Now that countries are beginning to open up once again, you might be organizing an exciting trip to a country that you’ve never had chance to explore before.
And if you plan to take a long vacation, you might be considering taking your beloved dog along with you. After all, they will provide some amazing company for your travels!
Traveling with pets is, unsurprisingly, more difficult than traveling alone. But it’s definitely not impossible. It just takes a little more planning to ensure you’ve got the right equipment and space to safely transport your dog to and from your destination.
Before you set off on your travels, there are a number of preparatory steps that you will need to take so your dog’s needs are met along the way. This preparation is especially important for long haul traveling.
Consider Your Dog’s Food and Mealtimes
Just like you, your furry friend might get hungry along the way when you’re traveling for a while. Make sure to stock up on dog food so that nobody goes hungry.
Dehydrated dog food is a great option for long haul journeys and extended vacations as it doesn’t go off as quickly as fresh or wet food does.
Try to stick to your pet’s normal eating routine so that they don’t get distressed during the journey. This is also important to avoid upsetting their stomach.
Plan your traveling around your dog’s mealtimes if you can. You may need to stop along the way if you’re traveling for quite a while. If you do, pull over and allow your dog to eat in their own time before continuing your journey.
Use a Pet Carrier
If you’re traveling with a dog on a plane or in a car, you’re going to need a carrier to transport them.
Make sure to find a carrier that is large enough for your dog to sit comfortably in there so they can relax as much as possible on the journey. Place lots of blankets inside the carrier alongside some of their favorite toys to maximize their comfort and make them feel more at home.
It’s also a good idea to train your dog to go in and out of the carrier so that they won’t become too distressed as they’re traveling. If you rarely use the carrier, this step is particularly important.
Keep Copies of Important Pet-Related Documents
This is especially important if you are traveling internationally. You should always carry a copy of your dog’s health records when you are bringing them along with you on vacation.
They are required to prove that your dog is in a healthy state and has had all of the mandatory vaccinations. If your dog falls sick during the vacation, you will also need these records when you take them to see a vet.
Alongside a paper copy of each document, you could also keep a virtual copy so there is no chance of them getting lost or damaged.
Temperature
You might be able to stand the heat when you’re driving your car in the height of summer, but your dog isn’t as tolerant! Although they have coping mechanisms, such as panting, dogs can easily overheat when they’re sitting in a hot car for hours.
If you’re traveling in a car, keep an eye on your furry friend throughout the journey to ensure they aren’t overheating. Open the window or pull over to the side of the road and allow your dog to spend some time outside in the fresh air if you suspect that they are.
Plan Your Journey Beforehand
Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, let alone when you’ve got a pet to think about.
To avoid causing unnecessary stress to your dog, plan the journey before you set off so that you know which way you’re going. This will reduce the time that you both spend traveling so you can start your vacation off on a positive note.
If you’re driving, turn your satnav on and have it on a loud volume so you can be directed onto the right roads. But, of course, make sure you aren’t distracted by your satnav and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
You must also take your pet into account when booking where you’re staying. The location must have the necessary amenities to accommodate your dog’s needs. Try to have a backup plan if the first place ends up lacking the right facilities for your pet.