Preparing for a trip can be a very stressful time. Especially when you have decided to take the family dog with you. Here are just some of the things to consider before taking that road trip: How long is the trip? What dog supplies should you bring? What hotels accept pets? What if your dog has a medical emergency?
So you’re planning a vacation and you’ve decided to take your dog with you. Great idea! However, you have a small problem. You’ve never taken your dog on a road trip with you before. And now that? Fortunately, other people have done this and are willing to share some great tips on traveling with your dog. I have traveled numerous times with my dog Jake. He’s a pro now! Every dog is different. Some dogs can make a trip pleasant, while others can make it a very bad experience. There are a couple things to consider before taking your dog on a road trip with you.
How long is the trip?
Is this the first time your pet will be traveling with you on a road trip? Even if you have traveled with other dogs before, all dogs are different. Some can tolerate being in the car for a long time. And others can’t.
Here are some things to help your dog get used to traveling in a car and avoid motion sickness. Start by taking your dog for the short wrinkles, perhaps to the store, then gradually start taking him for the longer wrinkles. Usually after a few short trips they should have gotten over their dizziness. If this doesn’t work, I would consider taking your dog to the kennel. It’s no fun traveling with a sick or unhappy dog.
Are you going to travel on windy roads? Some dogs can get car sick. I remember traveling with my dog, Jake, for the first time to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. After about 10 minutes on the windy roads, he started to get sick. We had to stop and let him get some fresh air. Over time he got used to the windy roads. We still travel there often with him and he loves it!
Is your pet in good condition to travel?
Just like when you’re on the road, if you don’t feel well enough for it, your dog won’t either. I recommend taking your dog to the vet for a checkup. This also gives you the opportunity to make sure your dog is up to date on all of his vaccinations. It is strongly recommended that you bring a copy of his records on your trip. Some states may require you to have them with you. Your vet may know which states require health certificates and proof of rabies vaccination. If not, check with the animal protection society.
Depending on where you are traveling, other vaccinations you may want to consider are the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination and the Lyme disease vaccination. If he thinks there’s a small chance your dog is around other canines, your vet might suggest the Bordetella vaccine. Kennel cough is highly contagious. He would also consider Lyme vaccination if he travels to the Northeast, where Lyme disease is prominent. Lyme disease is usually transmitted through a tick bite. In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, I would check your dog for ticks when he comes in from outside.
Although your dog may not have fleas or ticks now, wherever you travel, they may. Before you leave for your trip, I recommend using Frontline on your dogs to help prevent a flea or tick infestation.
Dog accessories that you should take with you
Dogs have luggage too. Your dog may be anxious and excited to go on a trip. To help relieve some of his stress, he packs some of his favorite toys and his favorite blanket to snuggle with.
Bring your dog carrier or crate if they have one. This will make the trips of the dogs safe for them and for you. If you have to stop suddenly, your dog can become a projectile that can cause serious injury or death.
Be sure to bring plenty of food and water for them. Not all convenience stores are convenient for your pet and may not carry dog food. Don’t forget your dog’s food and water bowl. As Jake will be sure to remind you, dog treats are a must!
and for the just in cases; You never know when your dog might run away from you. He will be in a strange, unfamiliar place and he may not be able to find his way back to you. Make sure your dog has his tags. One of the tags should have your dog’s name, your name, address, and a phone number. Jake has our cell phone number on him so we can always be contacted. You can always microchip your dog. This is a great option, however the average person does not have the device to scan it. You would also have your rabies tag and license on your dog as well.
Also, don’t forget to bring a first aid kit. This brings us to the next tip…
What if your dog has a medical emergency?
There is always the small chance that your dog may need medical attention. Make a list of animal hospitals for the areas you will be traveling to. I recommend locating those that have after-hours. On your list, you would print directions or even better, a small map. Google Maps is a popular mapping engine used to get directions.
What if you have to spend the night in a hotel?
Research the area you will be visiting or traveling through before you leave, even if you don’t plan to stop. Plans can change, forcing you to spend the night somewhere in a hotel. Not all hotels allow pets in their rooms.
Be sure to read your hotel’s pet policy. Some may have a size limit. While some hotels do not charge for your pet, others do. Sometimes it’s a one-time fee and sometimes they charge per night. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Conclusion
Planning ahead is the key to a successful road trip with your dog. By planning ahead, you take some of the stress out of traveling. Be prepared, do your research, and make a checklist of things to do before your trip. Happy journey!