Dogs love to go for rides. A dog will happily get into any vehicle going anywhere. – Dave Barry

Dogs know when you’re traveling long before you say the word, “Bye.” From the moment you pull out a suitcase from the loft till the minute you’re all packed and set, your dog knows you’re off somewhere. But how does one ignore the subtle cries, the whimpers, and the constant expression of sadness? It’s all too much for pet parents to take. So, why not travel with your dog and make it a happy family trip for all?  

If you have travel on your mind and you’re determined to take your dog with you this time, you’re probably thinking, How do I prepare my dog for travel? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know. 

 

Visit Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian is the best person to tell you whether your dog is fit to travel. From long car rides to flights, traveling can be a stressful ordeal for most dog breeds. Consulting a vet and getting your dog examined by a professional will set your mind at ease and give you a clearer understanding of how travel could affect your dog’s overall wellbeing. 

Your dog’s travel health certificate is like its boarding pass. with it, traveling becomes that much simpler and safer for your dog and you.

 

Acquaint Your Dog With A Dog Harness/Seat Belt Harness

Just like leash training for daily walks, dogs need to get accustomed to wearing a seat belt harness for long road trips. Given the fact that most dogs detest feeling restricted, getting your dog used to a seat belt harness might take some time. However, slowly but surely, your pup will get the hang of it and adjust its behaviors accordingly. 

Before traveling with your dog, take it on a few short rides with the harness fastened. Eventually, the harness won’t bother your pup anymore and it will only focus on all the fun it’s going to have on the road. 

 

Get Your Dog Microchipped

Are you traveling with your dog for the first time? Get your dog microchipped. Especially when traveling, microchips can help you make sure your dog is safe at all times. 

No matter how obedient your dog is, a new environment could provoke unpredictable behavior. If your dog gets lost or if something happens to you on your trip, you can rest assured that your dog will be taken care of if it’s microchipped. 

 

Purchase Enough Dog Food 

While there are plenty of human foods that dogs can eat, stocking up on enough dog food makes life that much simpler for you and your dog. On trips, some dogs tend to get fussy about what they eat. Since dog food is something your dog is used to, carrying enough of it will make sure your dog eats well on the journey. 

After all, a well-fed dog is a happy dog and you need your dog to be content and satisfied, especially when you’re traveling. 

 

Bring Your Dog’s Favorite Toys

Travel can make your dog homesick or nervous at times. Are you worried and thinking, What can I give my dog for traveling? To cheer your pup up, carry its favorite toys on your trip. If the journey is long, your dog might feel bored and restless. Having its toys around will keep your pup distracted and happily occupied.

Once it smells its scent on the toys, your dog will feel at ease and instantly comfortable, especially in unknown territory.

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Pack Plenty Of Blankets And Other Comfortable Items

If humans can get sick and tired of sitting in a car seat for prolonged periods, imagine what your dog would go through. Make the space warm and snug, with its favorite blankets, and other items that remind your dog of home. Even towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, and socks that have a familiar scent on them will work nicely. 

Wondering, What can I give my dog to keep him calm while traveling? Go that extra mile and build a nice fort with soft cushions to make your dog feel secure and cozy in the car.

 

Pack Your Dog’s Leash

Ideally, you should take breaks and get your dog out of the car for a much-needed breather. In this case, tethering your dog to a leash is a good idea. Without the leash, it might get difficult to control your dog’s movements and you don’t want your dog to run into any kind of trouble while traveling. 

Wondering, How do I calm my dog when I travel? Pack your dog’s leash and use it whenever you step out on the road. A short walk on the leash will help your dog feel less tense and stressed. 

 

Purchase A Dog Crate

Going on a long adventure and thinking, How do I prepare my dog for travel? Start by purchasing a dog crate. While it isn’t necessary to use a dog crate in a car, you will need to get your dog acquainted with a dog crate if you’re traveling by air. Since most airlines are particular about transporting dogs in crates, you might want to make sure your dog is comfortable being in one before you travel. 

While it does take a little bit of practice to get used to, your dog will begin to feel more secure and protected in a crate. 

 

Pack Plenty Of Doggy Waste Bags 

Don’t be surprised if your dog gets a little sick on a long drive because of motion sickness. If you’re taking routes that are winding and curvy, your dog may feel worse. Pack plenty of doggy waste bags and keep them handy. 

With doggy waste bags, you won’t need to stop the car every time your dog wants to vomit or drool. These bags also help keep the car clean throughout the trip.

 

Create Or Purchase A Dog Travel First Aid Kit

A tiny scratch or wound while traveling is completely normal. If you have a travel first aid kit for all the humans in the car, you might want to make or buy one for your dog, too. The raging excitement and over-the-top hyperactivity caused due to being in the car could hurt your dog – a little bump on the knee or nose. 

Having bandages, ointments, and antiseptic solutions can help manage sudden, accidental situations. 

 

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Build A List Of Medical Professionals On Your Route And At Your Destination 

Just like humans, dogs also have days when they feel a bit under the weather. Since your vet can’t travel with you everywhere you go, you may have to reach out to other doctors or professionals on your route and at your destination. 

Prepare for such a situation beforehand by creating a list of medical and veterinary facilities you could go to while you’re traveling. 

Having accessible contact numbers or addresses will save you the last-minute trouble of finding help when you need it the most.

 

Stock Up On Your Dog’s Medications 

Finding doggy medicines on highways can be stressful. If your dog is prone to certain allergies and illnesses, it’s best to have appropriate medications on board. It’s often troublesome to find well-reputed and well-stocked pet pharmacies when you’re away from the city. 

Even if your dog is well before the trip, always carry its medications just to be safe and prepared to better cope with things like allergies, motion sickness, fever, diarrhea, and constipation. 

 

To Sum It Up 

Pet parents often worry about traveling with their dogs. While the task may seem a bit daunting at first, it only gets better and easier to manage with every trip. 

If you were thinking, How do I prepare my dog for travel? We’ve listed 15 useful tips that will make you and your dog travel-ready. Now that you have all the information you need, you can gladly and comfortably travel with your dog instead of leaving them behind. 

Published: 2021-11-03 10:58:15