10 Helpful Travel Tips Every Dog Owner Should Try On Their Next Trip
A pet-friendly travel is what your pets need when you decide to bring them on a trip whether it’s for business or pleasure. As a pet owner, comfort and safety are the most important things to consider when traveling with your pet. Planning your trips ahead will lessen the hassle you and your pet can go through and will definitely make both of your travel experience relaxing, more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Here are some tips you need to know before booking your next trip with your furbabies:
Tip # 1: Pet first-aid kit
When you prepare a pet travel kit that includes a copy of their current medical records, consider your pet may need first aid during travel. The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) can provide information on the nearest animal hospital. Also make sure to pack a simple first aid kit, including gauze, bandages, and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if necessary. Always take steps to contact an animal healthcare professional first, before personally treating a pet for possible toxin exposure. via Top 10 Pet Travel Tips | petMD
Tip # 2: Pet Food
Unexpected turns and delays are a part of traveling, so when your plans include your pets, take along extra food for them. A travel delay (or getting lost en route to your destination) could result in your pet waiting an undetermined amount of time for food or clean water. Be prepared ahead of time. via Top 10 Pet Travel Tips | petMD
Tip # 3: Create your travel buddy
Purchase an appropriate pet carrier or pet crate for your pet, depending on its size and how you will travel. The carrier you choose should allow the pet to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably, and should be free of any interior protrusions that could injure your pet in travel. There should be adequate ventilation and a waterproof bottom. Your pet should be secure in the pet carrier. Make sure your name, your pet’s name and address and phone are printed on the carrier in indelible ink. A word about the pet carrier or pet crate. Don’t spring this mode of transportation on your dog or cat on the day you leave. Spend several weeks getting your pet used to the carrier or crate increasing intervals before embarking on your pet vacation. via Pet Travel Tips – Pet Travel
Tip # 4: Keep your travel buddy calm
Make sure you bring your dog’s blankie or his favorite stuffed animal, toy, bone—any item which is familiar to your dog and will comfort and relax him. For a little extra calm, try rubbing a little lavender oil between your hands and give your pet a little aromatherapy or deep tissue massage at the beginning of your dog’s spine or base of her head. via Cesar’s best dog travel tips | Cesar’s Way
Tip # 5: Beach, paw-lease.
If you want to bring your dog to the beach, you probably have a good idea that your furry friend loves to swim. If this is the first time your dog will be swimming, you may want to read up on his breed just to be sure. For example, shar peis tend to be afraid of water. Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule, but finding out if swimming is characteristic of the breed will be a good indicator of how enthusiastic (or timid) they might be. When you bring the pup to the water, if he isn’t diving right in, take it slow. Don’t force your dog to go in. He may feel more comfortable if you head in first and call him. If you’re nervous or unsure, purchasing a dog life vest to bring with you would be a safe bet. via Dog Beach Outings: Tips & Do’s and Don’ts | TripsWithPets.com
Tip # 6: When traveling via air…
If you are planning to travel via air with your pet in the cabin, you will not only need to have an approved carrier, but you will need to let the airlines know that you are traveling with a pet. You need to make the reservations for both you and your pet over the phone. Pet reservations cannot be made online. via Pet Travel Tips – Pet Travel
Tip # 7: Make plans for interesting side trips
Pack a relaxed attitude. This is supposed to be fun for your family and your pet. Check out interesting places to visit along the way or at your destination, and plan extra time for impulse side trips. via Pet Travel Tips – Pet Travel
Tip # 8: Consider sedating your pets
Depending on your vet’s advice, you may be considering sedation for your pet before embarking on your trip. Cats and dogs have different reactions to drugs; their physiology (size and weight) determines what they can and cannot handle, as well as any past behavioral issues, sensitivities, allergies, etc. Many vets do readily prescribe motion/car sickness medicines, however, and may be a better option than a tranquilizer. via Pet Travel Tips
Tip # 9: Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle
On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. via Travel Safety Tips | ASPCA
Tip # 10: Ask advice from your vet.
When plotting your next great escape, check in with your vet first to discuss whether your pet is up to the task. If your pet has any special health conditions that could be exacerbated by travel and stress, your best option is to arrange for a sitter. Illnesses that affect the lungs, heart, and kidneys are especially worrisome when traveling by air travel, and altitude sickness can also create complications. via Pet Travel Tips
Traveling with your pet can be highly stressful for both of you but a trip will never be the same without the four-legged member of your family. You just have to make sure that safety and comfort come first for you to have a more fun and memorable travel experience. So next time you book your next great escape, keep these tips in mind or ask your vet directly. Happy trip!
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
