How to Travel With YourDog

Taking your dog or puppy to travel with you is quite an experience. Dogs are similar to children in that you as the owner must make the commitment to ensure they are going to be traveling safely and have everything they need at their disposal.

If you are planning a vacation and will be traveling by aircraft, there are a few things to consider before taking off with your dog. If your dog is small in size, you may luck out and the airline carrier will permit you to take the dog on the plane and be seated with you. If the dog is larger in size, chances are it will have to be in a cage of some sort and it will be traveling as cargo versus a passenger. This can be very stressful for not only the dog, but for the owners as well. Obviously, you love and adore your dog and do not consider it to be cargo so to speak, but there are guidelines in place to transport the animals this way simply due to their size and in consideration of the other passengers. The dogs will not exactly be pleased by this type of travel arrangement, but keeping them as relaxed as possible before they get on the aircraft is ideal. Ensure that you have walked them, fed them and allowed them to relieve themselves before placing them in the cage to be transported. Some dog owners feel it makes the trip much easier by wearing the dog out with a brisk run around the parking lot on a leash to allow them to hopefully sleep through the plane ride. There are airlines currently that only transport pets if that is something you wish to look into. Those aircrafts permit only animal passengers and they are seated in cages in the aircraft cabin versus being flown as cargo.

If you are traveling by car or truck, you already know what is most likely needed to have a successful trip with your dog. If you rarely take your dog in a vehicle, before the trip you need to begin driving them with you on short errands or just on a short trip of only a few miles to get them adjusted to sitting peacefully in the car. Some pet owners find it very useful to give their dog anti anxiety medications before they head out on a long road trip to ensure the dog will stay calm and relaxed versus barking and acting up. If your dog is accustomed to traveling by car, then all you need to do is to be organized and have all of your items to care for your dog packed and ready to go.

Depending on how long you will be traveling by car, you will need to make enough stops here and there to allow your dog to stretch and walk around and to go the bathroom as well. They will need enough water to drink and they will need to remain on the same feeding schedule they were accustomed to at home. Some dog owners find it extremely helpful to make note of any vet hospitals along the route or at least where you will be staying in the event of an emergency to be well prepared. Always take a leash, feeding bowls for the trip, any dog chew toys and any treats they may need. You may also consider a blanket for them to sleep on if you are not bringing a crate with you in the vehicle.