Bringing your dog with you on vacation can be a great way to strengthen your bond and make lasting memories. To help you avoid unexpected challenges and ensure a smooth trip, here are five helpful tips and tricks for traveling with your dog.
Trial Travel Run
Before committing to a full trip, it’s a good idea to test how your dog handles being away from home. A trial travel run can set expectations and give you, the owner, a better idea of what you may need to pack to keep your pup comfortable. Trial travel runs will all look different, depending on your destination and travel arrangements. Car rides, taking your dog to public dog-friendly restaurants, trying out their crate, or even visiting a friend for a night to see how your pup does in an unfamiliar environment are just a few ideas for a trial run. If your dog reacts negatively at any point during your trial run, reassessing your travel itinerary, having the vet prescribe medication, or purchasing calming chews can help your pup feel safe and well-cared for.
Locate Nearby Emergency Vets
Before leaving for your trip, make note of any veterinarians near your destination. Keep track of how far away the vet is, what their hours of operation are, and how much an emergency visit costs. Your dog will be able to receive care quickly should they become ill or injured.
Plan Bathroom Breaks
Whether traveling via plane or car, it’s important that your dog can go potty every couple of hours. When traveling by car, review your route beforehand, and locate rest stops along the way. This helps avoid potential messes your dog may cause in the car.
When flying, most airports have pet relief areas, which are spots where your dog can go before boarding the plane. By having your dog go before, you reduce the risk of accidents during the flight. Lining the bottom of the carrier with pee pads can also help. Keep in mind that if you want to keep your dog in the cabin with you, every airline has different rules regarding your dog’s weight and the size of the carrier.
Dog-Friendly Hotels and Air BnBs
By being aware of hotel and Airbnb pet policies, you can avoid future confusion and frustration. Pet-friendly places may have regulations in place depending on the weight and breed of your dog. Calling ahead to inquire about pet fees, restrictions, pet-friendly activities, and amenities may can make the difference between a challenging experience and an enjoyable one.
Hygiene Essentials
Packing a small emergency hygiene bag is recommended in case an incident occurs during your travels. Basics like poop bags, wipes (pet-friendly, ear, and nose), towels, a brush, and a portable water bowl will leave you prepared for any scenario. Your dog will thank you!
By following these five tips and tricks, you and your pup will become travel experts in no time. Enjoyed this article? Be sure to check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for updates, sitter spotlights, daily trivia, and more!
