Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Your Dog

Taking a family getaway with your pup can be a fun and memorable experience, particularly if done right. Since your dog is part of the household, their safety, happiness and level of comfort should be taken into account when planning your trip.

Tips for Preparing Beforehand

Packing the essentials for your pup should include all the following items:

• Toys
• Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
• Food and Water
• Medications
• Treats
• Poop Bags and Potty Pads
• Crate
• Bedding
• Medical Records

Flying With Your Dog

Book Your Flight Early

Some airlines only allow one or two pets to ride on each flight. Booking your flight early will help to make sure that there are no surprises about bringing your pup.

Figure Out Where Your Dog Will Be Seated

Ask the airline where your dog will be spending the flight. Will they be in the cargo hold or in the cabin with you? Consider the size and temperament of your dog and which would make the most sense.

Book a Direct Flight

Booking a nonstop, direct flight to your destination just makes sense. Doing so makes for a much less stressful experience for your dog. Selecting a flight during the week instead of the weekend may also make the situation run more smoothly.

Properly ID Your Dog

Your dog’s name, along with your home address and phone number should be written clearly on your dog’s crate. Your dog’s tag on their collar should be up to date also. Microchipping your dog will help them to be returned to you should they be lost during your trip. Carrying a photograph of your dog will also help your efforts if they are lost.

Take Care of Last-Minute Potty Breaks

Give your dog plenty of water up to the time that you get on the airplane. Take your dog outside to go potty one last time before heading to the airport. Be sure to place an absorbent puppy pad inside of their crate for the flight.

Arrive Early

Showing up at the airport last-minute with your dog is not a good idea. Two hours early is ideal when traveling with a pet. Having a leash and a dog harness at the ready is a necessity. If you arrive early, it will give you one final chance to give your dog some exercise before you have to check in. When you travel with a pet, you have to account for extra time for long security lines.

Tips for Taking a Road Trip with Your Dog

Plan a Route Around Potty Breaks

Whether your road trip is going to be long or short, you should plan ahead of time where you are going to stop. Your dog will need to get out of the car and walk around a bit and relieve itself.

Practice Ahead of Time

If you don’t ever take your dog out in the car, how do you know how they are going to do on the big day? Try taking short practice trips before going out on your road trip. Try taking your dog out for a ride to the dog park or somewhere else that they would like to go to. Try and make car rides have a positive association attached to them.

Speak With Your Vet

If your dog has any health problems, it would be wise to check with your veterinarian to see if your dog should be traveling long distances in the first place. While you are at it, make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are brought up to date.

Some dogs get carsick when they go on long car rides. Ask your veterinarian if an anti-nausea medication is right for your dog.

Takeaway

No matter whether you are traveling by land or air, a bit of planning ahead will help eliminate stressful situations and unwanted hassles.