Tips for traveling with pets
Taking your dog on holidays with you is fun and relieves the worry of not knowing what might happen to them when you are out. However, it has to be done carefully. Airplanes and cars are not designed for dogs and you should know what to expect when you arrive at your destination. By planning the trip of your dog with time, you and your dog will have more relaxing holidays. Here are some tips to get things done:
How to pack your dog for traveling
It is normal to feel bad about putting your dog in a cage. After all, no one likes to be caged. But do not project your feelings on your dog: they do not mind the cage and many feel safer in it.
The most important thing you can do is making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before entering the cage. If it has spent much energy, it will probably rest more.
Make sure there is nothing in the cage that may hurt your dog. Loose belts and necklaces are particularly dangerous as the dog may get strangled in them.
Do not push the dog to enter, let them go on their own. When they are comfortable inside of it, you may close the door and get away with good energy and good body language. If you sound sad and say things like “Don’t be sad, Mom and Dad will return soon”, your dog would think something bad might happen and will become anxious.
Come back after 15 minutes, this will relieve the dog’s separation anxiety and will prepare it for the next time it gets into the cage. Do not take the dog out of the cage as you do not want to convey that the cage is wrong. Just open the door to let them out when they want. Watch the training video on how to pack your dog to travel.
Traveling by car with your dog
When traveling by car with your dog, putting them in a cage or placing a harness may be a good idea. You will be less distracted when driving and it is safer for both. It prevents your dog from blowing away if you have to stop abruptly, and also reduces the chance of both getting hurt. And speaking of blowing away like projectiles, do not give them much food before the trip as they may get sick with the movement, neither feed them while the car is moving. It is advisable to wait, stop and give it a preferably small protein-rich snack. It is also advisable to play or walk around during the stop to spend some energy. And of course, do not leave your dog in a parking lot, especially if it is hot. Even with the windows slightly open, the car may quickly feel like an oven and your dog may become dehydrated. Read the article “My dog is my co-pilot (and other bad ideas)”.
Taking your dog on a plane
The first thing you should check out is the airline terms and conditions for pet travelling. Many of them require the submission of a health certificate and may have other terms that you may not know. Avoid shockingly finding out about these terms at the airport. Most probably your dog shall travel in a cage and it will be probably better for everyone if you arrive at the airport with the dog inside of it.
Just like in car trips, it is best that your dog begins the journey with empty stomach and bladder (dogs may go without eating anything for at least 6 hours before the trip) and make a stop by “boxes” just before leaving. But make sure your dog has enough water to stay hydrated but not full.
If your dog does not travel with you in the cabin, do not do a farewell scene. You only will make them sad. If you’re quiet, they will be quiet as well.
To medicate or not to medicate your dog
As there exist almost the same variety of drugs for dogs than for humans, it may be tempting to give a sedative or pain reliever to the dog for the trip. I do not recommend medicating dogs as it can be the trigger to drug dependency for you and your pet. You can keep your dog calm by talking to them or with your attitude and body language.
How to keep your dog calm while travelling
Make sure to bring its favorite bone, blanket, stuffed animal, toy, or any object that is familiar to them and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed.
To make them feel more relaxed, try rubbing some lavender oil on your hands and giving your dog a little aromatherapy massage beginning on their column or at the base of their head.
How to stay in a hotel with your dog
Just like plane travelling, it is advisable to do some research beforehand. Do they accept pets in the hotel where you’re planning to stay? It is better to find it out before arriving. Hotels that accept pets, such as the Best Western chain, will be prepared for your visit and may even recommend you parks, rides and other activities to do with your dog. In other hotels, all that they will offer for your dog is the continental breakfast. It can also be problematic if your dog barks or howls in the room. Do not inadvertently encourage the barking with displays of affection and try to stay calm and take a walk to calm them down.
