Road trips, summer excursions, and the quick, dead-sprint layover in Milwaukee, traveling can be quite memorable, especially if you’ve brought a four-legged friend along for the ride. Just imagine them, tongue out in the summer sun or running in step with you to your next flight. Seems peaceful, no? Dogs make wonderful life companions. So, they should (in theory) make wonderful travel companions, right? Well, if you plan accordingly.
Modern travel by planes, trains, and automobiles isn’t quite suited for all dogs. Sure, some dogs can make it work. Some dogs can even thrive under the travel lifestyle. But not all. Other dogs might have to uncomfortably squeeze, bend, and balance their way through an hours-long flight or road trip. And some may still be freaking out when travel ends and the vacation begins.
Here, we’ll help you decide what you’ll need to include your pup in all your PTO adventures. We’ll give you a few tips for traveling, and help you know what to do before you walk out the door, board the plane, or pack your pup up in the car.
Don’t Forget to Pack These Chews
But first, just because they’re on vacation doesn’t mean your dog’s health is, too.
Calming Dog Chews
Made with naturally soothing ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root, our Calming Dog Chews help settle your pup’s nerves, soften their stress, and promote nose-to-tail relaxation. Make sure to give your dog a serving of these chews an hour or two before you set out. This buffer will give the supplement time to absorb and get to work.
10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews
Most dogs love routine. So, it’s best to keep ’em on the same one by bringing their 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews with you wherever you go. This daily multivitamin packs a ton of healthy goodness into little heart-shaped chews, using ten all-natural ingredients to enrich your dog’s nose-to-tail health.
Hip & Joint Dog Chews
While summertime hikes can surely wear on your dog’s joints, so can long car rides and flights. Our Hip & Joint Dog Chews use joint-boosting glucosamine and chondroitin to promote mobility and recovery, letting your pup bounce back after a day of travel or high activity.
Checklist Before You Travel With Your Dog
But before you go, it’s always best to do two things, and the first one is …
Check in With Your Vet
A simple check-in with your vet is always needed before taking your dog on a plane or a long car ride. Your veterinarian can update your dog’s vaccinations, refill their prescriptions, diagnose a variety of concerns, and recommend whether traveling is right for you and your dog. Plus, they’ll be able to give you a more tailored list of to-dos before traveling with your dog.
Pack Updated Medical Records
And it’s always best to carry your dog’s most recent vaccine and medical records with you. These will help you show proof of vaccinations if needed. If you’re traveling by air, you most certainly will need to keep these handy.
What to Pack
As you’re packing up your stuff, here are a few things to keep in mind for your pup.
Food, Food, Food
When packing, many pet parents underestimate the amount of dog food they’ll need to take. First, do the math on how many days you’ll be gone and the number of meals that’ll be for your dog. Then, measure out your dog’s kibble into large Ziploc bags or plastic containers. If you’re flying, it might be best to take this in your carry-on. If your checked bag gets lost, you won’t want your little pup to miss a meal.
Medications
Also, if your dog requires special medications, pack them in your carry-on as well. Be sure to include prescription labels, vet instructions, and back-ups (if you have them).
Daily Supplements & Treats
Long days in cars and planes can wear on your dog’s anxiety or discomfort.. So, pack a few treats and their favorite tasty supplements, just so you can reward them for good behavior and take their mind off all that traveling.
Emotional Support Toys
Remember that raggity old blankie you had as a kid? The one you dragged around on every trip? Your dog’s favorite toys do the same for them. Pack a few toys your dog can play with, gnaw on, or cuddle up next to, just to help keep them aloof from the travel stress.
Tips for Air Travel
If you’re traveling by air, there are a few things you’ll need to do beforehand.
Check the Airlines’ Policy
Before booking your flight, check in with your veterinarian. You’ll need to get a health certificate and a record of vaccines. Most airlines request this no later than 10 days from the scheduled flight. Also, many airlines have steered away from transporting pets in cargo. Plus, not all dog breeds can adjust to the altitude in the cargo section. So, be sure to research your dog’s breed, consult your veterinarian, and plan to make accommodations if your pup is too large to fit in a cabin-approved dog crate. Air travel is the most tricky with dogs. It has a few extra hoops to jump through.
If your dog is small enough to ride in the cabin, you’ll need an appropriate crate. Most airlines require that the dog be able to walk and turn around in the carrier. They may not allow you to bring your dog if your crate is too small for your dog or too big for the under-seat storage.
Map Out Potty Rooms
Most airports have designated restrooms for pets. You’ll need to check your airport’s directory and keep an eye out for signs pointing the way. It’s always best to plan these potty breaks into your travel schedule.
Have Treats Handy
Air travel is not only stressful for us; it can be especially stressful for our pups. So, make sure to have treats within reach. Reward your dog’s good behavior with a treat after check-in, TSA, and boarding. (And then maybe a few more once you two land.)
Tips for Car Travel
Traveling with a dog by car is generally easier than traveling by air. But it does come with its own checklist.
Invest in a Carrier
Before you hit the road, make sure your dog is securely placed in a pet carrier. Car carriers typically come in hard or soft shell options—hard shells being the most recommended. These carriers keep your dog confined in a safe space and free from blocking your blind spots. Also, they may help soothe your dog’s stress, giving them a solitary place to sleep and lounge.
Map Out Rest Stops
On your travel route, look for dog-friendly gas stations, visitor centers, or parks. Be prepared to stop every couple of hours to let your dog stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, explore, and sniff around before jumping back on the road.
Look Ahead for Dog-Friendly Lodging
Many hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts are dog-friendly. Just make sure to check their pet rules when booking. Many of these places charge extra for pets and may even take an extra room deposit.
Traveling by Train (If You Can)
Today, traveling by train with dogs is not very easy. Many national commuter train companies have banned dogs from riding their trains, excluding service animals. Local and city train companies also fall into this category; most trains do not allow dogs unless they are service animals.
Parting Thoughts
Traveling with dogs can make your trips even more special. Taking your furry family member along for the ride can strengthen your bond, add a sense of familiarity to a new place, and bring a bundle of joy. But you just need to plan accordingly.
Before you leave, make sure to check in with your vet to monitor your dog’s health and approve them for travel. You’ll also need to retrieve their health certificate and vaccine records.
On just about any trip, your dog can have just as much fun as you! And thanks to our line of supplements, you can keep ’em healthy and happy, never skipping a beat.
