Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun, whether you are traveling solo or with your whole family. However, it can be stressful as well. Plan carefully to avoid any mishaps and make the trip more enjoyable for yourself and your pooch.
Dog-Friendly Destinations
From the city to the countryside to the beach, you can find a number of pet-friendly vacation spots across the country and around the world. According to research, the most dog-friendly cities in the US include Seattle, Chicago, and Denver. When picking a vacation spot, look for places with parks and outdoor activities, as well as pet-friendly accommodations and eateries.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Thankfully, a lot more hotels, motels, and other accommodations are pet-friendly these days. In fact, according to a 2016 survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 75 percent of luxury, midscale, and economy hotels now allow pets. You may have to pay extra for having your pooch with you, but you can find places in every price range that allow furry friends to stay.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
While many cafes and other restaurants have patios where you can eat while your dog rests comfortably under your table, some eateries really cater to dogs with dog menus, dog tables, and plenty of room to play. It’s fantastic for your dog to be able to go out with you to eat, instead of staying back in the hotel room or Airbnb alone.
Packing for Your Dog
On the trip, bring along some of your dog’s favorite toys and a blanket with smells from home to help relieve any anxiousness. Collapsible travel bowls are also a great idea, as they are easy to pack and allow you to give your dog food and water on the go. Purchase an appropriately sized crate, not just for air travel but also for a safe place for him to sleep and relax at your destination. Before you purchase a crate, check out the reviews and recommendations online to find the right one for your dog. Let your dog sleep in the crate a few nights at home so that he will be familiar with the carrier before leaving on the trip. If you’re traveling by car, consider a hammock-style seat cover that keeps your dog safely and comfortably contained in the backseat while also keeping dander, dirt, and fur off your car’s seats and floor.
Dog Travel Safety Tips
When traveling, bring the type of food your dog normally eats with you. You don’t want your dog to experience any digestive issues caused by changing his food. While out and about, always have your dog leashed, even if you carry him most of the time; you don’t want your pet to get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Find the phone number to the nearest vet at your destination, and program it into your phone for emergencies. Also, make sure your pet’s collar and crate have proper identification with your current contact information.
Whether traveling or at home, never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows down, your car can quickly get too hot and dangerous for pets (or too cold in the wintertime). According to a study by the Louisiana Office of Public Health, temperatures in test vehicles parked on a hot (but partly cloudy) day exceeded 125 degrees F within 20 minutes.
If you’re planning to travel with your dog in tow, a little preparation can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all. With the right destination, accommodations, and accessories, your dog will enjoy your vacation so much that he’ll be begging for more.
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