As a pupper parent, we all miss the leash-free friendship with our pooch while we are away.
But is it so hard to take them with us in traveling? Surely not. Adding a sweet dachshund or a playful retriever won’t make it too difficult. A trip planned ahead with proper guidelines can lead to a successful car or a flytastic journey with your furry friend.
So here, I’ll share a few of my tips with you so that you can spend some quality time with your paw-some friend.
1. Note Down Every Plan
Our pup’s safety is on our own hand. They can’t talk but demands a few things like foods, hugs or a good park to stroll in.
So prepare for the trip by noting down all the essentials your dog will need starting from planning the routes, throughout the journey to coming back home, nothing should miss out.
Check it thoroughly if you have missed anything out and work accordingly that. Try to go on test-drives with your pup if possible.
A healthy pup means a happy pup. By just seeing them being playful from outside, you can’t possibly conclude that your pooch is fit. For a wholesome journey, you have to make sure they are healthy enough. And you know what you’ll have to do for that.
A few days before the journey, do a full-proof checkup of your pooch and keep all the medical records with you. If any supplements or medicines are needed, take them in bag including the first-aid-kit in the journey.
3. Pet Seat Covers and Seat Belts
Keeping your pup on track on the roads could be the hardest for a few. Most finds a temporary solution for cars such as using beach towels or covering the seats with large plastics and what not.
But trust me, that’ll only make more mess, uncomfortable and ugly leaving your car with hairs, drools and scratch marks.
Why not make the journey easier both for you and your pup by arranging a proper dog harness seat belts with seat covers to stop making it chaotic and prevent from any unexpected accidents.
Assume the worst-case scenario and be prepared for that. Get your dog microchipped asap. It’s about the size of a grain and it helps to identify and find dogs easily. A dog collar with GPS is also a great alternative.
Update your contact info in that microchip. When you’re with your dog in a new place, it's better not to leave him alone anywhere to play.
5. Water and Food
Pack adequate amount of your pup’s healthy food and fresh water. It’s not healthy to suddenly change the food patterns while on a trip.
What if they refused to drink and eat something else from some unfamiliar containers? So do not forget the food and water container that they are most accustomed and bring it along with you.
6. Backpacks to Carry Your Dog
If your dog is one to refuse walking on occasion, dog carrier backpacks can be a savior in making it easy to carry your dog, along with their essentials.
Travel simpler with the most comfortable backpack both for you and your fur baby. Whenever they will get tired, just put them comfortably in the backpack and continue along.
7. Extra Leashes and Other Packings
You don’t really need a leash while you are at home for your pup. But while traveling to an unknown location, it is really important to have these. Some other necessary items to bring along include trash bags, extra collars, harnesses and muzzles.
You will need some extra preparation for places like hills, beaches or snowy areas, so remember to pack boots or life jackets depending on your destination. Packing your pets grooming materials such as brushes, combs, tweezers, scissors, etc. is also wise.
8. Pet-friendly Locations with Nearest Vet’s Contacts
As it is said, socializing is healthy for us, it also applies for our pups. Try to opt for pet-friendly locations to make the trip both fun and safe. There are many pet-friendly hotels these days from which to choose. Be forearmed with the nearest veterinarian in the event of emergencies.
Final Thoughts To be frank, it’s not only us who take care of our dogs, but vice versa they also take our safety in their hands. They are the stalwart defenders, even ready to protect and defend you. So, make any journey with your pet comfortable and enjoyable for them.
Have a happy doggo-holiday!
About the Author:
Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. He’s a doting father not only to his two children but also to his two Golden Retrievers. Check out more of his articles at FeedFond.com.