Joanna Wilson
Taking your dog on vacation can be enjoyable, but it can also be stressful. Following a few easy guidelines will help you and your pet canine have a more pleasant journey together. Preparation is essential, and it may help alleviate some of the stress that comes with traveling with your dog. Remember that if you remain cool, your dog will do the same.
Getting Ready
Prepare your dog for travel, make sure they’re healthy, and check the most up-to-date rules and restrictions regarding pets on any mode of transportation you plan on taking and any lodging you’ve booked before you get in your car or drive to the airport.
You’ll need to start with some basic training to get your dog ready for your vacation. This includes acclimating them to crates and improving their obedience. Here are some suggestions for getting your dog ready for the road:
Get the right crate: In autos, crates keep dogs safe and comfortable, and they are required on airlines. Find a crate that has a firm bottom and is large enough for your dog to stand up and spin around in. Make sure your dog has enough of fresh air by keeping the crate adequately aired. On the side of the container, place a “live animal” label with your phone number and address.
Arrange a health check: Make that your dog is in good health. Take them to the veterinarian for a check-up and to get all of their vaccines updated. To fly with your dog on an airplane, you’ll need health and vaccine certificates.
Prepare for motion sickness: Car sickness is a problem for dogs. Before you travel, make sure your dog isn’t hungry. This will lessen the chances of nausea and vomiting.
Organize their food and medicine: Bring your dog’s regular food and medicine, and be sure to provide it as usual. Bring bottled water and a portable bowl with you so your dog may consume plenty of fresh, clean water while on the road.
Get them used to riding in a car: If you’re on a road trip, make frequent stops for urine and water. This will aid in the prevention of car accidents. However, please remember that traveling can be stressful for dogs, and they may accidentally vomit or pee.
Allowing your dog to ride in the back of an open truck is not recommended. To keep safe, your dog should be restrained in some way. Do not leave your dog alone in a hot or chilly car if you stop to sightsee. If you’re renting a car, check sure you can bring your pet along.
Check airplane rules: When it comes to transporting your dog on a plane, you are solely responsible for his or her health and safety. When it comes to dogs on planes, each airline has its own set of laws. Your dog may be allowed to fly in the cabin with you if the crate fits beneath the seat in front of you, but dogs can only travel as live cargo if the weather and temperature are safe.
It’s also a good idea to double-check the temperature of your starting location and destination to ensure that your dog isn’t too hot or cold.
Confirm that your accommodations are pet-friendly: Check to see whether your hotel allows pets and make a request for a pet-friendly room. Do not leave your dog in the hotel room alone. New environments can be upsetting for dogs, and they may produce a mess. To keep your dog happy, provide a comfortable bed inside their kennel and bring their favorite toy.
Make sure they have their identification with them. Bring your dog’s health and vaccination certificates, as well as a recent photo. Keep your dog’s name and phone number on tags.
Risks and Benefits of Vacationing With Your Dog
There are advantages and disadvantages to vacationing with your dog. The following are some advantages:
- Saving money on boarding kennels
- Having your dog along for the fun
- Being able to monitor your dog while they’re with you
- Less stress and worry about what’s happening to them while you’re gone
It may appear that it is always better to bring your dog with you, but this is not always the case. The following are some of the dangers of vacationing with your dog:
- Stress for you and your dog
- Dealing with accidents or stressed behavior
- Unsafe weather and temperatures that could be dangerous for your dog
- Extra costs and pet fees
- You can’t leave your dog alone
- Your dog might have a negative reaction to the car, airplane, crate, or strangers
