Welcome back, friends! In part one of this short blog series, we started looking at travel safety tips to consider when taking your dog with you on a road trip this summer. While it may seem easy enough to pack your bags, pack some dog food, and hit the road with your canine companion, you’ll want to make sure your pup has everything he or she needs to keep them healthy, happy, and safe during your travels.
At Eagle Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we are devoted to caring for your dog, which is why, in today’s post, we have six more tips you can follow when traveling with your dog this summer. If you find that taking them along with you on your summer adventure may be more work than you had planned, give our pet resort a call to book your pup’s stay in our state-of-the-art dog boarding facility. Please read on to learn our tips!
Make a Trip to the Vet
Sometimes, traveling in a car for a long period of time can be stressful for some dogs. For older dogs (and younger ones, too), it’s a good idea to bring them to see your veterinarian who can examine them and clear them for travel. Your veterinarian can offer suggestions for keeping your pup calm and comfortable during your trip.
Pet Travel Barrier
Installing a pet travel barrier can keep your dog securely in the backseat, which can keep them safe while barring them from becoming a driving distraction for you. Pet barriers are usually adjustable and fit securely between the driver and passenger seats. Try to find one that has a double-ventilation feature so the air conditioning can easily circulate to the backseat to keep your furry friend comfy and cool.
Pre-Trip Car Rides
Driving around town with your pup is one thing but long car rides on road trips can be stressful and even nauseating for some dogs. Before embarking on your journey, take your dog on short car rides and gradually lengthen your driving times. This will help familiarize them with riding in a car for a longer period of time.
Pre-Road Trip Meal
Be sure to feed your dog about two to four hours before heading out. Because dogs can sense when new things are happening, they can get a little anxious, which can cause them to get an upset tummy. Plus, you never want to feed a dog while driving, which can cause nausea and vomiting.
Collar and ID Tag
Make sure your dog has a flat collar (not choke collars) on at all times while in the car and out in public. Keep your leash handy so you can attach it to their collar when you stop before they exit the vehicle. Get a name tag printed with their name, your home address, and a cell phone number.
Vaccination Papers
If you’re traveling to another state, bring your dog’s rabies vaccination papers. Some states require proof of these and other immunizations, so you’ll want to be prepared in case you are stopped.
Call Us for Dog Boarding in Kansas City
If after reading all of these tips you find that it may be better to leave your dog behind while you go on a road trip, call Eagle Animal Hospital & Pet Resort! Our team of caring pet care specialists would be more than happy to care for your dog while you go on your trip! Call us today to reserve a suite for your dog in our state-of-the-art dog boarding facility.
Thanks for reading this blog post, and happy trails to you!