How to Travel with Your Dog: A Guide for the Well-Traveled Canine

There are many joys in life, but few compare to the unconditional love of a dog. There’s no better way to add meaning and excitement to your life than by adopting a dog as your best friend. As such, you might be wondering how to travel with your dog. Are you ready to take them with you on vacation? Do you want them to come along on business trips? Wherever your life leads you and your four-legged friend, the tips in this article will assist you both in traveling together. After all, dogs are man’s best friend for a reason.

Know Before You Travel With Your Dog

Before you travel with your dog in your car or let them out of the crate, you should know where you are traveling. Different destinations and cities have different regulations and policies on dogs. Some places, particularly in Asia, are not dog-friendly at all, while others welcome pet owners with open arms. This knowledge can help you decide on where and when to travel with your dog. Knowing the climate and temperature of your destination is also crucial. If you are going to a desert, for example, it will be extremely hot for your dog, who has significantly less sweat glands than humans do. Likewise, if you are going to a cold climate, you will have to take special care for your dog. Different parts of the world have different diseases that your dog may be exposed to. Your veterinarian can help you stay up to date on any vaccinations your dog might need before traveling.

The Right Dog Crate

Most airlines allow dogs in the cabin, and many even allow dogs on your lap when you travel with your dog. That said, having your dog in the cabin with you is an incredibly stressful situation for your dog. If you plan to fly with your dog, you need to invest in a hard-sided dog crate. 

The right dog crate will keep your dog safe and secure while allowing them to feel as though they are in a den. This will help reduce the stress of travel and keep them from barking or otherwise causing a disturbance in the cabin. You can find suitable dog crates at pet supply stores or online. A good quality dog crate will last you many years and will prove invaluable for future travels with your dog.

For car travelling, Family Pooch offers three options for keeping safety in mind as you travel with your dog.  

There is the Dog Seat Belt, which will keep your pup safe staying put; the Dog Car Booster Seat, which is a soft-sided crate for smaller dogs; and lastly the Dog Car Seat Cover which protects your dog, and your car interior.

A Well-Equipped Dog Bag

You know how important it is to pack the right suitcase for your trip, but do you know what is important for your dog? You are going to want to pack a few things for your dog that will help them travel more comfortably. One important item you should pack is a dog's first aid kit. This will come in handy if your dog gets injured or sick while on vacation with you. A dog first aid kit will have everything you need for minor injuries, such as bandages and anti-inflammatory medication. You should also pack a travel water bowl and a portable food bowl that your dog can eat out of on the go. You’ll also want to pack some toys to keep your dog entertained on long car rides. No matter what you bring, make sure it is small enough that your dog can’t chew or break it while you are traveling.

Before You Start Your Journey

Before you head out on your journey to travel with your dog, you will want to make sure they are adequately vaccinated. Your dog should be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, as well as any other vaccines specific to your region of the world. 

Additionally, make sure you have enough dog food and water for the trip. If you are going to be out on the road for a long time, you may want to consider adding some meat to their diet. This will help keep them hydrated and healthy during the trip. Try to minimize the amount of time your dog is in their travel crate. While in the crate, your dog should have plenty of water, appropriate food, and toys to keep them busy and happy. When your dog is out of the crate, you should be hyper-vigilant. 

As you travel with your dog, watch out for signs of overexertion, like excessive panting, and make sure your dog is hydrated. You should also keep your dog on a leash at all times when outside, particularly in areas where they are likely to be attacked by wild animals.

In-Vehicle Safety for Dogs

There are a few ways you can keep your dog safe and happy as you travel with your dog in the car. First, make sure your dog is comfortable. You can do this by putting a car seat cover or a Dog Cooling Mat over the seat they are sitting in. This will help keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You should also make sure your dog is wearing a seat belt. This is much more important than it is for humans. If your dog is not restrained, they can be thrown around in the car, injuring themselves. You can either put a dog seat belt on your dog’s regular collar or buy a special harness designed for this purpose.

Where to Stay with Your Dog

Before you travel with your dog, you need to consider where you will stay overnight.

You can stay in pet-friendly hotels, but you will likely find that many hotels will not allow dogs unless you pay extra to have a pet-friendly room. You can also stay with friends or family who have dogs, assuming they are welcoming. If you are going to stay at a hotel, try to book a room on the first floor, as getting up and down stairs with a dog can be very difficult. If you are not staying at a hotel, make sure you have a place where your dog can go potty while you are away. You can either do this indoors or outdoors. If you are outdoors, make sure your dog has a healthy amount of space to roam. And make sure they have a roof over their head during inclement weather. Your dog should also be protected from local wildlife. If there are poisonous creatures nearby, make sure your dog is securely contained.

The Conclusion

Dogs are incredible animals with so much love to give. They are involved in countless philanthropic organizations and make wonderful therapy animals. The best way to travel with your dog is to plan ahead. Make sure both you and your dog are up-to-date on their vaccinations and pack appropriately. When you are on the road, make sure your dog has plenty of water, is restrained when necessary, and has a safe place to go potty. When you travel with your dog, you are showing them how much you love them and how thankful you are for their companionship.