Traveling with Dogs

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There may come a time when you want to take your canine companion on a trip with you, and when that time comes it is important to be well prepared for your trip. There are several things you should do to be well prepared, and a few points to be wary of while traveling.

Preparation

Before leaving with your dog, you need to make sure your dog is all set to go with everything they need.
Pack for your dog’s needs – If you are bringing your dog to an unfamiliar place, familiar items will help them settle more easily. If you can, try to bring their own food and water dish, bedding, and toys. Try to bring the food they are used to, unless you are able to buy it where you are going. It would also be wise to bring a first aid kit designed for your dog.

Tags - Your dog’s tags are very important. Be sure that your dog wears a secure collar with a home address and phone number tag. Since you will be traveling, the chances that your dog will become lost significantly increases. In today’s standards, getting your dog micro-chipped is fairly cheap. If you plan on doing a great deal of traveling with your dog, it may be a worthy investment. This serves as a permanent form of ID that can be scanned by any pound that may pick him or her up.

Veterinarian Visit – If you are overdue for a visit to the vet, it would be wise to go before you begin your trip. Not only does it ensure your dog’s health, but it allows you to get a health certificate for your travels. By request, the veterinarian can also give you a sedative for your dog, to help calm them on the trip.
Transportation

If you are taking your dog with you in your vehicle, there are a few things you should be aware of to transport them safely. Firstly, dogs can get carsick just as humans can, so try to minimize feeding on the trip, and wherever you do decide to put them, make sure they have an easy exit just in case it looks like they are going to vomit.
You are going to want to ensure that your dog is secure when transporting them. If you can, the ideal situation would be to crate them. If not, you can purchase harnesses to keep your pet secure. Even though your dog may love it, never put them in the back of a pickup truck without taking the proper precautions s. It is estimated that over 100,000 dogs die each year from falling out the back of a car or truck.
Try to keep your dog from hanging their head out the window too much. Not only can they get hit by bugs and flying debris, but the air being forced into their lungs can lead to sickness. Mind the temperature when you are in the car to prevent your dog from developing a cold or becoming dehydrated. Never leave your dog in the car by itself for more than a few minutes at a time, especially in the summer. Lastly, take frequent breaks so both of you can stretch your legs, grab a drink, and use the bathroom.

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