Four Travel Tips that Will Keep Your Dog Happy

When traveling with your dog, there are a handful of things you can do to keep him comfortable and happy as well as make life easy for you along the way. Traveling by yourself can be stressful enough without the added worry of your dog’s needs. To help you keep your dog happy and reduce your own travel stress here are four travel tips.

Do your research before you go

It is extremely important that you check out pet policies and regulations before you travel. Airlines, hotels, rental cars, and the like all have their own policies when it comes to what animals (if any) they allow in their facilities and vehicles. You will need to plan accordingly, especially when you are set on taking your dog with you on your trip. Depending on where you go, you may have to spend several months preparing your dog with vaccinations, quarantine, or whatever before they will be allowed to travel with you.

Crate your dog when traveling

You may feel bad about crating your dog, but it's both safer for your dog and easier for you as the owner. When you crate your dog while driving, you will not be distracted by her moving around or determining what he needs next to keep him occupied. When flying, many airlines require crates, though you will have to check their policies for specific regulations. No matter your method of travel, be sure that your dog has been exercised, you have not fed them a lot, and they have done their outside business before you put them in the crate.

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Take a walk after reaching your destination

No matter where you are, once you have officially stopped changing modes of transportation, take some time for a walk. Whether you are staying with a relative or at a hotel, your dog is going to need to expel some energy, so give them some room to move around. In addition, they will want to get to know their surroundings, especially if they have never been there before.

Visit the vet beforehand

It is a smart move to visit your vet before you travel and let him know that you are traveling. Depending on where you are going, there may be some precautionary measures you can take to be sure that you pet stays healthy. For example, if you decide to go on a camping trip, your vet will supply flea and worm treatments as well as others just as a precaution. Wherever you are going, your vet will have an idea of what your pet may come across and can help you plan for just in case.

A dog is generally more of a family member, so it makes sense that they should be treated just as we would treat any other family member. Plan ahead and prepare for all possibilities and you will be set to go and your pet will stay happy and healthy during your travels. If you have any concerns about your travel plans, consult your veterinarian; he may surprise you on what knowledge he has regarding pet travel.