Family Vacations can be exciting, and as you feel your dog is another family member, consider bringing him along. Here are some helpful tips in part one of our series, 10 Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Your Dog.
1. Do A Dry Run
While you may want to bring Fido along on your next vacation, he may not feel the same way. “Practice” your vacation by spending a night in a local hotel or at a relative’s house to ensure that he will be comfortable in a similar setting throughout your trip.
2. Update ID
Be sure to check your dog’s microchip information and ID tags to ensure they have a cell phone number where you can be reached anytime, anywhere. You might also consider adding a second tag with the address and phone number of the location where you will be when traveling.
3. Bring Medical Records
You should bring along a copy of your dog’s medical history, his vaccinations, and any current medications he might be taking. These will be crucial in the event you need to rush your dog to an emergency veterinarian location while you are traveling. You might also consider looking up the nearest Emergency Vet Hospital for information about where you will be staying. This information could make all the difference in saving precious time should an emergency occur.
4. Pack a Bag
Your dog will need a bag to carry his things – an extra leash and collar, his favorite toys
(perhaps you might even buy him a couple of new ones to present to him on your trip), medications, and plenty of food.
You want to ensure a pet supply store is in stock of anything your dog requires. If your dog is sensitive, pack a few containers of water that are local to you, as some dogs will avoid drinking water that tastes different from the water they are accustomed to. You do not want him to become dehydrated.
5. Getting Ready
Even if your dog has established a routine of being in a crate or your car, he might be uncomfortable spending a lot of time during long road trips. Make sure you have a sizeable crate that you will use for your flight/road trip at least 4 weeks beforehand. Allow your dog the opportunity to nap, eat, and relax in his crate. If you are driving, take regular trips around town with him in the crate so he can get used to the feeling. If you are flying, take him to the airport several times before your trip. Remember this: This will help reduce stress for you and your dog during your road trip or plane journey.
){kind=link}