With more and more dog friendly hotels available, traveling with our furry friends has become much more common. While fun to do, it does take a little practice to become adept at vacationing with our pets. Here’s a few Top Tips to make traveling with your dog a little easier.
Road Trips
Make confined spaces comfortable. If your dog has a little travel anxiety a favorite blanket, pillow and dog toy will help keep her occupied.
If possible, try to limit non-stop driving stretches to no more than 90 minutes to 2 hours. “Can we stop?” “I gotta go!” “I’m bored!” We’re used to hearing these quips from the back seat people passengers. A short whine or quick bark usually sends the same message.
Limit on-the-road feeding to light snacks, healthy treats and ice cubes. Ice cubes are an easy way to keep fluids in your pooch when pulling off the road to fill the water dish isn’t an option.
In The Air
Feed, water and walk 4 hours before flight. Having an empty tummy will help your dog adjust to the sensations of flight and limit the chance of voiding in her crate.
Confined space comfort and safety is crucial in the air. Limit crate comfort to a blanket or pillow, something that won’t get tossed or moved around too easily.
Extra identity! Be sure your buddy has a flight tag in addition to her regular dog tags. The crate should be clearly labeled and her flight collar tag should contain all identification as well as destination information!
Packing
Extra collar, leash, poop bags, trash bags, disinfectant, carpet and air fresheners and dog grooming supplies are a must. Whether you’re going to a hotel or staying at someone’s home, helping your dog leave things as clean as she found them is important.
For a head start on getting packed for your next trip check out our
Classic Colleciton. You'll find a few necessities will ensure your dog’s bag is up to snuff!
For extended travel it’s a good idea to take a long your dog’s medical records along with vaccination certificates, recent pictures (
in case she decides to sight-see on her own), and any necessary meds.