If you’re like many animal lovers out there, you’ll agree that pets are a part of the family. Anyone who disagrees will most likely get shown the door, or be subjected to a glare. Being part of the family means that your furry friend gets to go on trips with you to exciting places. Not taking your dog on vacation isn’t even an option!
If that’s the case, then you know your pet pal needs some special treatment to travel safely and comfortably. We explore some useful tips for traveling with your pooches during the summertime.
1. Taking Your Dog on Vacation: Safety First
No matter how well trained your dog is, there’s always a risk that something exciting might catch their attention on the trip and make them bolt. Taking your dog on vacation in a car while he’s exuberantly trying to climb through the windshield is far from ideal. For the safety of your pets and yourself, invest in a suitable carrier to prevent any holiday tragedies.
If you’ve got a small animal, then various carriers are available for both travels by car and air. Should you be traveling by air, then the best idea is to get a carrier that has been approved by the airlines, such as the ones seen here.
If your dog isn’t used to carriers, buy one as far in advance as possible to give them the time to get used to it. This way, they won’t be as nervous when you put them inside the carrier when you travel. You can strap larger dogs into a vehicle with a harness that ensures they can’t jump into the front seat and cause a distraction.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to make a few stops if you’re driving so your canine companion can relieve himself. You must pack a leash, and just in case, a poop scoop and baggies. If you stop in the middle of the desert, then it’s unlikely your pet’s messes would offend anyone. Definitely clean up after your dog if you’re relaxing at a picnic spot.
Make sure your leash is in good condition, so it doesn’t break and allow them to run off. If necessary, buy a new one. To find some high-quality leads take a look at some Pet Life deals for one that best suits your dog.
2. Keeping Your Dog Cool
Before you even start the trip, make sure you’ve prepared everything in advance. Taking your dog on vacation might require a little extra planning. If you’re traveling by car, check to see that the air conditioning is working, and the windows functioning well. Getting stuck in a heatwave is no fun when something breaks, and your pooch will be stressed in the heat.
Dog’s can’t sweat, and to keep their temperature under control, they pant. If a dog is inside a confined space like a car, it exacerbates the situation, making them vulnerable to heatstroke. Run the air conditioning when you travel, and monitor your dog for any signs of distress.
Another way to keep your dog cool is to freeze water the night before and let them sip it as it melts. This way, they can keep their temperature levels low as they drink chilly water. On the same subject, pack more water than you think you’ll need. Accidents happen, and should you spill some or your car needs some water topped off, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without it. Don’t forget that you also need to stay hydrated, so factor in your water needs when considering how much water you should pack.
3. Driving Miss Daisy
Okay, everyone sometimes loves to put the pedal to the metal and enjoy the thrill of driving recklessly with the windows open. If you don’t enjoy cleaning half-digested doggie chunks off the car floor, take it easy when you drive. If you’ve been driving with your pooch since he was a puppy, chances are that he’s used to the car and won’t tend to get car sick.
However, consider that short trips between your house and the park are not the same as hundreds of miles. Drive with care to prevent queasy tummies and lessen the risk of your dog getting hurt. Make the trip part of the experience and stop often. Both you and your pet will appreciate it.
A pitstop lets your pooch stretch his legs, sniff something new, and cool off in a tree’s shade. It’s a good idea for you to do the same as driving for long periods diminishes your energy levels. We recommend that you stop every two hours while traveling to refresh your senses.
It’s not a good idea to feed your animal too often during your stops, but if you see that your dog is hungry, offer them their usual food. Anything new or exotic might cause them to have an upset stomach.
Final Thoughts on Taking Your Dog on Vacation
A holiday wouldn’t be the same without the whole family, furry friends included. To make the experience more enjoyable for both people and animals, prepare for the trip in advance. Take a look at your vehicle and check if anything needs fixing, specifically the AC, which will keep you and your pooch cool in the heat.
A harness to keep them sitting in one place or a carrier is ideal for preventing your dog from distracting you while driving. Finally, make the trip part of the holiday, and take it easy with frequent stops to allow you and your pet to boost your energy levels. Making an effort to ensure your dog travels well will make a big difference in your enjoyment of the trip.
If you’re planning a trip to the beach, here are a few more tips to help you.
