Travel With Dogs - Tips To Make Your Trip Easier

There are a few reasons why you may be considering traveling with your dog. One is when moving. You may be taking your dog by car to the new house. You may be traveling on vacation or camping with your dog. You may be going on a business trip and wish to have your dog with you. Whatever the reason for your planned travel with dogs, you will want to do so safely.

Make sure before you start out with your dog, you have secured a pet ID tag that has current identification securely affixed to your dog. Dogs can easily get loose while on a trip.

Verify that there is no other options such as boarding the dog or having family members watch the dog during your business trip or vacation. Obviously when moving, the dog must come too.

Take your dog on short road trips to be sure your dog is used to traveling by car. If the dog is not used to traveling by car, get the dog used to the motion of the car slowly. Let the dog sit in the car with the engine on. Next, drive down the street and return. Then, take a little longer trip, until the dog can stay in the car for longer trips until you are confident that the dog will do well on the length of trip you will be taking.

Feed the dog 3 hours BEFORE the trip. Use anti-motion sickness medication from the vet if needed. If you have a hyperactive dog, medicate (sedate) the dog for a safer trip that will be easier on you. Make sure that you know your dog will respond to the medication by trying it out on short trips before the "real" trip. Always crate the dog and never leave a dog loose on the seat.

Your attention while you travel with dogs should be on your driving and not on your pet. Do not ever allow a dog to go near the driver while the car is in motion. Travel crates are a must! They make for safer traveling for the dog and the driver. Other options are a seat restraint or a gate barrier between the front and the back seat.

Make sure if you have to have over night stops that you have called ahead to be sure they will accommodate your dog. Have a back-up plan for nighttime accommodations incase something happens with your first choice. Most phone books list "pet-friendly" motels and hotels. Bring some "Scoop n Toss Bags" to dispose of your dog's messes.

Have a leash with you so your dog can relieve himself at the side of the road (pull off somewhere safe).

Make sure you have food and water for your dog if you are taking a long trip. Bring towels or rags for cleanups.

Bring emergency first aid kits for your dog and your family members.

It is always wise to have two leashes in case you misplace one.

Never leave your dog alone in a car, as heat stroke is a real possibility. Heat stroke can happen very fast. Keep the phone number of your vet in case of emergency or in case you need a prescription filled for your dog.

Bring the dog's favorite toys and treats along too.

Travel with dogs can be challenging at times. Following these tips will make your trip a lot easier.