Pointers to Consider When Traveling With Your Pet

Spring and summer are the most memorable seasons to travel with your loved ones, including your pets. However, planning your journey and packing the essentials ahead of time isn’t always easy, especially when you’re planning to bring your pet companions along. We’ve collected some valuable guidelines and suggestions to help you prepare for your getaway with your dog and be ready to face any surprises destiny may give you.

Before you pack your belongings and secure them in the back door, make sure you have all the required items you need for your dogs, such as collars, leashes, toys, medication, and even food.

Considerations When Traveling With Your Pet

Getting out on the road and spending time with your pet will strengthen your relationship. Plus, you’ll see an entirely new place. Before you depart, double-check that you’ve packed everything necessary to keep your pet secure, comfortable, and happy throughout your journey. If you are going on a trip with your dog, keep these pointers in mind.

1. Handle Food and Treats with Love

Pet foods are more susceptible to spoiling when the weather is hot. Diets high in fats, particularly those supplemented with fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids, are more likely to become rotten (because the fats can be broken down) and can cause your dog to become sick. Food and treats for your pet should be kept in an airtight container. You can check this link if you want to consult a reputable veterinarian for the recommended food.

Make use of a cooler to keep the food dry and fresh, and instead of putting food items in your hot vehicle, you can bring them inside the hotel room.

2. Give Ample Amount of Water

If dogs don’t get an adequate water supply, they might suffer from heatstroke. Use a snap-in water dish to crate or a dog bowl that folds. It is vital to stop the water every few hours. Keep in mind that dogs aren’t the only ones who refuse to drink water that tastes or smells different from their water at home.

If you have a choosy pet, you should bring extra water along and devise an approach to gradually introduce your dog to the flavor of the water at his destination in case you’ll be driving for long periods.

3. Give Your Pet’s Special Treats

If you’re shopping for ice cream on your way somewhere, it’s OK to treat your dog to a tiny vanilla cone now and then. However, it would help if you weren’t overindulging by giving treats like these (they should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake). It can be enjoyable to spoil your dog now and then. 

You should first consult a dog dentist before you give them treats. This is to ensure that the treats will not damage its gums and teeth.

4. Avoid Motion Sickness

Your veterinarian can prescribe motion-sickness medicine if your pet becomes sick while driving. If your dog has diarrhea because of stress, add a teaspoon of a fiber supplement to your meal (look for psyllium that is free of added sweeteners or flavors). Car sickness can happen at any time; therefore, be prepared with lots of paper towels and items to clean if you think your pet might get sick.

Another aspect to watch out for is your pet’s skin health, especially when traveling to extremely hot or cold places. For more information, you can consult a pet dermatologist before your trip.

5. Go for a Walk

After a long time in the van, your dog will surely beg for a walk which is suitable for both of you. You’ll probably be stopping regularly for both human and canine toilet breaks anyhow. Get moving. Pause for pit stops along the roadway where you’re able to walk around for a bit—even doing a few laps in the parking lot counts.