Stress Free Travel With Your Dog
Taking your pets along for the ride when you head out on the road can be a fun and memorable bonding experience. However, without the proper precautions, it can also be extremely trying. Here are a few ways to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Bring your dog’s favorite blanket and keep it accessible. If they are traveling in a crate, place the blanket in with them. If your pet is free in the car, the floor in front of the back seat makes a great location for a makeshift bed. Having something familiar and carrying their scent will make your pet more comfortable and relaxed during the trip.
Don’t forget food and water dishes. Unlike their human counterparts, dogs do not have the ability to snack on a sandwich straight from the ice chest, so don’t forget dishes for food and water. If their dishes from home are too large or unwieldy, look into collapsible dishes specially marketed for travel. These are usually either made of waterproof fabric that can be compressed or durable plastic that folds. This can save valuable space in your vehicle.
Stop frequently. Try not to spend too long on the road without stopping at a rest area or park. These breaks are essential for your dog to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs, especially if they are not used to spending many hours without exercise. Remember, unless you want a mess, smaller dogs will need to stop more frequently, as they also have smaller bladders.
Pay attention to your pet. Talk to your dog and don’t forget to pet them. Your dog doesn’t understand what is going on and could become stressed or scared without your reassurance that everything is fine. Don’t coddle, as this can sometimes backfire and make them think there is something to be afraid of, but don’t ignore them either. Simply talk to and treat them exactly as you would if you were at home.
Prepare for potential carsickness. Just like people, some dogs may experience some motion sickness when traveling. Unless you travel with your dog frequently, there is no way to know in advance if they will become ill, so it is best to be prepared just in case. Line their area of the vehicle with an old towel for easy clean up, and bring along a few extras in case that one becomes soiled. A roll of paper towels or some baby wipes will also make clean up easier.
Let fresh air in. Try to keep at least one window cracked open to let some fresh air in. Not only will it be refreshing for both driver and dog, your dog will enjoy the many new scents to be experienced along the way. A word of caution though, be careful that you do not have the window open too wide unless your dog is secured in a harness or crate. You don’t want to risk your dog jumping or falling out of a moving vehicle!
Bringing your pet with you on a trip does not have to be a stressful experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your pet and expose them to new people and places.
