Why not take your dog with you when you travel? Obviously, you first need to make sure you are going to a dog-friendly destination, whether it’s the beach, camping, or to visit friends or family. If your dog is well-behaved and handles new situations without too much stress and anxiety, it can be a lot of fun. On the other hand, if your dog is unpredictable around strangers or other dogs or is unruly and difficult to control, you should probably consider boarding your dog or hiring a professional dog walking service.
Best Tips For Bringing Your Dog On Vacation
If you are going to take your well-behaved and fun-loving dog with you, below are some tips to follow to make your vacation a memorable one for you, your dog, and other people around you:
Prepare Your Dog For Travel
If you are going by car, consider the distance you will be driving. You need to make sure your dog is secured safely and comfortably in the car for the amount of time you will be driving. Also, some dogs (especially puppies that are not used to riding in the car for long periods) are prone to motion sickness. Be prepared with items for cleaning up any messes in the car. Experienced dog owners know to anticipate stopping every hour or so to let the dog relieve itself and get a little exercise and fresh air.
If you will need to stop overnight at a hotel, make reservations in advance with a dog-friendly facility.
Remember to never leave your dog alone in the car during hot weather. Besides being cruel, it is a crime in many states. If you are traveling by air or rail, plan ahead. You will need to comply with the carrier’s policies regarding transporting dogs, so make sure you and your dog will be comfortable with those arrangements.
Update Your Dog’s Vaccinations And Grooming, Including Flea Treatments
Make sure your dog is current on its vaccines in case you need to board the dog unexpectedly at your destination. Also, have the dog groomed and treated for fleas and ticks so that it is clean for its stay at your host’s location.
Caring For A Dog While On Vacation
Make a list of the things your dog will need on the trip. Your list should include a leash, harness, water, vet records (in case of emergencies), toys, food, bowls, waste bags, medicines, beds, treats, and chew toys. Anticipate that your dog will be anxious until it acclimates to the new surroundings, especially if your dog is not used to traveling. Having some of your dog’s favorite things with you will help calm your dog.
Depending on where you are going, you need to anticipate leaving your dog alone for short times while you go out to eat, go shopping, or go to other places where dogs are not welcome.
How will you secure your dog? Most people bring a crate with them for those times. In those cases, the dog needs to be crate-trained and able to handle being left alone for short periods in a strange location. If you may be leaving your dog alone for longer periods, everyone (including your dog), maybe happier if you leave the dog at home. Even if your dog is well-behaved at home when it is left alone, in a different environment your dog may become quite anxious and destructive. Until you are certain your dog will tolerate it, only leave it alone for a few minutes at a time in a strange location.
Always Have Water Available For Dog Walking
If you are traveling to hot climate destinations, you should always have fresh water for your dog, especially while out walking. Dogs can overheat quickly, just like humans, and the stress of a new place will increase their need for water. Some dogs are reluctant to drink strange water when they travel, so it’s a good idea to bring some from home.
Have Regular Feeding Times
The excitement of traveling can affect your dog’s appetite. It may be off for the first day or two. Try to adhere to your normal feeding schedule as best as you can. Your dog will expect to be fed at the usual times, and changing your feeding times will add to the dog’s stress.
Take Your Dog Walking In Early Morning/ Late Evening
You probably already have a dog walking schedule for your dog. A walk in the morning and another one after dinner is the best time of day for walks during the heat of the summer. A morning walk will help your dog burn off energy and enable it to be more relaxed the rest of the day.
Talk To The Dog Walking Professionals At Paw Pals
If you are uncertain about taking your dog with you, contact the dog care professionals at Paw Pals. They can answer your questions about traveling with your dog and give you additional advice. If you decide to leave your dog at home, the fully bonded, licensed professionals at Paw Pals are available to take care of your dog while you are gone. Contact Paw Pals for more information about their pet care services.
