Can you believe that over 48 million households in America have at least one dog?
Dogs are a special part of our families, which means that the idea of leaving them behind to go on vacation can be heartbreaking. While traveling with dogs does require more planning, you can still go on an incredible getaway with your best pal by your side.
Have you ever wondered what steps you can take to make traveling with four-legged friends as simple as possible? Read on so you can collect our top eight tips that will keep you and your dog comfortable while you travel.
1. Keep Their Everyday Essentials in an Accessible Bag
One of the most challenging parts of traveling is creating a list of everything that you need to pack without going overboard. Lugging around tons of items that you won't end up using isn't ideal, and it's much easier to overpack when you're bringing your dog.
As you're making a list for your pet, try to separate their items into essentials and things that are good to have. Anything that's essential should get packed in a bag that you can access with ease. You don't want to fish through all of your luggage to find food when they're hungry.
2. Buy a Cozy Pet Crate
Traveling can be an unsettling experience for your dog if they don't have much experience. This is why you should always keep them in a cozy and familiar pet crate so they don't feel panicked. If you're buying a crate for the first time, then be sure to crate-train them beforehand so your dog feels at home when they're inside.
It's important to note that airlines have specific instructions when it comes to crates. You can shop for airline-approved products so you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to board without any issues.
3. Try to Go on a Long Walk Before You Travel With Dogs
Whether you're going on a long road trip or flight, it's always helpful to take your dog on a long walk before you settle in for your journey. The reason why is that lots of exercise will help tucker your pet out. This will allow them to get cozy and nap rather than pace around, bark, and get anxious.
Going on a long walk will also give them plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves. The last thing you'd want to do is have to clean up pee or poop during your fun vacation, especially if you're sharing your space with strangers.
4. Visit the Vet to Ensure That They're Healthy
Going to the vet before you embark on your adventure is the best way to know that your pet is well enough to handle the stresses of traveling. This is especially crucial if you have a senior dog who may have trouble getting around or holding their bladder for long periods of time.
If you're going abroad, then be sure to research the rules of bringing along pets. Certain countries have different vaccination and wellness requirements to keep their pet population safe. Have copies of all of their vet documents on hand in case you need proof.
5. Book Your Pet Holiday in Advance to Find a Suitable Hotel
You shouldn't wait until the last minute to book your accommodations because you could have trouble finding hotels that are dog friendly. In addition to being dog-friendly, some lodgings have better amenities than others. An on-site dog park and even doggy daycare could be some things to look out for.
You don't have to get hit with high fees to bring your dog, too. Keep searching until you find free accommodations for your pup.
6. Consider Giving Your Dog a CBD Treat
Does your dog get stressed during travels? If this is the case, then giving them a CBD treat to munch on can calm their nerves a lot.
Always do your research to find high-quality pet CBD products that are made with the finest ingredients. If you aren't sure where to turn, then you can ask the vet for some guidance. CBD can transform the most anxious dogs into the mellowest dogs in just a few minutes.
7. Ensure That Your Dog Has Current Tags and a Microchip
No dog owner ever takes their pet anywhere with the intention of losing them, but you should always be prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Dog tags fade over time, and people change their addresses and phone numbers over the years. It's a good idea to refresh their tags if you suspect anyone could have a hard time reading your contact information.
Don't forget about microchipping your dog as well. This is the best way for lost dogs to find their way back home.
8. Practice Some Basic Commands
Training is an incredible way to bond with your dog, boost their happiness, and keep them safe no matter where you are. If you haven't properly trained your dog yet, then now is the perfect time to teach them some basic life-saving commands. Commands like sit, stay, and come are the most helpful when you're out and about.
Dogs can't speak like we do, but they can learn some words with enough time. Instead of scolding them when they don't follow your instructions, reward them with treats and affection when they get things right. This is the fastest way to teach them new commands and tricks.
Traveling With Dogs Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
Traveling with dogs can make exciting adventures even more memorable. After reading this guide, you never have to feel upset when you leave your dog behind during vacations.
Do you want to keep your pet safe and happy when you travel and hang out at home? Pet Crates Direct makes it easy for pet owners to find the best crates and other essentials for their dogs. Check out our collection so you can find your perfect matches.
