Is your dog a member of the family? Of Course! If you are anything like me, you want your member of the family to come along on road trips while traveling. Boarding your dog or finding a pet sitter can be expensive and not always the best option for your pup. Instead, traveling with your canine can be a great option depending on where you’re headed. Having your dog guarantees you with company, a snuggle buddy, and prevents you from having to board your dog in a kennel.
While driving, you might not plan for your dog to be spending much time in a crate. However, you should always be prepared and purchase a strong, safe crate. A lot of dogs tend to become antsy, even feel stress and anxiety, and need some time to unwind while on the road. A crate can provide a safe space for your dog to relieve the stress of traveling if it becomes too much. Another great product to consider while traveling with a dog is this awesome back seat cover meant to protect your seats while traveling with your dog.
Dogs thrive on routines, plain and simple. Keeping up with your feeding routine and making sure he or she stays hydrated will reduce stress and anxiety. Don’t you get crabby if you are forced to go extended periods of time without eating? Would you feel like yourself if you did not have access to water? Wouldn’t you be uncomfortable if you were unable to stop and take a bathroom break? Our dogs are the same way. While it might be a small detail to us, it can make or break the trip for our pets. Something as easy as packing a collapsible pet bowl for food and water.
As I just mentioned, it is important to take a periodic break to allow your dog to exercise and use the bathroom. A dog can quickly become destructive while cooped up in a vehicle, so stopping every few hours to let them run around is not optional…it is a must! Just like you, a dog’s bladder becomes used to a set schedule as part of his/her routine, so do not forget to stick to the schedule and routine while traveling. If you are traveling in Illinois, give us a call, but odds are you can handle cleaning up this mess all by yourself. Check out these dog poop bags to clean up after your dog does his business in public.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched a new website devoted to international pet travel. Pets are often considered part of the family, but traveling with your pet isn’t as simple as just booking a flight or driving across the border. There may be very specific steps you and your vet need to follow, as well as pet vaccinations, treatments, and/or testing that your veterinarian must document. Visit their website for additional information.
Including the dog in your travel plans is a wonderful experience for the whole family, your dog included, but there’s a lot to consider. I hope this article will be of some assistance to you and your pet while planning your next trip together! Have fun!
