Getting Vaccinations and Packing Up
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6 Tips for Long Distance Traveling with Your Dog
I have been in situations before where I needed water for my dog and didnt have a way to give it to them.
I even had the water, but no dog bowl for it.
Even for a short trip, always have food, water, and bowls with you (or you can use dog water bottles for some extra convenience).
You also need to keep enough dog food (or dog treats) with you for the duration of the trip and a collapsible dog bowl.
That way, if there is a traffic jam, vehicle breakdown, or other issues, you have what you need to ensure your fur baby is hydrated and comfortable.
Planning for dog supplies in advance will save the headache down the road.
Ensure the safety of your dog with the right supplies
Every day I see someone on the road with their pet on their lap.
Pet owners do not realize this is very dangerous (and even illegal) – not just for your dog, but for the people in the car.
I actually know someone who got in an accident with their dog riding in the car.
There are many pet carriers, from sturdy plastic to soft bed-like ones.
If you are traveling on an airline, make sure you know that particular airlines rules and what pet carriers they allow.
If you can get a carrier small enough, they will let you put it under your seat in the cabin, so your dog is always close by.
You can also get a dog carrier with compartments for treats, medicines, and a small bowl for your journey.
If you must check your dog into baggage, choose an airline with an outstanding record of transporting pets.
Alternatively, you can get a car seat harness for your dog to strap him in and keep your pup safe and secure.
There are several types of dog seat belts, and some of the best are those that attach to the car seat tethers in newer model vehicles.
Our editor Samantha has done an extensive written and video review of several dog car seat belts and harnesses, which I recommend you check out.
Also, confirm that whatever you have will work great in case of a crash (read more here).
Finally, owners traveling by car should invest in crash-safe dog travel crates.
Only buy one that easily attaches to car seats for safety reasons, so they do not slide.
This keeps your dog safe and anxiety-free, especially for long car trips.
Always ensure that your carrier is perfect for your dog size-wise so that he has enough room to stand and turn around but not too much so that hed be sliding in the dog crate.
Watch the below video and read the guide to learn how to measure for a perfect crate.
Train your dog to like the car
If your pup only ever gets in the car when you take them to the vet, they may not view car rides in a positive light. In fact, they may even head for the hills at the mere mention of going for a drive.
If that’s the case, you’ll need to put in some groundwork to train your pup to like car rides. You can go about this with the help of a few short car trips and plenty of treats. You might need to use treats and cuddles to coax your pup into the car, then reward them for sitting calmly.
Make each of your car rides a positive experience — maybe you could take them to their favorite park or to a doggy playdate — so that they’ll be eager to jump in the car in future.
Don’t just jump in the car with your dog and head off for a long-distance adventure. Instead, let them get accustomed to car travel by taking several shorter trips first.
Once they’re comfortable with trips around your neighborhood, you can gradually progress to longer journeys. Take a day trip, then a weekend away, and before you know it your pup will hopefully be happy to join you on a long-distance road trip.
If you’re thinking of taking your dog on a road trip, planning is key. Start by heading to the vet to make sure your pooch is healthy enough to tackle a big journey. You can also take this opportunity to make sure their vaccinations are up to date, stock up on medications, and check whether there are any special hazards (like ticks) you may need to worry about at your destination.
You’ll also need to put some thought into what to pack for your pup. Some items are obvious, like a leash, water bowl, dog food, and toys, but there are other items that may be easy to forget. Remember bedding, medications, poop bags, ID tags, and anything else your pup may need to enjoy a comfortable and safe trip.
Dogs should never be left to roam freely in your vehicle. Not only can this be distracting, but they could also suffer a serious injury (or worse) if you’re involved in an accident.
That’s why it’s essential to make sure your fur-baby is safe and secure. Use a pet carrier, travel crate, or doggy car harness whenever you go traveling with a dog. And if you’re using a crate or carrier, make sure your dog is used to their enclosure before hitting the road.
It’s also worth remembering a few other basic car safety tips to ensure that your pup arrives at your destination happy and healthy. Provide plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated, keep the interior of the vehicle at a comfortable temperature, and never leave your dog locked in the car — especially on a hot day.
How Do You Travel Long Distance with a Dog in a Car? | Wag!
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