Travelling With Your Dog? Read This Guide First!
With summer in full swing and the weather starting to heat up, you might be wondering what to do with your beloved canine companion while you’re away. What if we told you, you could actually bring him with you?
While travelling with your dog on a long car journey might sound a bit daunting, with a lot of planning, practicing, and proper equipment and carriers, there is no reason not to take your four legged friend on holidays with the whole family. Check out our top tips and advice on travelling with your dog below!
Preparation is KEY!
Shorter Trips
It is essential to prepare your dog for the journey, especially if it’s going to be a long one. If he isn’t used to the car, you should take him out on shorter trips first, such as to the park or to the vets. Take him in the car more frequently as you get closer to the date you will be going away, so he will be well accustomed and comfortable by then.
Local Vets
Always do your research before you even step outside the front door. Look into local veterinarian hospitals or clinics within 30-60 minutes of your final destination in case any accidents occur.
Don’t Feed Him Beforehand
We don’t recommend feeding your dog right before you set off on your road trip, and don’t feed him anything heavy on the way either. You can give him small treats and plenty of water so they stay hydrated, but eating a lot can cause a tummy ache.
Equipment needed:
Your dog will be feeling a lot of different emotions on the car journey-anxious, excited, curious…it is best to bring the right things with you to help keep him safe and comfortable.
1.CARSAFE Crash Tested Dog Harness
This crash tested dog car harness is certified up to 32Kg / 70lbs to provide extra peace of mind when travelling with your dog by car. It directly links to the car seat belt system with no extra connection clip required. Featuring a padded and breathable layer on the chest panel for comfortable journeys, combined with high tech fully reflective fabric for extra visibility when needed.
2.KONG 2-in-1 Bench Seat Cover
This back seat cover is ideal for ensuring your dog is kept safe in the car while also ensuring your car is kept in good condition (AKA clean from any muck!) Designed and manufactured to the highest standards. It will help to provide a safe and stress-free travel experience for you and your pets.
3.IMAC One Touch Water Bottle for Dogs
The IMAC One Touch portable dog water bottle is the ideal product to quench your dog’s thirst, during travel or long walks. This practical accessory allows you to have fresh water always available in a convenient and fast way. Super simple to use via an ON / OFF button, thanks to which you can get the water out and back in simply with the pressure of a finger. The button can also be locked to prevent accidental water leaks.
4. M-PETS Remix Travel Carrier with Orange Lead & Shoulder Belt
The ideal travel carrier for any kind of pet, it also doubles up as a dog leash, making it an essential for all types of journeys! Foldable and odour resistant, it’s also super easy to set up and place in the car.
Top Tip: Try and tire out your dog before hopping in the car. Run around or bring him on a long walk-he’ll be so tired, he’ll sleep the whole way there!
On The Road
If the journey will be a couple of hours, make sure to stop off once or twice for a toilet break to avoid any accidents in your car, especially if you’re giving him water to drink on the journey. Always keep him on a lead, in particular if you’re near a busy road.
If your dog is staying in his crate or carrier, make sure to keep your car well ventilated. It is a good idea to turn up the cool air or air conditioner so your pooch will be able to stay cool and not overheat during the journey.
Don’t leave your dog in the car on his own, especially during the summer months when temperatures inside the vehicle can get really high in a matter of minutes. If you have to leave your dog, always ensure they are with a member of the family, so you can leave the car running or safely roll the windows down.
Upon Arrival
Let him out for a toilet break as soon as your arrive. He will need to stretch his legs and have a little sniff around, so let him explore this new area (provided he’s on a leash!).
Once you’re in your accommodation, whether it is a pet friendly hotel or an Air BnB, show him right away where he can go toilet, so to prevent any accidents. Looking for a list of pet-friendly travel locations? Check out some here.
Travelling with your dog on a road trip can be a really fun and exciting experience, both for you and for him, but is it critical to prepare well for the journey.
As always, if you have any questions about any travel accessories or concerns you have, you can talk to one of our team members in store and they will be more than happy to assist you.
