7 Essential Tips for Traveling with Dogs

Traveling with Dogs? Are you heading out for a vacation with your dog? You'll enjoy these 7 Tips for Traveling with Dogs.

Easy Tips to Travel with your Dog

Traveling with dogs can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both dog owners and their furry companions.

From finding dog-friendly accommodations to ensuring the safety and comfort of your dog during long journeys, there are many factors to consider when planning a trip with your canine companion.

As a dog owner and avid traveler, I have gathered valuable insights and tips from my owner experiences to share with fellow dog lovers.

With these tips, you can make your next trip with your furry friend a smooth and enjoyable one.

So, whether you are embarking on a road trip or jet-setting to a new destination, keep these tips in mind.

Let's dive in and make your next trip with your furry friend one to remember!

Top Tips for Traveling with Dogs

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Plan Ahead:

Research dog-friendly destinations and accommodations.
Check if there are any restrictions or requirements for bringing dogs.

Pack Essentials:

Bring your dog's food, water, collapsible bowls and any necessary medications.
Don't forget their favorite toys and a comfortable bed.

Safety First:

Use a secure and comfortable harness or crate during car rides.
Ensure your dog has an updated ID tag with your current contact information.

Health Check:

Schedule a vet visit before the trip to make sure your dog is healthy to travel.
Carry any vaccination records and/or any necessary health certificates.

Frequent Breaks:

Plan for regular breaks to allow your dog to stretch, exercise, and relieve themselves.
Bring doggie poop bags to clean up after your dog.

Entertainment:

Keep your dog entertained during the trip with interactive toys or treats.
Consider bringing a favorite blanket or item for comfort.

Accommodations:

Choose dog-friendly accommodations that provide necessary amenities.
Respect any pet policies in place.

Training Tips:

Ensure your dog responds well to basic commands for better control.
Practice leash manners to make walks enjoyable for both of you.

Capture the Moments:

Take photos and document your dog's adventures.
Share your experiences on social media to connect with other dog-loving travelers.

Paws and Play: Essential Packing Guide for Traveling with Dogs

Embarking on a journey with your four-legged companion is a tail-wagging adventure waiting to happen!

Whether you're planning a road trip or jet-setting to new destinations, ensuring you pack the right essentials is key to a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend.

Here's a checklist of must-haves to make your travel escapade with your pup pawsitively fantastic!

Doggy Essentials Checklist:

Food & Treats: Pack enough of your dog's regular food and some treats to keep them satisfied.

Water & Bowls: Hydration is crucial, so carry a water bottle and collapsible bowls for convenience.

Medications & First Aid: Bring any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit for unexpected situations.

Comfort Items:

Favorite Blanket/Toy: Familiar items provide comfort, making your dog feel at home in new surroundings.

Comfortable Bed: Ensure your pup has a cozy spot to rest during the journey and at your destination.

Travel Gear:

Secure Harness/Leash: Safety first! Use a comfortable harness or leash to keep your dog secure during walks.

Travel Carrier or Crate: For smaller dogs, a travel carrier provides a cozy and secure space.

Health & Identification:

Vaccination Records: Carry up-do-date records in case of emergencies or if required at your destination.

ID Tag: Ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information.

Grooming Supplies:

Brush & Wipes: Keep your pup looking sharp with a brush, and use pet wipes for quick clean-ups.

Poop Bags: Always be prepared to clean up after your dog with biodegradable poop bags.

Entertainment & Training:

Toys: Bring a variety of toys to keep your dog entertained during the journey and downtime.

Training Treats: Reward good behavior with tasty treats to reinforce positive habits.

Weather Appropriate Gear:

Coat or Sweater: If traveling to colder climates, pack a coat or sweater to keep your dog warm.

Cooling Vest or Mat: For warmer destinations, consider items to help your dog stay cool with a dog cooling vest.

Documentation:

Pet Passport/Health Certificate: Check if your destination requires specific documentation for traveling with dogs.

With these essentials in tow, you and your canine companion are ready for a barking good time on your travels.

Remember, every dog is unique, so tailor your packing list to your dog's specific needs.

Bon voyage and happy trails!

How much Exercise Does my Dog need when Traveling?

As a dog owner, you know the challenges of taking your furry friend along on road trips, particularly the effort it takes to keep him from getting bored and anxious.

Even the most adorable puppies can get pretty grumpy when stuck in the backseat for hours on end without a break. Here are a few tips and tricks to help ease your pet's boredom.

