5 Crucial Tips for Traveling With Your Dog from Someone Who’s Dog Goes Almost Everywhere

Last Updated on: 19th September 2021, 01:08 pm

Whenever I have the chance, we let Lucy, my thirteen-year-old Shih Tzu, tag along on my travels. Or better put, I can’t live without her, even on the road. Whenever I  am unable to taker her somewhere with me on a trip, I can’t stop constantly worrying about her health and well-being while I am away. However, traveling with your dog comes with more than a few headaches and complications since many countries are not dog-friendly.

Whether you take a short trip to relax or are traveling to a faraway destination for a business meeting, you should always consider making it as comfortable for your dog as possible. Sometimes, it can even mean that you will have to face some discomfort yourself. Like running with a dog and a toddler simultaneously all the way from Border Control to the Gate, but I digress.

To not overwhelm yourself with duties, you should make some special preparations before you start traveling with your furry friend. Also, make sure you check out the most dog-friendly places to visit. It can be a lot easier to travel with a dog if the place you are traveling to actually wants your dog there! Once you know where and how to travel with your dog, you’ll be able to enjoy your time off fully.

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Make Your Dog Comfortable in the Car

A car can be a stressful environment for your dog. It is noisy, and there are many people around, not to mention that your dog’s instinct is to run to chase something. Even when you have an RV from a site like Oaktree Motorhomes, your dog might not be thrilled to take a ride.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that you put your dog in a crate or a secure carrier if you have one. It will help keep your dog calm while you drive to your destination. If you don’t have a carrier, don’t be afraid to get creative and find alternatives. You can even try to create a seat for your dog out of blankets and pillows.

Bring Dog Food and Water

Make sure that you have enough food for the trip and that it is high quality and nutritious. You should also bring some water for your dog so that it can drink whenever it wants. However, it is even more important to bring treats with you. Your dog will have a hard time adjusting to the change of scenery and surroundings as well as the noises.

To make things more bearable for your dog, you can give it some treats during the car ride or when you stop at a gas station. Also, consider bringing some toys along with you – they will keep your pup company while you drive.

Avoid Stressful Situations

While you cannot wait to explore a traveling destination you saw on Kandoo Adventures, you should think about the needs of your pet. With all the unknown people and animals around, it can quickly become scared or hostile towards others.

It is best if you could avoid having to take your dog through crowded places. If you really want to visit such sites with your dog, make sure that you go through them early in the morning or late in the afternoon rather than during rush hour. Also, try to avoid taking your dog inside big stores and malls unless it is absolutely necessary.

If you must take it inside, then make sure that your dog remains on a leash and close to you at all times. Otherwise, there is a big chance not only for your dog to get lost but also attacked by other dogs who might be carrying diseases. Not to mention any legal problems you may undergo for letting your pet run around freely.

Take All the Necessary Pet-Related Documents

This is especially true if you will be flying with your dog. If you’re planning to go abroad, you will need to ensure your dog has valid health records. It works similar to our passports, and they are necessary to prove your furry friend is healthy and vaccinated. They will also come in handy when visiting a vet abroad.

The best idea is to make several copies of your dog’s health records. That way, you will have peace of mind that you have got your dog covered in case of an emergency.

Do Your Research First

That is actually a crucial step to take, as not all countries are pet-friendly. Depending on your destination, the policies for allowing your pet entry may vary. For instance, some may require only rabies vaccine proof and health records. On the other hand, some countries require pet quarantine and high-fees. There are also places where certain dog breeds are banned.

Usually, the islands are the most difficult to enter with a dog. Countries like Australia, Japan, or Iceland have rigorous pet policies. With all that in mind, it is best to do the research before choosing the place you want to visit with your dog.

The Bottom Line

Traveling with your dog can be a great fun, and exciting experience. However, it is also a great responsibility. You need to consider many things before and during your trip, which is too overwhelming for many people. As you can see, though, with the right attitude and planning, taking your dog with you shouldn’t cause too much trouble.

All you need to do is remember your dog’s comfort and needs during the trip. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you. It’s also vital to do research before choosing the destination. Aside from that, it is business as usual for any dog owner.

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