Everything You Need to Know When You are Traveling With Your Dog

You know that feeling when you're on vacation and your dog is back at home? Yeah, that's not a good feeling. So how can you travel with them and make sure you pass the vibe check together?

Traveling with your dog should be fun, fulfilling, and stress-free. We’ll share what you need to know to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort while on the road. 

Remember, dogs are not like humans. They can get overstimulated, get lost or become so anxious that travel plans end up having to be cut short. Don't worry about that though! We've got you covered with some tips for traveling with your dog whether you’re going surfing in San Diego or embarking on a multi-state road trip.

1. Get a dog carrier

Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or car, a high quality dog carrier is a must. A carrier keeps your dog safe and minimizes their movement in the vehicle. When you're staying in a hotel or rental home, the carrier will also let you provide them with a safe place to rest and stay out of trouble, especially if you need to step out without them.

2. Get a dog seat belt

We all know that seat belts are important to wear in the car, but what about when you're traveling with your dog? Dogs often love to ride in the car with their human family members, but they are not always kept safe. It’s important to keep them restrained while on the road and prevent accidents like getting hit by another vehicle or jumping out of a moving vehicle. Seat belts for dogs can be purchased at most pet stores and come with an adjustable strap that goes around the dog's girth and attaches to either a seatbelt buckle or headrest posts. Keeping your dog buckled not only protects your dog, but also anyone else in the car against the consequences of a sudden driver distraction caused by your pup. As we get ready for the summer road trip season, it's important to keep safety top of mind. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has reported that 1 out of every 5 drivers don't buckle up even though more than 6 million people are involved in crashes each year. If you're going on a long drive this summer with your pooch, make sure they are safe too by putting them in one of the awesome new pet restraint systems!

3. ID tags & collars

Make sure they have ID tags and are wearing a collar for identification. We like to travel with an extra collar & tag, just in case.

4. Doggy Diet & Mealtimes On-the-Go

Have you ever tried to feed your dog while traveling? It's not always the easiest thing. You have to make sure that they don't choke on their meal, and you also need to be mindful of how much food they're consuming in one sitting. We’ve been there a few times, so here are our best tips for feeding your pup when on the go! 

-Try adding water or broth to dry food before packing it up into containers on the days you’re in transit. This will help hydrate them if they get thirsty during travel time and will also ensure that they aren't getting dehydrated from eating too much dry or dehydrated food without enough liquid.  

- Meal prep! Divide their favorite foods into equal portions that can be served on the go. This will help you ensure that they are consuming the proper amounts at each meal, which can be harder to know otherwise if you aren’t bringing their regular bowls along. If you cannot always feed your dog while in transit, bring extra treats (such as Pup Snax™ Calming and Ultra Calming Chews) to help keep them full while on the go. 

It is important not to change up your dog’s regular food while traveling. A new diet can give your dog digestive issues, especially combined with the stressors of travel. Do what you can to avoid this, especially as you won’t have their veterinarian nearby. The last thing you want is for your pup to need more potty breaks than the road has miles.

5. Bathroom breaks 

Speaking of a potty break, is your pup potty trained? Stay in tune with your dog’s needs. If they dog hint that they want to go, make a stop for a potty break.

Reduce their food portions beforehand to minimize the number of times they need to go, especially if traveling by plane. 

6. Pet Medication

Is your dog on any type of medication? Pack all the supplies they need before embarking on your travel itinerary. Also be sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure your pup is fully vaccinated against any diseases common to the area you’ll be in.

7. Dog grooming 

Last but not least, keep up with your dog’s skincare routine and basic cleaning needs! Don’t forget to bring your dog’s toothbrush, towel, wipes, and a grooming mitt.

Pup Wax will help keep your dog’s nose moist on dry planes and in the summer heat, and their paws protected against the elements. The Puppington Limited Edition 7-Day Magic Stick™ is the perfect remedy for on-the-go protection. For longer trips, grab a Pup Wax Pawsh size! 

 

Ready to Hang Ten with Your Dog?

We all know that traveling with a dog can be hard, but fortunately we’ve compiled this list of helpful tips to make the process easier. As you’re packing, consider getting one of our travel-friendly Pup Wax Vegan Pro minis to ensure your pup is ready to have fun, no matter what kind of climate they're traveling into! Snag one before you travel so that no matter where life takes you and your fur baby, there'll always be an extra little bit of home waiting for them at your destination.