. Additionally, bring a picture of your pup to confirm you are his master.

Types of Travel

If you plan on traveling by car, get your dog used to long rides by letting him sit in it without leaving the parking space. Afterward, start off with short rides and train your furry buddy to get accustomed to the routine. Avoid carsickness by keeping your dog’s belly empty. Just make sure he has enough water. Keep the vehicle ventilated, keep the windows closed to avoid eye injuries, and never leave your dog alone in a car, especially during the summer season.

If you plan on flying, you will need a certification from your vet that your pup is ready and able to fly. Rabies and vaccination record is also necessary. Your dog should be at least two months old and weaned. Some dogs suffer from travel anxiety, especially in an airliner’s cargo hold so you might want to consider having your vet tranquilize your darling for the trip. If the dog’s crate (and the dog himself) is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, you can take him with you onboard. Additionally, just like you would make reservations for yourself, you need to do the same with your pet because each flight has restrictions on the number of animals.

Best Travel Practices

It is very important that you plan your bathroom breaks. Dogs need to relieve themselves, stretch their legs, and hydrate every three to five hours. Bring a supply of bags to clean up, too. You should also make sure your dog is surrounded by his favorite playthings and include a puzzle toy to keep him occupied. Pack lots of food and water and check with your veterinarian for what won’t upset his stomach. You might even want to consider supplementation that helps manage diarrhea and other medication that can settle the digestive system.