Traveling with your dog it’s a rewarding and enjoyable experience. However, this requires proper planning to ensure that you have a smooth trip together with your furry friend. Here are some tips to make sure both of you have a relaxed and enjoyable journey, whether it is for a road trip, taking a flight to an exciting new destination, or even going to the vet’s office.
Pre-Travel Preparations: A Visit to the Vet
Before any journey, your dog must be in good health. Fix an appointment with your family veterinarian for a check-up. The following are reasons why this stage is important:
- Vaccinations: Vaccinate your dog regularly so as to protect him from diseases, particularly when you travel to new places.
- Health Certificates: Some countries and airlines require an animal health certificate that confirms that your dog can travel.
- Microchipping: If not yet done, consider microchipping your dog now; it is a permanent identification that helps in reuniting pet owners with their missing dogs.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead for veterinarian visits, especially for international travels since some health certifications may take weeks to process..
What You Need to Pack for Your Dog
When going on a trip, you pack your own suitcase, but it is also important that you think of what your pet will need. The following are some guidelines for putting together a kit for your dog:
- Food and Water: Carry enough food to last the duration of the journey and a portable water dish. Giving them their regular type of meal helps in avoiding tummy upsets.
- Medications: Bring along any medicines prescribed by the vet and any prescriptions copies.
- Comfort Items: Bring along something familiar like their blanket, toy or bed that can help them with feeling more at home away from home.
- Leash and ID Tag: Ensure your dog’s collar has an updated ID tag with your contact details.
Dog Training and Familiarization
To ensure a smoother journey, spend time getting your dog used to travel conditions beforehand:
- Car Rides: Take short drives to acclimate your dog to being in the car. Gradually increase the length of these trips.
- Crate Training: If you will be traveling with a crate, introduce it early on. It should have treats and other things they recognize as comfort items.
- Socialization: Expose your pet to different environments so that when they come across new places they will not get nervous.
Tips for a Travel Day
Extra planning on the travel day can make all the difference:
- Exercise first: Before you take off, ensure that your dog is well exercised. This will help to calm and relax it down.
- Light meals: To avoid motion sickness, feed your dog lightly several hours before departure.
- Comfort stops: Plan regular breaks while driving for toilet stops, stretching and fluids intake.
Travelling by Air with Your Dog
Additional preparations are needed for flying with dogs:
- Airline Policies: Confirm the pet travel policies of your chosen airline in advance; this includes any carrier specifications and extra fees.
- Carrier Comfort: Choose an airline-approved carrier that is well-ventilated and allows the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Health Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary health certificates issued within the time frame specified by the airline.
Adapting On Arrival
Make sure your dog adjusts seamlessly after you get to where you’re going:
- Explore Together: Allow your dog to explore their new environment at their own pace.
- Maintain Routine: To minimize anxiety, stick with feeding, walking and playing schedules as usual without changes in routine.
- Locate a Vet: Find a vet who practices in or near your destination if staying long-term.
When you are well prepared, travelling with your dog can be a great experience. By following these guidelines and taking care of your Dog’s Health, safety and comfort while on board, you can make your journey memorable for both of you.
Happy travels to you and your furry friend!
EXTRA:
> Are you curious about “House Training a Puppy”? Discover our Guide in our blog post.
