Taking your dog with you on a trip can be a wonderful experience – if you keep a few important points in mind.
Preparation
The first thing you have to do is to take your dog to the vet, about two weeks before leaving. Let your vet know where you’re going to as different areas have different dangers/illnesses that can affect your pet, some even deadly. The vet will tell you if the dog needs a vaccination. You can also discuss the use of a sedative if you think your dog may need one.
Make sure you have all the relevant information about your destination as far as pets are concerned. Make sure you take the food (and medicines) that your dog uses at home. Once you arrive it’s too late to realize that the location is not suited to your dog.
Make the dog used to a crate if you’re going to use it. It’s a good idea to make your dog used to a crate from a young age; so that the experience is one of a safe cozy place and not something to be feared. A few basics to remember: always exercise your dog before putting in a create; make sure there’s nothing in the crate that can harm the dog, particularly loose collars, and leashes. Be positive about the experience, your dog will pick up your body language.
Exercise the dog before you leave, a dog that has spent some energy will be an easier travel companion.
Be careful with food in the days and especially hours before leaving. Stick to your normal routine, and keep any stuff that can upset your dog’s stomach away from it. Just like people, some dogs are better travelers than others. Taking your dog on short trips before you leave will give you an idea how its stomach behaves when traveling.
If your dog is a nervous traveler, you can discuss using a sedative with your vet. A dog that chews everything in sight while in a care may be better off on a mild sedative.
During the trip
As mentioned, using a crate is the safest way to transport your dog (or a wire mesh that keeps the dog in a certain part of the car). Be sure you take some favorite toys and blankets to help the dog feel at home and relaxed. For safety reasons, it’s also important that the dog is not able ti interfere with your driving.
Have regular stops along the way so that the dog can stretch its legs, go to the toilet and eat and drink something. Never take the dog out of the car without a leash. When possible, bring a human along on the trip so that when you have to leave the car the dog will not be alone.
Remember a car gets hot very quickly. Use the aircon, only park in the shade and don’t leave the dog alone in a car.
Be careful with the food you give your dog during the trip – dry nibbles may be best – and lots of water. Some dogs don’t care to eat while traveling, so don’t force food on it.
At your destination
As mentioned earlier, you should know as much as possible about your destination even before you arrive. Obviously, you chose a pet-friendly place, but realize that it’s a new and unfamiliar environment for your dog.
Take the dog for a reconnaissance walk around the premises, so that it can get used to all the new smells.
Always know where your dog is; it’s unfamiliar surroundings and it may feel a need to explore on its own. Make sure it always wears a collar with contact details and don’t let it off the leash unless it’s a safe environment. Have a recent photo of your dog – if it happens to get lost.
Be calm and assertive when you meet new people and show your dog that you’ve got it covered. Unfortunately, there are people who don’t like dogs and it’s important to keep your dog (and yourself!) calm under such circumstances.
Then just sit back and enjoy the experience with your furry friend!