Now and then, we want to go on vacation or weekend somewhere out of town. Being a dog owner means having solutions because you can’t leave your loved one alone in the apartment for days. Some choose dog hotels, others take them to friends, and some decide to take them along.
If you are planning to go on a long trip with your dog, there are multiple things you must know. A trip like this is a true challenge, especially if you have never done it. There are so many things to know. The most important thing is to understand the needs and habits of your dog.
In this article, we share several tips and tricks for having a relaxed drive with your dog. We will show you almost everything you must know before going on the road. If you want to be fully prepared and ready for anything, keep reading and learn how travel with dogs is.
Do a quick medical
Before doing anything, take your dog to the vet and let them do a quick medical test to ensure they are entirely healthy and you have nothing to worry about while driving. More importantly, ensure your dog has all the vaccines, as you can’t be sure what your dog will encounter in nature.
If you’re going over the border, this is essential. The border control won’t let you out of the country without proper pet documentation. Every dog must have a passport and a permit to go to another country, and vaccines are always part of this check.
Install a tracking device
When you’re going to locations where your dog has never been before, it’s entirely normal for them to be excited and wander off without noticing you’re not around. Dogs are like kids. When they play, they often lose track of time and surroundings.
Place a tracking device inside their collar and always be connected. Even if they run off and get lost, you’ll quickly recover their location and get them back. Simple gas station stops may detach you from the schedule if you’re not fully prepared. These accessories will simplify travel with your dog.
Ensure you have a comfortable dog box
Are you treating your dog like a regular passenger? It’s great to respect your pup but understand their needs are different from ours. Instead of using restraint seat systems, you can use a dog box. If you own a small breed, you can place a dog box in the back seat, and larger breeds are best transported in the rear tub.
Those frequently traveling will have a special dog box mounted over the rear tray of their UTE, allowing flawless comfort for their pets. If you’re planning to travel for hours, it’s best to find a dog box for UTE for sale and have it mounted in the rear of your vehicle.
Make more stops
Dogs make over 10,000 steps on average, so you must provide this when traveling for hours. They may be as comfortable as possible in the back of your car, but they need to stretch after some time. Make more stops to give them what they need.
Essential supplies are a must
Depending on the weather, you must provide the essential supplies for your pets. Just as you would keep a bottle of water in the compartment next to you, so should your pets enjoy fresh water.
Food is also something to mind. Dogs eat at least two meals, so traveling for more than 10 hours means you must provide lunch. Occasional snacks are a great idea, too. Give them something to chew, and they’ll be happy while you’re driving.
Toys are great too
Toys are a fantastic idea to keep them busy during the drive. Take their favorite toy from home and throw it inside the crate. They’ll chew it for hours, completely enjoying the drive.
Toys are also the best way to make them feel at home. Going to a different location with your dogs can make them stressed. Their favorite toy can do wonders and make them relaxed. This is usually rubber duck, plastic bone, or their favorite slipper that used to be yours, which is small enough to fit inside the crate.
Research local vets
Research local vets and prevent any inconvenience. Just like humans, dogs may get sick from various things. You must take them to the veterinarian in many cases, so knowing where vets are can be valuable information.
Do the research before leaving home and always know where they are. In case something unwanted happens, you’ll know where to go. Writing down the phones in these places is also a smart thing to do. When you’re facing injury, you won’t be capable of googling fast enough, so having the list ready is the best solution.