Tips for traveling with your dog (s)

The last big holiday weekend of the summer is upon us. 

 Triple A has forecasted that about 33 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles or more this holiday weekend.  Of those millions of people traveling, many are bringing their dogs with them.  So, is your dog or dogs prepared for their journey, or should I say, have you prepared for your dog's journey?  I hope to offer some helpful travel tips for you and your pets.

Those people traveling by air really only have two options.  If you are traveling with a small dog then many airlines will allow you to bring your small dog on board with you in a pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you.  However, if you are traveling with a larger dog, then you will need to make sure that you have a crate large enough to make your dog comfortable during the flight.  Keep in mind though, that even though Fido is our beloved best friend, to the airlines, he or she is just another piece of cargo and may be treated as such. 

With the economy the way that it is, many people are still traveling but maybe not as far and therefore have just decided to travel by automobile.  This is probably a better option for your dog or dogs.  But, you still need to make sure that your dog is ready for the trip in the vehicle.  Usually, our dogs are accustomed to trips in our vehicles when they have to visit their vet.  But, if that is their only experiece with riding in the car, you may want to drive them to a few other places before your longer trip, say a trip to the dog park.  This will help your dog become less anxious while traveling.  Ideally, you should be stopping at least every three hours to give your pets plenty of breaks so they can get out and use the restroom, get a drink, and just stretch their legs.

When you travel you want to plan ahead and make sure you have the following supplies:  dog collar with up to date name tag and contact information, a leash for when you let them out to stretch or walk them,  water bowl, treats, one or two toys, doggie bags to pick up waste, blanket or dog bed, medications if needed, and either a dog seat belt or dog crate/kennel/carrier. 

No matter what your mode of transportation, you also want to plan ahead to where you will be staying.  If you are going to be staying in a hotel/motel, make sure they approve pets and what their fees are.  You are staying with friends or relatives then again you may want to check out their rules in regards to pets and what kind of area your pet will be able to get around in.  If you know that the home you are visiting does not have a fence or if you are staying in a campground where there are no fences to keep your pet in his or her area, then a wireless dog fence would be a perfect solution for you.  The wireless dog fences are easy to install in usually less than an hour and are very portable so you can take them anywhere.  You many even want to consider an indoor containment system if you are going to be staying with someone who does not want the dog in certain sections or parts of the home. 

The key for your upcoming long weekend trip is to plan ahead.  While you are packing for yourself just make sure you are packing everything you need for your dog or dogs as well.  At baddogsupplies we carry almost everything you will need for your trip.  Check us out.  As always, if we don't have what you need or want then let us know so we can try and add it to our product list. 

I hope this has helped you plan for your trip and have a great and safe long weekend!