More and more people are traveling with their dogs these days.
It’s great for the dogs, who otherwise might be sent off to the kennel or sentenced to a lot of boring hours spent indoors waiting for the pet sitter to come and take them for a walk. But, it does mean more work for the adult trip planners who have to pack the family members’ bags as well as the dog’s travel bag.
A little planning before you and the dog leave home can go a long way in minimizing stress and insuring that you have the dog’s basic needs covered for the time you and the family are away from home.
Start by getting a travel bag for the dog. You want one that is big enough to hold the dog’s food and water bowls as well as the items needed to fill them.
There are a few basic items that should be included in your pet’s travel luggage. First, count the days you will be away and pack enough food to cover your dog. It is a good idea to include a little extra. You never know when something like foul weather may come up and delay your return home.
Be sure to include plenty of treats in the dog’s travel bag. It’s nice to have plenty on hand so that you can reward your dog’s good behavior when he or she sits quietly when the family stops to dine.
You can choose to carry the water and food bowls that you use at home or you can pack portable ones for the trip.
Be sure to pack plenty of fresh water. Bottled water that can be purchased at the store is one option. Another is to carry a large thermos that you can fill with fresh water when you stop for a break. Don’t freeze water bottles for later use. Many of the plastics contain chemicals that are unhealthy to consume.
Don’t forget to pack the leash. You will need it for travel breaks and potty walks.
If your dog is used to sleeping on the bed with you, please think about the fact that other people aren’t going to be happy about the hair your pet leaves behind. It is a good idea to carry a bed with you. If your dog doesn’t like sleeping in a pet bed, at least carry a sheet or blanket that you can use to cover the bedding to minimize the amount of hair left behind.
It is a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit in the event your dog is injured. Roadside stops can expose your dog’s feet to broken glass and a host of other things that shouldn’t have left along the roadside.
If your dog takes medication, be sure to pack plenty. It is a good idea to carry extra. A few pills add very little weight to the travel bag.
Pack at least one towel that you can use to dry your dog or wipe his or her feet. This will help keep your vehicle from getting trashed.
Include a few of your dog’s favorite toys. No matter where they are, dogs like to have some fun and they need to burn off some excess energy. The right toys can help your dog do this is a safe manner.
In addition to the above items, there are some things that it is just wise to carry. Make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag that is easily visible. Ideally, it is a good idea to have two identification tags for the dog. One should include the important home contact information such as the dog’s name, your name, address and phone number. A second travel tag should include information about how to contact you while you and your dog are away from home. If you carry a cell phone, remember to include that contact information.
There are also pet protection services that you can enroll with. These services can provide the latest and most up-to-date information about your dog’s whereabouts.
It is a good idea to carry the dog’s health certificate. Your dog’s veterinarian will supply this and it will include information about vaccinations and your dog’s health. Remember to check that your dog has its current shots before you leave home.
If your dog is used to being in a crate, take it along if space permits. The crate can offer your dog security away from home.
You should research information about 24-hour veterinary clinics in and around your travel destination. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. If you are staying with family or friends, they may have the information you need. If not, do a little online searching before you leave your home with the dog.
There are a couple of websites that can provide you with helpful travel information. Visit www.dogfriendly.com or www.dogpark.com for a list of parks and dog-friendly stops along your travel route. These sites are a valuable source of information for lots of dog-friendly places and events.
Carry a recent photograph of your dog in the event that he or she becomes lost or separated from you. This can be a helpful identification tool if your dog is lost during your travels. It is also a good means of proving that the found dog is yours.
A little forethought can go a long way in preparing for a problem-free trip. Failure to prepare can have you searching unknown areas for dog food and supplies. If your dog is injured in the middle of the night in a campground, what are you going to do? It can be difficult to find a telephone book these days. Those who have cell phone data programs can access the Internet, but those who have basic plans will not be able to access emergency information. Having the information at your fingertips can mean the difference between a dire situation and an easy solution.
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