8 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time. There are many places in the UK that now allow your pet to come on holiday with you, it might just need a little planning to get it booked. If you plan ahead and take a little care, it is easy and fun to travel with your dog, we have done it many times.

Here are some tips to make the trip easier on both you and your pet:

1. Get your dog used to riding in the car by taking them on short trips. Head out to parks and woods that are maybe a little further from home, enjoying some time outdoors as a reward for the journey. You want them to associate the fun with the car trip to think that trips in the car are fun not only ones that end up at the vet’s office.

2. If your dog tends to get carsick, don’t feed him the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty stomach will help to prevent any car sickness.

3. Bring plenty of water and a water dish along. You will need to give your dog periodic drinks of water when you stop for a rest. It will be easier to get your dog to drink if it is familiar water from home. Water in different places often smells or tastes differently, and your dog may not want to drink it.

4. Be sure to pack your dog’s food, treats, favourite bed, toys, and leash. Taking your pets favourite items from home will make settling in easier when you get to your destination.

5. If your dog uses a crate, bring that along too. If you don’t have a large vehicle, you can buy crates that fold up. When you get to your destination, you can put your dog in their crate while you go somewhere that you can’t take them along.

6. How should your dog travel in the car? Some dogs like to sit or lay on the seat, so bring a blanket to protect the upholstery. Other dogs may need to be kept in a crate in the car. Be sure the crate can’t slide around and scare the dog while you’re driving. You can also purchase dog seat belts to keep your dog safe while sitting in the car if you would prefer them to be on the seat.

7. Make a stop every few hours to walk your dog and give him some water. Some dogs are frightened by the noisy trucks driving by, so try to walk in a quiet area. Don’t forget your poo bags though, no doubt there will need to be a toilet break at some point!

8. If your dog is anxious about staying in a hotel or strange house at your destination, he might not eat or drink. You don’t want him to get dehydrated, so be sure to get him to drink, at least. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the dog’s water. That will usually get him to lap it right up. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the food too.

The first trip might be a bit nerve-wracking for all, just make sure you take your time. If you factor in the breaks you may need to make, anything you save time on is always a bonus. Our pug always snoozes in her crate for our trips, she has no problem sleeping at all. Though she does appreciate the pit stops where she can get out and stretch her legs and have a little nosey!

I’d love to hear your travel tips if you have been away with your dog.