Spring and summer are the most remarkable seasons to travel with your family and loved ones, including your dogs. Still, planning the trip and packing all of the essentials ahead of time isn’t always easy, especially if you’re determined to bring your four-legged family members along. That’s why we’ve compiled valuable tips and suggestions to help you prepare for your vacation with your dog and be ready for any surprises that fate may decide to throw your way.
Before you pack your belongings and lock the door behind you, make sure you have all of the necessary materials on hand for your dogs, such as collars, leashes, toys, medications, and food.
Considerations When Traveling With Your Pet
Getting out on the road and spending additional quality time together will help deepen your relationship, plus you’ll get to see a new destination. Before you leave town, double-check that you’ve packed everything you’ll need to keep your pet secure, comfortable, and happy for the length of your journey. When traveling with your dogs, keep these pointers in mind.
1. Handle Treats and Food with Love
Pet foods are more susceptible to spoiling when the weather is warmer. Foods heavy in fat, especially foods that have been supplemented with fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids, are more prone to spoil (because the fats may break down) and to make your dog ill. Pet food and treats should be kept in an airtight container.
Utilize a cooler to keep food fresh and dry, and instead of leaving the food in your hot vehicle, bring it inside your hotel room. You can ask your dental vet for treats that are healthy for your pets teeth. If you want to know more about it, you can click here.
2. Give Ample Amount of Water
When dogs don’t receive enough water, they might experience heatstroke. Use a snap-in water dish for crates or have a foldable dog bowl available. Make sure to stop the water every couple of hours. Also, keep in mind that several dogs may refuse to drink water that tastes or smells different from the water they consume at home.
If you have a picky dog, bring extra water with you and establish a strategy to gradually acclimate your pet to the taste of the water at his destination if you’re going to be on the road for a long time. If your pet has skin problems, you should consult your vet dermatologist before traveling.
3. Give Your Pet’s Special Treats
Even if you’re only stopping for ice cream on the way somewhere, it’s OK to give your dog a tiny vanilla cone now and again. While you shouldn’t overdo it with treats like these (they should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake), it may be enjoyable to spoil your dog on occasion.
4. Avoid Motion Sickness
Your veterinarian may give motion-sickness medicine if your pet becomes car sick while you’re traveling. If your dog has diarrhea caused by stress, you may also try adding one teaspoon of a fiber supplement to their meal (look for psyllium with no added sweetener or flavors). Car sickness may strike at any moment, so be prepared with lots of paper towels and cleaning materials if you fear your pet will be sick. You can ask about it from a reputable vet facility like pet clinic Little Elm.
5. Go for a Walk
After being cooped up in the van, your dog is undoubtedly yearning for a stroll, and it’s beneficial for you as well. You’ll probably be stopping regularly for both human and canine toilet breaks anyhow, so get some exercise. Make pit breaks along the road where you can walk for a few minutes—even a few laps around the parking lot counts.