When traveling with dogs in cars, your pets will need at least half an hour of a vigorous game of fetch, a walk or a jog with you is important for mental stimulation before you head out in the car.
When on vacation, take a leash that allows your pet to roam ahead?
It’s never a good idea to let your dog run loose, especially in a strange area. Only do so if they well trained to come back to you on command.
Keep cats on a leash for safety reasons. Cats have a tendency to bolt more than dogs in strange places.

Never Leave a Pet in a Car

Just as it's a good idea to leave your dog at home when you go to the store or on errands, the same holds true when traveling. If you can, leave your dog in the hotel room than inside a car.

Even if it doesn't seem hot outside, the temperature inside a car can climb 20 degrees in 10 minutes and up to 40 degrees in half an hour.

A few minutes in that kind of heat can be deadly, especially if your dog is trapped in a hot, unventilated car.

It's a common misconception that dogs can cool themselves off through their paws.

Pets can only cool themselves through panting, which is an inefficient process, and dogs have a much higher body temperature than humans.

You should never leave a let in a car. A temperature outside of just 70 degrees can heat a car up to 89 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Cars act like solar ovens and pets can go into heat prostration leading to brain injury or even death.
In many states, leaving pets in hot cars is a crime.

Expect Nature Calls.

Dogs - Take a dog for a walk at least twice a day or every 4 hours. Carry disposable doggie poop bags on your dog’s leash to clean up after your pet.

Cats - Traveling with cats is difficult. In fact, it can be smelly, messy and a big hassle. However, you’ll need a litter box on the floor.

Another great option are these carriers with a built-in litter box. We love this portable litter box - It easily folds into your car or luggage.

Tip - Use little baggies to carry your litter. Then when your kitty uses it, you can easily scoop it back into the baggie and quickly toss it into the garbage.

Common Health Problems for Travelers.

Dogs often wind up becoming constipated when traveling.
This is most often caused by lack of water, exercise or anxiety about unknown places, strange territories.
Most often constipation is temporary and will clear up on its own. Giving your dog fruits and vegetables can aid in constipation.
Figs, prunes, fresh berries or bran and oats can help get things moving again.
Pets may become nauseous when riding in cars or planes. They will either vomit or salivate.
Providing the B-complex supplementation will help prevent nausea.
Encourage your pet to lie down on the floor of your car.
If they wind up with motion sickness, give your dog peppermint tea or capsules. (Peppermint tea is best not given to cats). The peppermint will help to settle your dog's stomach.
I always have my dogs fast at least 12 hours before we leave on a trip. It helps in the event they get sick.
If traveling by plane a 24-hour fast will help to keep kennels clean during the plane ride.
To help minimize anxiety or an upset dog before traveling, you can use Aconitum Napellus 30C.
Giving one pellet an hour before leaving home, then another before a few minutes before leaving the house of this homeopathic remedy will help to settle your pet.
Give your dog one more pellet before getting on the plane. Just one pellet. This homeopathic medicine is safe and often better than a tranquilizer.

Eye Irritation From Hanging Out Windows

Eye irritation can happen in dogs that like to ride with their head sticking out windows.

Dust and debris can get into your dog’s eyes while traveling at high speed. This can cause the cornea to become scratched and irritate the eyes sensitive membranes.

When my dogs were puppies, we never opened the windows. This way as they got older, sticking their heads out the windows was not something they were interested in doing.

If your dog should get minor irritation, wash the eyes out with a mild saline solution for dogs, similar to tears.
You can also make your own by adding a level ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to one cup of pure water and stir.
Always keep the solution at room temperature. Pour a small amount into a cup or dish.
Using a cotton ball, rub the cotton over and into the eye.
You can also use an eyedropper, taking care not to poke the eye.
Use this until the irritant comes out of your pet's eye.

If your pet got a serious corneal injury, they keep their eye shut most of the time. Here you’ll want to get veterinary help.

Respect Motel and Campground Properties.

Most hotels allow pets as long as your pet is well behaved.
Never leave a dog alone in the hotel room while you go out for long periods of time. Doing so can lead to barking and chewing!
Keep your pet on a leash at all times.
Clean up any pet messes before the housekeeper enters the room.
When walking your dogs, don’t allow them to run through the flower beds. Instead, find a grassy area or go for a walk until they relieve themselves. Always clean up after your pet on hotel grounds.
These guidelines help make you welcome with your pet when visiting at people's homes, too.

Have fun and enjoy your travels with your favorite furrbaby.