Important Things To Keep In Mind When Traveling With Your Dog
Besides being a joy, owning a dog can also be a responsibility. You need to supply food, water, exercise, and provide care and support when it is old. In turn, you will have a faithful companion who’s with you wherever you go. Traveling with your furry friend can be a lot of fun, but it is important to consider a few things before you hit the road. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important aspects to keep in mind when traveling with your dog.
First Aid Kit
This is a collection of supplies and tools used for treating any injuries your dog sustains. It is always best to be prepared for anything, and having a first aid kit specifically for your dog can be a real lifesaver. At the very least, your kit should include:
- an Elizabethan collar
- a roll of self-adhesive/crepe bandage that’s 5cm wide
- a box of cotton wool
- non-adhesive absorbent dressings (to cover exposed wounds) sized 5cm x 5cm
- a thick towel
- surgical sticky tape
- conforming/open weave bandages (2.5cm width)
- a box of sterile absorbent gauze
- blunt end scissors (preferably curved)
You should also bring a pet first aid book and phone numbers for your veterinarian, the nearest emergency vet clinic, and the poison control center. If your dog’s injured (and potentially you/others during the same incident) because of someone else’s negligence you may be able to sue them. As indicated by the attorneys at Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm, many personal injury lawyers have a ‘no win, no fee’ policy. People want to read client reviews and access attorneys with decades of experience who can achieve record-setting verdicts.
Food And Water
Water’s important because dogs can get dehydrated very easily, especially if they are exercising a lot or in a hot climate. Pack enough food and water for your dog to last the whole trip, plus some extra in case of emergencies (e.g. accidents, traffic delays). You may also want to bring along some electrolyte supplements to keep your dog hydrated and pack some snacks for them to enjoy along the way.
Some items you will need for this purpose include a bowl or bottle of water, a supply of their regular food, and something to put it in.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to have a stash of calming dog treats as they can help alleviate any anxiety or stress your dog may experience during the journey. This way, you can ensure your dog stays hydrated, nourished, and relaxed throughout the trip.
Vaccinations And Identity Equipment
It is important to make sure that your dog’s up to date on all of his vaccinations. This will help to keep him safe from any diseases he may come in contact with while on the road. There are a variety of different vaccinations that dogs can get, so talk to your veterinarian about which ones are right for your pet.
It is invaluable for your dog to have a collar and ID tag with his name and your contact information on it. If your pet should happen to get lost while you are away, this will help someone return him safely back to you. It is also a good idea to microchip your dog as an extra measure of protection. This way, if he does get lost and is taken to a shelter or vet, he can be scanned for his microchip and you can be contacted right away.
Restraining Your Dog
Keeping your dog properly restrained while traveling is essential for a few reasons. First and foremost, it is the law in many states. Secondly, it is for your dog’s safety and well-being. And lastly, it helps to keep everyone else in the car safe too. If he’s not securely held and something happens, he could become a projectile and injure himself or someone else in the car.
You could use a seat belt harness (which attaches to your dog’s regular collar or harness and then clicks into the seat belt latch of your car). You could alternatively use a pet barrier, which is placed in between the front and back seats of your car, keeping your dog from being able to jump into the front seat or climb over into the backseat area. Whichever method you choose, make sure that it is secure and that your dog can’t escape from it.
Frequent Breaks
This is important because your dog needs to be able to stretch his legs and take bathroom breaks just like you do. Secondly, if you are on a long road trip, your dog is going to get stir-crazy if he’s stuck in the car for hours on end without a break. Lastly, taking frequent breaks gives you an opportunity to check on your dog and make sure he’s comfortable and not too hot/cold.
When stopping for breaks, always put your dog on a leash before letting it out of the car. This way you can be sure that it doesn’t run off and get lost. Be sure to bring along a baggie to clean up after it because nobody likes stepping in dog poop – least of all the people at the gas station or rest stop.
Comfort Toys And Overfeeding
Your dog’s going to be a lot more comfortable if he has something from home with him while he’s traveling. If you bring his favorite toy or blanket, it will help him feel more at ease in an unfamiliar place. Bring along anything else that will help your dog stay calm and relaxed, such as a chew toy or treat.
The main reason you shouldn’t overfeed your dog before you begin your journey is to preserve his health. A furry friend who has just eaten is more likely to get car sick than one who hasn’t eaten in a little while. So, it is best to feed your dog a small meal about an hour or two before you hit the road. This will help to keep his stomach settled during the drive.
These have been some of the major things you need to understand about dogs and travel. By applying these tips you will be all set for your journey, and so will your pet. Thanks to some time and preparation you will all have a great experience and will return later full of happy memories.
