Traveling with Your Dog

Traveling with your dog takes just as much planning and preparation as traveling with another person. Dog travel requires a lot of consideration, but we’ll cut to the chase by giving you a list of essentials you need to bring along:

Supplies Needed

I.D. Tag

The first rule of dog travel is to get an I.D. tag and make sure it is securely attached to your dog’s collar. Every year, thousands of dogs end up in shelters because of the lack of an I.D. tag. When dogs enter a new environment, they naturally begin to roam their territory, investigating sights, sounds, and smells. It is not uncommon for dogs to bolt after an animal or to wander off. With an I.D. tag that has the correct contact information, you will alleviate many worries associated with this natural behavior during dog travel. Of course, keeping a good eye on your dog and keeping a leash on him are irreplaceable measures too.

Let’s consider a few other important factors about dog travel:

Food and Water
It’s best to bring your dog’s regular food from home, so bring plenty of it. It’s not good to randomly change your dog’s diet anyway, so don’t change it up when traveling. And water – water is an absolute must even for short car rides. It’s a rule of thumb for dog travel: you can never bring too much water.

Motion Sickness

During dog travel, it’s common for dogs, especially puppies, to experience motion sickness. If your dog isn’t used to taking long car rides, don’t be surprised if he vomits. You’ll see the symptoms beforehand. He’ll become quiet and even seem depressed. He’ll begin to drool profusely and may lose bowel control. Then the gag reflex will kick in and then, well, you know what happens next. It’s a good idea to have some hand towels or paper towels handy for circumstances such as these. It’s nothing to be too concerned about; your pup will eventually recover. The good news is that your pup will get accustomed to traveling in the car the more you take him with you. Another option to consider is motion sickness medications. These medications will help settle your dog’s stomach, prevent excessive drooling, and because they contain mild antihistamines, they may also calm dogs that get hyperactive on car rides.

Rest Areas

You may be able to drive for hours on end without taking a break, but your dog is different. Make it a point to make frequent stops at rest areas so your dog can relieve himself and stretch his legs. During dog travel, these stops are welcomed respites f and it actually calm him down, which will be a welcome respite for you once you’re back on the road. And one more thing – don’t forget to bring an ample supply of Wag Bags or Bio Bags!

Plan Ahead

When it comes to dog travel, you can never be over prepared. Bring TWO leashes – that way you have a reserve leash if you lose one. Bring along a few old towels – if your dog discovers a mud puddle or a “sidewalk morsel,” you’ll be able to clean him up. Bring a first aid kit – bandages, antibiotic ointments, and anti-itch medication will save the day when you least expect it.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health. If you have questions or want more information about dog travel click here!