Going away for a trip or vacation can be less fun without your dog in tow. Both pet and owners always get saddened when they are separated for prolonged periods of time, so it’s great to have the opportunity to take your furry friend along for the ride.

It could be on your family vacation or simply a short road trip with just you and the dog, no matter what, you will want to know the best ways to travel with your dog. Lets go over some safe pet travel tips which you are planning to travel with your beloved pet.

Most transport that people use are not designed for dogs, and many outright forbid them, so its important to know the best options available.

Take a look at some hand tips for traveling with your dog!

Crating

While the idea of looking a dog up into a confined crate can seem like a horrible experience, sometimes it’s the best way for him to travel. Plus, it can only seem like a bad thing if you let your dog realise there is something wrong with it, is taking the right approach can make him feel perfectly safe and comfortable inside the crate.

The golden rule for crating is to provide the dog with ample exercise beforehand, so he has expended enough energy to be relaxed and chilled inside the crate. Give him some extra exercise (more than you normally provide) to ensure he has expelled any excess energy and will be more likely to rest for the duration of the trip.

Always project a positive energy in your voice and body language when placing them into the crate. If they feel something isn’t right with it, they will feel anxious about being left alone in the crate, which is the last thing you want.

For first timers, leave him in the crate for 15 minutes with the door closed before coming back to put him at ease for being separated for so long. Once that time as passed, open the door and let him come out of his own accord, to again reinforce that the crate is not a bad thing.

Driving

When taking your pet on a long drive, its best advised to crate him for it. It allows you to focus on driving without the need for any distractions or interruptions from your dog, which can create a possible hazard whilst driving.

However if you feel your dog is safe enough to have out in your car, then that certainly fine to do. Regardless of how you plan on transporting them, always make sure that your dog has not eaten too much before you hit the road. Dogs are known to suffer motion sickness, so for the sake of your pet and the cleanliness of your car, avoid giving him a big meal!

This also means don’t feed him as you drive! Instead wait for your next break from driving and give them a little snack at this point – a spot of exercise too is advised to get rid of any energy build-ups he might have.

Never leave your dog in the car when it’s parked! Warm weather can be deadly for a pet stuck in a car, even with the windows down. Your dog could end up suffering from dehydration.

Bring Some Toys

Wherever you may find yourself and your canine companion travelling to, always bring a few of their favourite toys to make the journey a little more enjoyable for them. Any sort of toy or blanket that helps your dog to relax and stay calm is a welcomed addition to any travel!

Pack a Bag for Your Dog too!

This goes without saying, but you will need to pack a bag for your doggie essentials! Water first and foremost is important, so bring bottled water and a bowl for him to drink from. Any medication your dog takes too should be packed, along with some protective clothing is needed.

Grooming items will be required too, especially for longer trips, so bring a brush and some shampoo if needed. You will also want to spoil your dog and reward him for being such a good travel buddy, so make sure you have plenty of treats for him too!