Thursday, June 2, 2016

Dog Friendly Road Trip Tips

   It is vacation time and the big question is whether your trip be will dog-friendly or not. We love to take Bentley and Pierre whenever it is possible and they enjoy going with us. There are a few things that we have learned about taking a road trip with dogs. I am going to share them with you today.
* Take your pup on several local trial runs. The time to find out if your dog is a good traveler is not during the second hour of a 10-hour trip. We drive the boys for a walk at the park or pet store so they know if they're getting in the car kennel that fun things are going to happen. Don’t let your dog’s only car experience be to the vet or groomers. They will associate the vehicle with stressful situations.
* Secure them in an approved dog restraint, kennel, or seat. There are many varieties to choose from online or at your local pet store. We chose a wire crate that has two doors and both boys can fit in it comfortably. It is important the dog can stand up, turn around and lie down. We had previously used a seat belt with Bentley but he fought it trying to sit up front with us. This is a perfect solution in our SUV.
* Bring their normal dog food. Traveling is not the time to switch dog foods. You could end up dealing with diarrhea or vomiting. Remember to bring plenty of water along with their bowls.
* Always pack a canine first aid kit. Don’t forget any medications that your dog needs. If you will be traveling when their heartworm preventative is due, bring it with you. I use Dr. Harvey's Power Pops to control upset tummies so a bag of those will be included.
* It is a good idea to pack a dry pet shampoo in case you need it. I always bring towels, wipes, and paper towels too. It’s a good idea to have a deodorizing pet spray to avoid the wet or dirty dog aroma.
* Don’t leave home without the paperwork. That includes their shot records, vet information, and any other important documents concerning your pet. You can also add this information in your smartphone for easy access.
* Make sure that your pet has a microchip and that you have updated the information. Many dogs are lost while traveling because they are in a strange location and they panic. Your chances of a happy reunion are much better if your dog has on a collar with ID tags and a microchip.
* Leashes and dog poop bags are a must when you travel. Always keep your dog on a leash when you get them out of the car for a bathroom break. Don’t forget to clean up after them and properly dispose of the waste bag.
* Book with a pet-friendly hotel and ask about any rules regarding your dog. Don’t leave your pet alone in the hotel room if you think they will bark. Their voices are not music to everyone’s ears.
* Check online for pet-friendly places in the area you are going. Many cities have awesome dog parks as well as dog-friendly restaurants. You want your best friend to have a great vacation too.
*Pack your patience and sense of humor. Traveling with your dogs can be a lot of fun. Always expect the unexpected. Stay calm and enjoy your trip.
   Are you hitting the road with your dogs this summer? Let me know in the comments.




25 comments :

  1. We wish we were going on vacation this summer but sadly, we're not.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very good advice, I hope my peeps are reading this before my trip to MY Tower this year
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx
    PeeS You might want a road trip to St Albans after you've read my blog today Bentley!

    ReplyDelete
  3. All great tips! Thanks so much!! We are really going to miss traveling in our RV so unfortunately, we will not be doing any traveling with the exception of going to the cottage...and that drive is a nightmare! Even though it is only two hours...the girls pant the entire way and we have to stop at least twice for bathroom breaks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. great tips! we ponder about the food problem, it's maybe better we start a little earlier with travel-friendly food, I agree :o)

    ReplyDelete
  5. We want to take Cocoa in a road trip. It would be so fun I think because she loves riding and new places!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So far the only place we've road tripped with all 3 dogs is to our house in CA, which is 6 hours away. We stop twice (every 2 hours) and it's perfect! I be sure to feed them at least a couple of hours before we leave to avoid car sickness, even though none of them have ever gotten sick. It's crazy how calm road trips can be with 3 dogs!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. WE are going to the MUCH ANTICIPATED BAR ... Next Weekend...
    Beclaws we are ALWAYS with Mom and Dad when they leave home.... OUR shot records and stuffs are ALWAYS in the Glove Box.... in an envelope CLEARLY MARKED with our Names and Stuffs... and it says we are Microchipped an Everythingy...
    You gave Grrrrreat Advice. Better SAFE than Sorry. FUR SURE.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We just go to a lake we all love that is about 30 minutes away, play there and come home. We are not big travelers. We've seen all we want to see in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm glad you mentioned the being alone and barking thing. I can be in the room alone as I don't bark, I just howl and I know others appreciate my songs ;) Almost time to hit the road!

    ReplyDelete
  10. We don't travel with our dogs, but hopefully someday we will! It sounds like fun, and important to be prepared as well.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

    ReplyDelete
  11. We love going on road trips just as much as mom wanting us to go
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh yeah...One month of road trippin', 2 weeks with 2 pups, 2 weeks with 1...It's definitely the summer of travel!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great idea to bring wipes or doggy shampoo for big messes. Rooney loves mud and you never know what he will get into!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great advice there guys! we might go camping in July
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good tips and very timely! We are heading out Monday!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  16. Packing your patience and sense of humor is one of the best tips of all the great advice here. Happy trails!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Those are some great tips. We don't travel much...only to the vet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nothing better than being prepared and then have a fun trip!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great tips! We travel with our dogs all year round, especially in Summer so we've got big plans for the next few months!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    ReplyDelete
  20. OMD, those are some FABulous tips guys!!! Nows, if my Ma actually took me anywheres, I could use them!!!! Butts, I forgots about those Power Pops! I'm gonna have Ma gets some of those asap!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    ReplyDelete
  21. We love traveling with the dogs - exploring is so much more fun when they are with us! Great tip to bring along paperwork and proof of vaccinations - this is something that we need to make sure to do!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great travel tips. Hope everyone has a safe summer.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pawsome tips!
    We only go on day trips because traveling tends to trigger seizures for me.
    Have a wooftastic time Bentley & Pierre!
    Nose nudges,
    Olivia

    ReplyDelete
  24. From LOULOU: Who is my litter mate? And I wish to say that as dogs go (and I do love them, you know, but it makes good writing to have a little fun with them), I ADORE Westies!!!!! Thank you for commenting.

    ReplyDelete
  25. A help for traveling animals is this: BEAPHAR calming drops. You put them between the kitty's or doggy's ears and they are all natural valeriana and they WORK for two or three days. NO STRESS. Look on google. They are magic and I use them when we travel and I am happy as a clam, whatever that is.

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Bark back!