Whether you’re traveling with your dog because you’re on a pet-friendly holiday, or you have your pooch in tow because you are moving to a new place to live, there are a few tips that can help you on your journey. Read on to find out all about our top tips for traveling with dogs.
Tip #1: Plan your breaks.
When you figure out your route, calculate how long you’ll be driving between stops. You may like to stop every couple of hours or so, so your dog can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. If you have a very young or a very old dog, you’ll need to stop more frequently.
Tip #2: Take water and water bowls.
It’s essential to make sure that you bring water and have it easily accessible for your dog while traveling. You can buy fabric collapsible dog water bowls that are ideal for travel, especially if space is tight in your vehicle or on a plane. You can buy plastic ones that collapse too. Or, purchase a dog travel water bottle that will make water breaks easy for you and your dog.
Tip #3: Ring ahead to make sure your overnight stops are dog friendly.
When traveling with dogs, never assume that where you are staying is dog-friendly. You should make sure you have that conversation with the proprietors when you make your booking. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure your dog is comfortable wherever you go. Whether you have a dog travel bag or a dog travel crate, make sure it’s a comfortable space for your dog, especially if they’re required to be in that confined space for a long period of time. Searching for the best dog travel crate will provide you with plenty of options to choose from.
Tip #4: Take a leash and collar.
Whether you’re driving with your dog in a vehicle, or toting them around the airport for a flight, a leash and collar is essential for transporting your dog. You may also find yourself in a situation where you need to tie your dog up for a few moments, so make sure you take their leash and collar!
Tip #5: Give your dog a light breakfast.
Some dogs get travel sickness, and having your dog vomit in your car or the airplane is no fun for anyone. So, if you’re traveling with dogs, don’t let them eat too much before you set off each day.
Tip #6: Get a prescription from the vet for medications, i.e. travel sickness, anti-anxiety meds.
If your dog does get travel sickness, make sure you have a supply of travel sickness medication on board for your dog. It might be a good idea to have some anti-anxiety medication with you too. And, of course, if your dog takes any other medications, ensure you stock up at the vet before your trip.
Tip #7: Take dry food and a stainless steel food bowl.
Dry dog food pellets are less messy, and you can store them in a plastic container with a lid that has an opening for pouring. Stainless steel food bowls are easier to rinse out when traveling.
Tip #8: Make regular toilet stops and take poop bags.
Your dog can’t tell you when they need to go potty, so make sure you stop often to let them answer the call of nature. Take poop bags and clean up after your dog.
Tip #9: Search online for dog-safe exercise spots.
If you’re going on a particularly long journey, your dog will need to run each day to burn off some energy. This is especially true if you have a larger dog, such as a Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle. So, make sure you check out where you can safely stop before you set off.
Tip # 10: Consider bedding.
What type of bedding you take depends on your trip. You’ll need to make room for their bed or crate in your car, or perhaps bring a smaller bed if you’re traveling on a plane. A soft dog bed is important for travel too. Since the dog will be spending time lying down, make sure you keep them comfy.
Tip #11: Bring old towels.
When you’re traveling with dogs, you’re going to want these to mop up spills, i.e. food, water, vomit, wee. Unfortunately, accidents happen, so it’s best to be prepared!
Tip #12: Keep them cool.
Wind your dog’s window down enough so that they can get some air. Dogs don’t sweat; instead, they pant to keep cool. So they need to be kept cool while in transit. However, if you’re in a vehicle, make sure you don’t wind the window down so far that they can jump out.
Tip # 13: Consider restraints.
You can get doggy seat belt harnesses that will keep your pooch safe. A harness that goes on their body is a safe option (If you have them clipped in via their collar and you have to slam on the brakes, then your dog can get injured). Also, check out local laws in your area. It’s illegal to travel with an unrestrained dog in some places.
Tip # 14: NEVER leave your dog alone in the car.
Dogs can die in minutes if left alone in a hot car. Plus, if you leave them alone, you leave them vulnerable to being stolen.
No matter where you’re traveling with dogs, we hope that this list of tips has helped you get ready for your trip. Happy travels.