If you have been following me for a while, you know how much I love my doggies (aka kids), Appa and Khaleesi! I also love bringing them with me on trips I take, whether it be to another part of Long Island or to another state. I know, though, that traveling with dogs can be hard and stressful and many might not know what to do, so I wanted to compile a list of 10 tips for you! These are the tips that have been the most helpful to me.
Give your dog some exercise 20-30 minutes before you leave
Exercise relaxes my pups and it also tires them out! I always try to take them on walks or to a dog park right before I take them on a trip with me so they don't get restless while we're driving.
Invest in a doggy seat belt
I feel like a lot of people don't know these even exist! I know it's easy to get nervous about keeping your dog safe on a long car ride, so these definitely help. It's just a harness that straps to the car and keeps your dog from being potentially injured.
Keep the car cool with the AC and windows
It's soooo easy for the pups to get overheated, so I definitely keep the AC on at all times. It's important for them to have fresh, circulating air, so if you want a break from AC then rolling the windows down is a good alternative.
Stop every 2 hours
This is super important! Dogs need to stretch their legs, move around, and also you don't want them going potty in your car! So make sure you're planning to give them enough bathroom breaks.
Get a good quality travel crate (if needed) and a dog bed
Sometimes you don't need a crate to travel with your dogs, but if you do make sure you get a good one! It should be roomy enough for them to be able to stand in it, and should be open enough for them to get good air circulation. If you're against a crate, you can also put a comfy bed in your car for them.
Have shot records with you, make sure vet checks them before you leave
Depending on where you stay/travel to, you may need to have your pet's shot records on hand, so make sure they're up-to-date! Also make sure your vet clears them for travel, because you don't want a problem to emerge while you're on vacation.
Find pet-friendly places to stay
There are a lot of pet-friendly hotels around the world! Make sure you pick one that will be accommodating. Check to see if there's size restrictions for pets they will allow.
Don't leave your dog(s) unattended
Being in an unfamiliar place can cause your pup to stress, so do your best to ease that by never leaving them alone! My babies go everywhere with me.
Don't forget to bring their normal food
It's important to me that I feed my pups on a consistent schedule and only give them food that I know sits well with them. That's why I and also you definitely don't want to forget to bring their regular food so they can have it wherever you go.
Bring multiple toys and leashes
Lastly, if you're anything like me, things might get lost on a long trip. That's why I always bring multiple leashes and toys. I bring toys I know my dogs love - it helps them feel comfortable. I also have them on a leash if we are in public and around other people. It's always good to bring more than one so if you lose one you don't have to spend money on a new one!
I hope these tips help ease the stress you may feel about traveling with your dogs, because it's really not that bad! It's actually one of my favorite things to do and I can't wait til we can travel out of New York again!! Let me know if any of these tips help you, or if you have any of your own that I didn't list. Happy traveling!
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