Road Trip Pet Essentials
Are you planning a road trip and intend to include your furry family member in the fun? Taking trips or vacations with your pet can be an exciting time for everyone, but leaving home requires a bit of planning and preparation — not just for your human family members, but for your canine ones, too. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you have a successful trip.
Do Your Homework
Before you hit the open road, research where you will be staying and make a list of places you can stop along the way. Your dog will need potty breaks, water breaks and time to stretch his or her legs, just like you will. Plan ahead so you know the pet-friendly places to stop. This will prevent you from frantically searching for a stopping point and avoid everyone having to cross their legs while riding along the highway!
Make Sure Your Dog Is Comfortable In The Car
If your dog doesn’t travel in the car with you frequently, do a couple of test runs before you go. Have your dog join you when you run quick errands, drop the kids off at practice, or just take a nice afternoon drive. This will help her feel confident and comfortable with the motion of the car.
Prepare For Your New Environment
Get to know your destination and the potential hazards it may pose to your pet. If you are going to a large body of water, will your pet need a lifejacket? If you are going to the woods, will they need a fresh application of a flea and tick preventative? Check with your vet before you go to discuss heartworm medicine, vaccines, and flea and tick treatments.
Get Your Dog Chipped, Or Update Your Contact Information
If your dog isn’t already microchipped, before leaving on a road trip is a great time to get it done. The procedure is completely safe and relatively inexpensive. If your dog is chipped, check that your contact information is up-to-date.
Pack For Your Pet
Make a list of all the things your pet may need for your trip. Here are a few things you won’t want to forget:
- Water – and plenty of it. A dog can become easily dehydrated in hot temperatures.
- Travel bowl – The water won’t do you much good if you don’t have anything to put it in. Grab a dog bowl for your trip. We suggest the space-saving bowls that collapse for easy packing.
- Food and treats – Don’t forget their daily food and a generous amount of treats so you can reward good behavior.
- Medications – If your dog is on any regular or seasonal medication, be sure to include it on your list. Allergies can flare up at the most inconvenient times, and managing them is much easier when you already have their medications packed.
- Collar, tags, leash and harness – Everything you need to identify your pet and safely take them on walks.
- Crate or carrier – If your pet is prone to chewing or shedding, you can keep it to a minimum by bringing your crate or carrier along with you. Dogs may act differently in a new environment, and having a place they feel safe and secure may just save your security deposit.
- Doggie bags and clean up essentials – Your neighbors and rental owners will appreciate that you picked up any doggie droppings from the yard, and any accidents they may have inside.
- Toys – Bring a piece of home for your pet in the form of toys, whether it’s a Frisbee to play on the beach, a favorite ball or even a stuffed animal for snuggling.
Dog Day, Every Day is a doggie day care dedicated to providing a fun, safe and secure atmosphere for your dog to run and play with their friends. We care about you and your pet, and want your vacation experience together to result in memories that last a lifetime! If you have any questions about preparing your pet for your upcoming vacation or if you would like to learn more about our services, contact us at 513-860-3647! For more pet care tips and our latest updates, check us out on Facebook , Twitter or Pinterest !
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