Traveling With Your Dog : Tips And Tricks For A Fun And Safe Trip

I am often asked how I travel with my dog. Well, it's not always easy, but it can be done! I recently traveled to Colorado with my little friend, Yenko, and I want to share some tips and tricks I've learned along the way that will help make your trip more fun and safe for you and your furry friend. Tips And Tricks I Follow For a Fun And Safe Trip When Traveling With My Dog Yenko Accommodation and Food Arrangements When traveling with my dog, I make sure to purchase local raw pet food and use pet-friendly travel and accommodations. This makes things easier and less stressful for my dog and me. As for accommodation, I always try to find pet-friendly hotels or Airbnbs and research dog-friendly activities in the area so my dog doesn't get bored. A Portable Kennel A portable kennel is an excellent investment for any dog owner who frequently travels with their pet. It gives your dog a safe and comfortable space to stay on the road and can help reduce stress levels for you and your furry friend. I suggest getting one large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, with plenty of ventilation to keep them cool and comfortable. Once you have a kennel, getting your dog used to spending time in it before your trip is vital. Start by putting them in the kennel for short periods while you're at home, and gradually increase the amount of time to get him accustomed to it. Bring Along His Favorite Toys Yenko loves his stuffed animals and squeaky toys, so I pack a few of his favorites whenever we travel. This helps keep him entertained during long car rides or when we're exploring new places. I also bring a travel bowl and water bottle so he can stay hydrated. And of course, I never leave home without his leash! Research About Local Laws And Regulations Regarding Dogs I constantly research local dog laws and regulations when visiting new places. For example, not all national parks allow dogs; some do, such as The Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. So if you're planning on doing any hiking or camping with your dog, be sure to check ahead of time to see if they are allowed. Also, look into any dangers like foxtails or toads in the areas you are traveling to and keep the lookout. Bring Along A First Aid Kit Like humans, it's always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand when traveling with Yenko. This way, I'm always prepared in case of any minor accidents or injuries. Therefore, I always include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a pet-safe ointment. Make Sure That Your Dog Is Up To Date On All Of His Shots And Vaccinations Before You Travel When it comes to traveling with your dog, safety is always the number one priority. That's why I ensure that my dog is up to date on all of his shots and vaccinations before we travel. This is important for two reasons: first, it will help keep my dog healthy while we travel; second, it will help protect him from any diseases he may encounter while we're away from home. So, knocking on your vet's door before you venture on a journey with your little friend is a smart decision. Create A Packing List For Your Dog Before we travel, I always make a packing list for my dog. This includes all of the food, treats, toys, and anything else he might need while we're away. I like to be prepared so we can have a fun and safe trip. Want to borrow our checklist, click here! Keep Your Dog On A Regular Schedule During The Travel I also make sure to keep my dog on a regular schedule while we travel. This means sticking to his usual meal times and walking him at the same time each day. This helps reduce any stress or anxiety he may feel while we're away from home. Reward My Dog For Good Behavior Whenever Yenko exhibits good behavior while we travel, I reward him. This could be anything from a treat to a belly rub. He loves being praised, and it helps reinforce good behavior. Plus, it makes the trip more enjoyable for both of us! Another way I keep Yenko happy and safe while we travel is by ensuring he has plenty of breaks. Frequent potty breaks and plenty of opportunities to stretch his legs and get some exercise; as you know, a tired dog is a good dog, so I make sure he has plenty of opportunities to burn off energy. Keep Your Dog's ID Tags Up To Date Before we travel, I ensure that Yenko's ID tags are up to date. Rabies vaccination, his license, and a copy of his medical records in an emergency. Microchipping is essential, but more critical is registering him with a pet recovery service. Never Leave Your Dog Alone In A Car One of the most important things I do to keep Yenko safe while we travel is to never leave him alone in a car. This can be dangerous for several reasons, including heatstroke and theft. So if I need to run into a store or make a quick stop, I always take him with me or make sure someone stays with him. The Final Word So, there you have it! You can do several things to keep your dog safe and happy while traveling. From researching local laws and regulations to packing a first aid kit, preparation is the key to a successful and stress-free trip. And, of course, always remember to never leave your furry friend alone in a hot car. With some planning and preparation, you and your dog can enjoy a safe and fun vacation together.