A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog Pets are the best friends given by nature, with their home coming they soon become a part of family and every decision taken for the family has some buffer for pets too. And same applies for family trips, be it short travel or long destination trips taking care of the canine companion becomes important. Following are some important tips that will make your journey with pets as smooth as possible.
Road trips 1. Trial test run- Before planning for a long trip, take shorter rides to check your pet’s response. Does he feel sick? Does he get anxious? 2. Buckle up- Ensure buckling up your pet friend with a pet barrier, pet seat belt, pet car seat to avoid any mishap by an unrestrained dog in the front seat. 3. Keep heads and paws inside- A restrained dog may not be able to stick his head outside the window, but this surely will protect him from possible ear damage or lung infections. A dual benefit of pet barrier for the safety of your own pet.
A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog 4. Preparing for emergencies- Keep your pet’s medical records handy in case of an emergency and also attach a tag to your pet’s collar mentioning the address and contact details of where you’ll be staying. 5. Pit stops- Stop every two-three hours to allow your pet some space, a leak or get some exercise to avoid their straining. 6. Hydrate- Keep your pet sufficiently hydrated during the journey, keeping a gallon or two of cold water may make it easy. 7. Don’t leave them alone- never commit a mistake to leave your pets alone in closed cars, because on a hot scorching day the internal temperature of car may rise which can prove to be deadly for your pets. If you visit a destination that doesn’t allow pets, keep your pet at a pet friendly hotel or leave them at home. 8. Pet friendly hotels- Book pet-friendly hotels, and look for destinations where you’re allowed to take your pets.
Flying trips 1. Fit for flying- Consult your veterinarian before embarking on a trip, especially if your pet hasn’t traveled before or if it has any health
A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog concerns. Also, some breeds don’t travel well in cargo, such as snubnosed dogs like pugs, which are prone to breathing difficulties. Many major airlines no longer allow such breeds to fly in the cargo. 2. Research Time- A thorough research needs to be done on regulations and fees of airlines, whether your pet flies in the cabin or as checked baggage, airline’s history of flying animals so as to avoid any crisis which may occur due to any of the above stated reasons. 3. Consider a pets-only airline- If possible select a pets-only airline for a comfortable journey of your pet as they have climate controlled cabins, a dedicated flight attendant to keep a check on your pets. And after landing pet owners can pick their pets from the pet lounge. 4. Pet vaccines- In cases of travelling outside country ensure the vaccinations your pet might need. 5. Prepare the carrier- an appropriate carrier with sufficient room space for your pet to turn around and stand without hitting his head is the must preparation to make. If your pet hasn’t travelled before, spend some time getting the pet used to being in the carrier.
A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog
6. ID tags- Attach contact information to both your pet’s collar and its carrier. 7. Exercise- Before the flight, play or take your pet for a walk. The more tired your pet is, the more likely it is to sleep during the trip. 8. ThunderShirt- The ThunderShirt is a wearable solution that can be used to help your pet with dog separation anxiety, travel stress, fear or thunder and other loud noises, and other canine anxieties. 9. Relax- use aromatic lavender oil as an “association scent” to help your pet relaxed while flying. In the weeks before the flight, put a drop of oil on your hands at feeding times or before walks. Once onboard, “the positive association will allow the pet to calm down and remain relaxed.” 10. Familiarity- Keep a familiar blanket or toy with your pet to help it feel more comfortable during the trip. Adhering to the afore mentioned guidelines will make you journey with your pet friend not only smooth but worth remembering.