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.

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

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.

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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