Dogs are man’s best friends and for good reason, no one is more patient, loving, and faithful than a dog. Many people are averse to leaving behind their partner in crime when they travel especially when it is for outdoor enjoyment and adventure such as heading to the mountains or plains for hiking and trekking. Here are a few tips on how to travel better with a dog so that it is more convenient and comfortable for both of you.
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1. Do A Pilot Study
Different dog breeds react differently to the constraints of traveling and some may also be more hyperactive than others. Consider the characteristics of your own dog and his/her breed to make an informed decision. Usually, dogs like German Shepherds for example are less fussy travelers and can boast of considerable athletic endurance as well, making them perfect for hikes and even mountain treks!
Choose a location near your home where the terrain may be similar to your vacation destination to test drive how well your pet can function and participate. A good indicator is also how familiar and used a dog is to being placed in a car or having to wait for long periods. Additionally, consider these tips on how to travel in a car with your dog to ensure their safety.
2. A Trip To The Vet
Many destinations around the world do require up-to-date pet vaccination certificates especially if your dog is going to be on a plane. In general, you should do your research regarding insects and other concerns in the location where you are headed so you can talk to your vet about maintaining the health of your dog. Adjusting food is also common during travel as a dog may not have the same control as a human being regarding answering the call of nature.
3. Pack The Ultimate Essentials
You never want to be caught short-handed regarding the special type of food your dog likes, his/her treats, as well as essential medication for a condition you know about. When you’re away from home, you may not know the right stores (or they may not exist nearby) for these items so pack wisely so that there are no serious mishaps. Traveling is also stressful for dogs similar to the way it is for humans so changing their brand or type of food drastically depending on what is available is not ideal and your dog could end up sick with gastrointestinal disturbances.
As well as the essentials to keep your faithful friend well-fed, you should also consider ways to keep your dog safe. Even dog-friendly accommodations might not include enclosed yards or fences that are secure enough to keep your dog contained. In this situation, you might be worried about whether you can keep your dog safe and comfortable, without having to constantly take them out on the lead.
One great option is to invest in an invisible fence for dog travel. The invisible fence is worn like a collar and allows you to set boundaries for your dog, as well as track them via GPS. You can keep them safe, allow them to run freely, and you can relax all at the same time.
4. Accessorize Your Dog
Dogs are no longer our plain canine friends but can be just as glamorous and chic as their owners. Several dog accessories that are available now do more than just improve appearance, they are incredibly functional such as dog booties so they don’t injure their feet while climbing a sharp rocky hill. Invest in accessories and tools like a soft vegan leather dog collar that can improve your dog’s level of comfort as well as a sense of style in a place away from home. Tools like pet first aid kits, collapsible bowls for them to eat and drink from, and solar-powered collar lights can all prove invaluable in the great outdoors.
5. Don’t Forget The Comfort Items
Dogs can get startled easily or overwhelmed with sudden changes in location so be sure to pack some familiar, comforting items like a stuffed toy he/she loves or a blanket. If your dog always sleeps in a dog bed, you may consider bringing that along for the trip just to ensure your pet is getting some shut-eye. A great expert tip from people who travel with dogs a lot is to download special apps that alert you to dog parks and pit stops when you are on the road so your pet can stretch his/her legs and get a break from being in the car.
6. Pets Should Be Allowed Where You’re Staying
When laying down your travel plans, make a point of perusing accommodations that are suitable for pets, for example, dog-friendly hotels, even if you’re doing a vacation rental. Choosing an environment that your dog may be partially used to can help get him/her to be more cooperative and in a better mood overall. Never leave your dog to wander unsupervised in a new place where they could get injured by stray equipment or fall in a pool. At least for the first day keep them on a leash and keep tabs on their behavior and reactions.
A vacation rental software helps owners manage their properties as well as share details in a profile that could be helpful to possible short-term renters by connecting the owner to booking sites like Airbnb. Always read profiles of properties in detail before committing to a booking in the best interests of your pet.
7. Consider A Pet Carrier
Depending on the size and breed of your dog, consider taking a pet carrier with you so that your dog can accompany you on shopping trips or when you are using cabs and public transport. A pet carrier is also great as dogs can get fatigued on a trip (they do have shorter legs!) A pet carrier is also useful if you are still training your dog to be considerate of strangers or to not take off on a sprint every time something interesting pops up.
8. Prior Training Helps
Dogs are incredibly social not just towards other animals but also people. Different cultures and countries can have different responses to dogs so always do your research if you are traveling far away with a pet. In the weeks or months before you travel, make a point to teach your dog good manners as well as responses to common commands like ‘stop’ or ‘sit’ or ‘shake hands.’
The more practice you instill the more manageable your dog will be in a new and exciting environment where other people may not have the same affection for your pet as you do. You want to respect people’s personal boundaries, prevent accidents and any overzealousness on the part of your dog as well as make sure your dog is comfortable and happy.
