Making your dog feel comfortable while you’re traveling is essential, regardless of whether you’re traveling over land or through the air. But how do you make sure your pup is as happy and healthy as possible while you’re out on your journey?
Should you pay your vet a visit before you depart? How many breaks should you give your dog if you’re driving? Do you need a dog carrier? And how do you make sure your puppy is fed and hydrated while you’re out and about? If you’re looking for a few tips to head in the right direction for pet care, consider reading on in order to get a few steps that might make your adventuring a little easier.
Get Your Hands on a Dog Carrier
You may want to get a dog carrier for your pup if you’re traveling. This is because, especially if you’re traveling by air, a dog carrier will help ensure you’re following airline rules while you’re traveling. Whether your puppy is traveling in the cabin with you or is going through the cargo shipment, a dog carrier will likely be necessary.
However, if you’re planning on traveling by car, a dog carrier may also be helpful. Especially if your pup is susceptible to motion sickness or having accidents in the car, a dog carrier will be useful. A dog carrier might also allow you to protect your dog from negative consequences, including getting something caught in their eye or jumping out into the truck bed.
Go to the Vet’s Office
You might also need to head to the vet’s office, depending on where you’re heading. If you’re traveling with an airline, you may be required to get a health certification explaining your pup is up to date on their immunizations and shots. Depending on the requirements of the airline, you may need a health certification that is no more than ten days old.
This also puts you in a good position to communicate with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Your vet may advise you in regards to your pup’s feeding schedule, how to give them medication if applicable, or if they have recommendations for veterinarians in the area. Depending on your needs and the knowledge of your vet, you’re likely to get plenty of helpful information this way.
Get Your Pup Chipped and Tagged
While you’re traveling, there are many possibilities for your dog to run away or go missing. In order to increase the likelihood of finding your furry friend in the case that they disappear from your sight, make sure your pup is chipped and is always wearing a dog tag on their collar. This allows anyone who finds your puppy to find you far more easily. What’s more, you can invest in a PAWAii No Pull Dog Harness, which contains a QR Code Pet ID Tag.
Before you leave for your trip, ensure your information is up to date and corrected if necessary. This might mean you need to contact your vet with an updated address and contact information, as well as get a new tag if your phone number has changed.
Give Your Furry Friend Plenty of Water
It’s essential to ensure your dog has access to clean drinking water for the duration of your travel. This is because, especially if it’s warm, your dog will need to stay hydrated in order to keep cool, comfortable and healthy.
Take Potty Breaks
In addition to making sure your furry friend always has water, it may also be a good idea to take as many breaks as possible. At least this is the case if you’re traveling by land. If you’re driving, your pup will appreciate being able to stretch his legs and get a little relief, especially if they’ve been cooped up in a car for a long period of time. Doing this will reduce the likelihood that your pup will have an accident and make a mess in the car.
Go on Walks
If you’re driving, you may also want to take a few breaks that allow your pup to get out some of her energy. Especially after being in a small and enclosed space for a long period of time, your furry friend might start to feel restless. This might make her feel more agitated or destructive, so if you can spare some time for a couple of walks this is highly recommended.
Try Not to Travel Alone
While you won’t always be able to travel with your pup on a plane, as some airlines have rules that don’t allow this at all, you may be able to make your dog feel comfortable if you’re driving to your destination.
By choosing to travel with another person who you trust, you’ll be able to ensure someone is always able to give your furry friend the attention he deserves. There’s also the added benefit of taking shifts for driving, as well as having another human friend to talk to while you travel.
