How to travel with your dog without
trouble
8 useful tips for travelling with
dogs
I know it must be terribly difficult to leave your
beloved dog behind when you hit the road, but why should you. With the pet friendly facilities and options on the
rise, you don’t need to worry about your puppy and deprive yourself from its loving, fun company. We decided to
compile and share some of the best advice for safe dog travel as
heard from the experts.
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When you are travelling with your dog, safety is an important consideration for your
pet.
(Picture credit: Creative Commons) |
Proper crating and preparation
Crating may seem like an unfair treatment, but it quite necessary, and dogs are
not as bothered by it as we are. What’s more, some of them feel more secure in it. The key responsibility related
to crating is adequate preemptive exercise to make dog less fidgety and craving for energy burn.
Do not leave loose collars, leashes or other hazardous objects inside of the crate
as they pose a veritable danger for the dog’s safety. Keep the high spirits about the whole situation.
Let your pup get acquainted with it on its own terms by opening the latch and
leaving it for the dog to enter when comfortable. No violent pushing inside! When they nest, slowly attach the
latch.
Leave it for a while, but in positive mood and body language. The sad face and
reassurances are counterproductive. Return in quarter of an hour to downsize the separation anxiety for the future
crating. Still, don’t remove him from crate yourself. Open the door and let it will exit when ready.
Dogging and driving
It’s advisable you crate your doggy while you’re driving. The smaller
distractions will make it all-around safer for you both. Since you cannot put safety belt on a dog, it might jump
and get hurt if you hit the brakes suddenly.
Meal wise, don’t overfeed it prior to card drive as dogs are susceptible to motion
sickness while in the vehicle. Tiny protein-rich bites are ok at
stops, followed by short walk or playtime. Never leave a dog in a parked car, especially on a warm day. The
dehydration risk is real, and we want the best for our pooch.
Airplane trip
Rights and regulations check-up related to dogs is a must before purchasing an
airplane ticket. Various canine certificates are often required, so obtain them in time. Crate your puppy at home
and not in the airport pandemonium. Again, full bladder and stomach are not a plus (give them six hours of fasting
before your flight). Hydration source is not to be forgotten, but administered in moderation.
Calming methods
Now, perhaps some use medications to keep the pooch relaxed or sedated, but we suggest you use other tools and
avoid initiating a drug reliance cycle.
Dog’s favourite blanket is a good means to calm it or any other item that brings comfort and familiarity to the
dog (soft toys).
Additional techniques include massaging dog’s spine or head base with aromatic oil (i.e. lavender). Lastly,
utilise your authority, stance, body moves and language.
Hotel stay
Much like with airway companies, you have to consult with the accommodation
owner’s rules and see whether and at what terms your dog can be accepted in. Some hotels even design a dog activity
program with recommendations of hikes, parks and other activities. If your pet barks or gets upset, don’t encourage
it in their deed and take a power walk.
Post checking-in long stroll
A new, strange environment and unknown people may agitate your dog, which is
understandable. Growling can be expected, but not as a sign of aggression.
With assertive and calm attitude, your dog will soon be at ease. This is what you
can expect for that walk on arrival.
Entering the room
You as its owner should get inside the room first and leave the dog to wait in the
room hallway. Once your room is marked by your scent, and you finished all your necessary activities (unpacking,
phone calls, showering), the dog can be invited to join you.
Your dog cannot come after all?
Leave your dog in the company of a trusted kennel, where they will be accepted as
a member of pack you selected. The personnel should shift its attention to present conveniences, not try to soothe
his sadness about owner’s absence. Ensure you leave enough pet supplies to tide it over while you’re not
around.
Remember that taking a trip with your dog is supposed to be fun activity. Still
you have to be thoroughly prepared and under control at all times.
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Proper crating is important for your dog when travelling, to feel secure and
comfortable.
(Pictures: All above images courtesy of Creative Commons) |
All above images courtesy of
Creative Commons
Author bio:
Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls and a passionate traveler. In
her free time she enjoys exploring new and exciting destinations with her family.
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