6 Best Effective Tips to Make Traveling Easier With Your Dog
Traveling is a great adventure anyone would share with their loved ones or their other best friend—their dog. They are always by our side, and bringing them on an experience of a lifetime shouldn't be any different.
Planning a trip could be stressful enough, but adding a pack list with everything your dog will need prevents forgotten items or an uncomfortable experience. Although each breed of dog is different and may have its own unique needs, here are some of the best and most practical tips to make traveling easier with your dog:
1. Find a pet-friendly accommodation
Some hotels and accommodations don't allow pets in their rooms. However, some facilities cater primarily to pet owners and their beloved dogs. Dog owners would have to find accommodations that suit them and their pup in the area they will visit or stay overnight.
Consider browsing the options on dogfriendlyretreats.com, which will give more details about their rooms, payment options, check-in times, and other important information. Before booking a room, read through the ratings or reviews of the specific place so there are no surprises or disappointments when arriving.
2. Stop regularly for breaks
Just like family and friends, dogs would need regular rest stops to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. Doing this makes the trip more comfortable for everyone as the driver also gets time to rest their tired eyes.
Look for rest stops that allow pets to roam about or have a designated area for pet owners to leave their dogs off the leash for a while. Some of these stops will even provide food and water for pets if they need to refresh.
3. Bring along some treats and toys
Pets may get bored, especially if it is a long trip. For this reason, pet owners should ensure to have plenty of treats available for them and their favorite toys to keep them occupied. Treats and toys are comforting to the dog, which means they will remain calm and relaxed throughout the travels.
Go easy on the treats if the dog struggles with car sickness, as some animals will. Adding food to their stomach may not be the best decision, but they will still require plenty of fluids. If car sickness is a problem, consult a reputable veterinarian for a solution that will benefit the dog while traveling.
4. Pack enough food and clean water
Depending on the duration of the trip, dog owners should pack enough food and clean drinking water for their dogs. Humans would also need refreshments along the way, so keep the dog in mind. Collapsible food and water bowls take up less space in the car, and owners can quickly assemble them when needed, making them a must-have for traveling with animals.
If the water doesn't remain cool in the car, consider asking a rest stop for a tap or buying some bottled water from their shop until you reach your destination.
5. Make things cozy for them
People will take all sorts of comfort items on their travels, like a pillow for the odd nap on the way, comfortable clothing, blankets, and many more. Dogs usually feel more comfortable when they have their comfort items, and laying out their blanket, bringing their bed, or using a dog car seat could make traveling with them more manageable.
Also, remember to allow enough ventilation and fresh air into the car to keep them happy. Manage the vehicle's temperature accordingly, and everyone will arrive feeling fresh and not a sweaty mess, including the dog.
6. Remember their identification
When traveling to an area not familiar to you, there is always a possibility that the dog could run off and become lost in the new environment, even if some may deem it as the safest destination for travel. Thus, dog owners should ensure that the dog is wearing a collar with their contact information so someone can get in touch when they find the dog wandering off somewhere.
You'll also need to make sure that your dog collar is durable and any information on the tag is constantly clear and easy to read. Also, ensure you consistently update your dog's collar identification tag information. Not only is it required by law in many places, but it's also a critical safety measure that's often overlooked. Make sure to double-check your pet's tag before hitting the road.
Another method of identification is through microchips which a veterinarian will insert under their skin. Most animal clinics will have the technology to scan these chips containing the owner's information.
Wrapping up
Traveling shouldn't be a stressful experience; on the contrary, it should be enjoyable for everyone on the trip. A dog may have a different idea of what is pleasant, but keeping a dog happy isn't difficult either. It should travel like a duck to water if it has its favorite food, clean water, comforts, and toys.
There is nothing better than sharing new experiences with our loved ones and best friend, and going about it with the correct planning will ensure that the dog remains right by our side for all the adventures we undertake.
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