A dog on a plane with you isn’t always straightforward, which is why many pet owners decide to take an excursion on the road instead. Traveling with your pet can be a breeze, but it can also be a lot of enjoyable. A little planning beforehand can go an enormous way in making the road trip more comfortable as well as enjoyable for your dog.
#1. Create the Car Fun
When your dog is not used to traveling in a car and you’ve got some extra time until your trip begins, make sure that your pet is comfortable in the car, and contribute to making it a happy environment. “Let your dog get between the vehicle when it is parked, and offer treats when he’s in the car,” Stanley said. “If your dog seems scared of driving and eating his food inside the vehicle, offer him a chew bone, and other things to build a positive relationship. Once they are more comfortable, begin with small excursions, then gradually ramp up the duration of travel.”
#2. Make Sure You Have Everything You’ll Have
Before embarking on your excursion, ensure that you are armed with your pet’s food, the dish as well as a harness or collar Leash and ID tags, medication (including tick, flea as well as heartworm preventative) along with food and other treats.
“Ensure that you have all essentials for the season,” Stanley said. “For the summer months, you might need sun protection with dog-friendly insect repellant as well as an appropriate life jacket. In colder weather, you could consider booties and an outer winter coat.” Do not forget to pack a couple of soft blankets for your hotel or car and perhaps even your pet’s favorite plush mattress, which will bring him back to the comforts of home.
#3. Safety First
The first and most important thing is to ensure your dog is safe inside the car using the doggie seatbelt or the crate. Accidents do happen, and the worst thing you could do is for something horrible to occur to your pet. If you’re using a dog’s seatbelt, make sure you choose one that’s tested for crashes to ensure that it will protect your dog should there be an automobile accident.
#4. Canine Relaxation
If you’re using a seatbelt or crate, you can make your pet’s space for travel comfortable by using an incredibly soft and warm blanket or pad for the crate. “Set the dog in a place that’s simple for them to stand in, lay down and stretch out,” Stanley said. “For the summer select a space where air conditioning is able in order to cool them. And in winter pick a place that is warm. In the summer windows, sunshades can help keep your pet cool.”
#5. Pit Stops Scheduled for Pit Stops
It’s tempting to keep going for a while, but make frequent stops so your dog can relieve itself or stretch its legs and sip a cup of water. “If your dog is having trouble settling on a bed, be sure to go for an extensive walk before your journey,” Stanley said. “Keep him entertained with filled Kong chew bones or other toys that are interactive. If your dog isn’t settling quickly, consult your veterinarian about ways to aid them.”
#6. Hotel Tips
“If the dog you have is scared or aggressive, it’s recommended to choose a hotel where the room is situated at an elevation that lets you quickly enter and exit to be safe from running into other dogs or humans,” Stanley suggested. “Motels are the best choice because they permit the driver to drive directly towards the door of your room.”
While you are staying in a hotel along with your pet, you must remain respectful of the hotel’s rules and the other guests. When your pet is crate trained you can bring the box into the room along with you to ensure you have a safe space to keep your dog safe if you have to leave for a few minutes. It’s not a good idea to let your dog go initially, particularly in the event that it is agitated.
“If you do not use to the idea of staying in hotels Try to travel in quieter periods,” Stanley said. “Make the excursion about teaching them good behavior for travel in hotels and be patient while they get used to what they can expect from hotels. Sniff walks through the hotel and around can be a fantastic opportunity to exercise your energy and also help them relax.