Traveling can be a challenge, whether you are moving across the country or on a road trip.Traveling with your dog can add more burdens to your trip.If you want to travel a long distance with your dog, make sure they have all of their vaccinations, pack up their essentials, and tire them out before you start.If you are going by car, make sure you have plenty of food, water and shade.Check with your airline to find out what restrictions and guidelines you need to follow.
Step 1: Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations.
It's important to make sure your dog is well taken care of during their travels.Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations by taking them to the vet.All vaccines for dogs are standard.If there are any diseases your dog could catch, you should check it out.Ask your vet if you need to get the proper vaccinations for your dog.If you need to take special precautions with your dog, look for information about ticks or sandflies in the area.
Step 2: Your vet can prescribe medication for motion sickness.
If you have taken your dogs on shorter car rides before, you may have noticed that they get sick from the motion of the car.If your dog needs something to ease their stomach while in motion, ask your vet.The pill is given to your dog every few hours while you are in a car or plane.Do not give your dog medication if it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Step 3: Pack your dog's essentials in a bag.
There are different essential items for every dog.You should have your dog's food, some water, 2 dishes, their leash and harness, poop bags, toys, and treats in a bag.You can take items out of this bag if you need them on your trip.Pack your dog's medication so you have enough for the entire trip.If there is an emergency, you should get a copy of your dog's medical history from your vet.Your dog's history should include any diagnoses, tests, and the medication it needs.In case your pet bites someone, make sure to bring your vaccinations up to date.There is no concern for the person's health in the records.
Step 4: Before you embark on your journey, make sure to tire out your dog.
If they are young, dogs have a lot of energy.If you want to exercise your dog, take them on a walk or hike.This can help them with their nervous energy as well.It might be a good idea to stretch your legs.If your dog runs away or gets lost, it's a good idea to have a dog schipped before you travel.
Step 5: Put your dog in a harness or seat belt.
In the event of an accident, dogs shouldn't be allowed to roam around in the car since they can provide distraction.Set up a dog harness, seat belt, or crate restraint for your dog in the car so that they remain seated and in 1 place during your travels.Small dogs can sit in a crate that is attached to a seatbelt, while larger animals can be buckled in through their harnesses.Make sure the crate you use in the car is large enough for your dog to turn around in.If you use a harness, make sure it has been crash-tested so you know it is safe in case of a collision.
Step 6: To keep your dog comfortable, lay a blanket or bed down.
If you don't have a crate, put a blanket or dog bed on the seats of your car to make your dog feel more comfortable.To make it smell like them, use something they like to lay on.You can protect the seats in your car by putting down a blanket or dog bed.If your dog has motion sickness, have plastic bags and cleaning supplies with you.When you stop to let your dog out, make sure you have enough bags to clean it up.
Step 7: Put up window shades to keep your dog out of the sun.
If you are traveling in the summer, your car will warm up.Put up window shades in the back of your car to keep your dog out of the sun.The shades tint your windows and help to cool down your car.Adding sun shades is probably unnecessary if your windows are tinted.If it gets really hot, keep the windows open and turn on the air conditioning.
Step 8: Give your dog something to play with.
Humans and dogs can get bored.Give your dog something to chew on if they aren't tired enough to sleep in the car.It can work for a few hours if it is a long car ride.If your dog likes to listen to music, you can keep the radio on.
Step 9: For a bathroom break, pull the car over every 2 hours.
Dogs urinate more during car rides because of their higher anxiety levels.If you are in the car for a long time, make sure you give your dog lots of opportunities to do their business.Bring bags to pick up poop.
Step 10: Feed your dog when they are awake.
If you are traveling, make sure to give your dog food in the morning and evening.They should be on their normal feeding schedule.Your dog isn't going to be hungry in the car.If they want to eat it later, give them food.
Step 11: Provide your dog with water once an hour.
It is important to keep your dog hydrated while they are in the car.When your dog is in the car, you should bring a water bottle and a small dish.If it is hot, give them water about once every hour.Depending on the length of your car ride, you may need to bring multiple bottles of water or refill them as you go.
Step 12: If your dog is small enough, you can take it with you to the cabin.
Dogs need to be small enough to fit in a carrier underneath the seat in front of you in order to fly in the cabin of a plane.If your dog doesn't meet the weight restrictions on your flight, you should check with your airline.The cargo hold of the plane can be dangerous if your dog can't fit in a carrier under the seat.
Step 13: If your dog can't fly in the cabin, it's a good idea to put them in a cargo hold.
If your dog is too large to fly in the cabin with you, they will have to be flown in a crate.If your dog is old or frail, you should not risk it in a cargo hold.If you are taking multiple flights, you may not want to have your dog fly in the cargo hold since they could get lost or misplace more easily.If you can choose a direct flight, your dog won't have to be moved as much.If the plane is stuck on the tarmac, you should fly in the early morning or late evening.Some airlines don't allow certain breeds in the cargo hold.This may include dogs with flat faces.
Step 14: You should check with your airline to see what their pet restrictions are.
A small fee is required to bring a pet onto an airplane.Before you go on a trip, ask your airline if they have any special requirements.Proof that your dog is up to date on its vaccinations is required by most airlines.
Step 15: If your dog will be in the cargo hold, purchase a USDA-approved crate.
If your dog is too large to fly in the cabin with you, make sure the crate they will be staying in is large enough for them to lay down.The USDA checks animal crates for safety, so look for one that has their stamp of approval.To make your dog comfortable, place it with a small blanket or bed.To make your dog feel more comfortable, put an item with your scent in the crate.You should get a travel crate a few weeks or months before you leave so your dog can get used to it.
Step 16: They have a crate with your name, phone number, and "live animal" written on it.
If your crate gets lost or separated from you, make sure it can be easily identified.In case of an emergency, write your information on the side of your dog's crate with a permanent marker.If your dog escapes their crate, you can take a picture of them with you.
Step 17: Before you board, take your dog to a pet relief station.
You can take your dog to the bathroom at most airports.10 to 15 minutes before you board your flight, take your dog so that they can use the restroom.This area can be used to give your dog a few minutes of exercise.
Step 18: If your dog is in the cabin, you should give them water at least once per hour.
Dogs get dehydrated when they are stressed.Take some water and a small dish with you on the plane and give your dog water as often as you can.To fit their dish, open their crate slightly.Bring an empty water bottle with you in your carry-on and fill it up after you go through security to take water onto the plane.
Step 19: Put a dish of dog food in a crate.
Your dog might be hungry.If they want to eat, put a small dish of dry dog food in their crate.It is always good to give people the option to eat.
Step 20: Take your dog in the car instead of the plane.
Pugs and bulldogs can be dangerous for breeds with flat faces if you take your dog on a plane.If you can, take your dog on a car ride or leave them at a dog boarder.