Thinking of taking a road trip but cannot find a travel companion? Take your Fido along!
Dogs make the best travel companions since they love exploring new locations and meeting new people. About 82% of respondents in a survey revealed that they travel with their canines by road.
Hitting the road with canine companions who love riding in cars is relatively simple. But what do you do if your furry friend isn’t fond of car rides? Not every canine is comfortable with a change of scenery. Proper preparation can, however, help you make your Rover’s first getaway fun.
Here are some practical tips to maximize the joy of traveling with your dog while ensuring its well-being every step of the way.
#1. Check With Your Vet
Always visit the vet before setting out on a road trip with your Fido. Schedule an appointment to make sure your canine companion is healthy enough to travel. A vet will conduct a thorough checkup of your Rover to determine if traveling is safe. They will also let you know if you should take any precautions.
Your furry friend may also require certain vaccinations to stay safe from diseases such as Kennel Cough. Your vet will let you know about that.
Nearly all states in the U.S. require the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for incoming pets. It’s a health certificate that states that your canine companion is up to date on all of its vaccinations and safe for travel. Only a vet can issue this certificate, so make sure you get one for your pooch.
#2. Use Flea and Tick Preventative
Ticks and fleas thrive in the outdoors, especially in wooded areas or those with tall grasses. These pesky creatures can hitch a ride on your Fido on the trip. Should that happen, your pooch could develop several health issues like Lyme disease. To avoid that, use flea and tick preventative before you hit the road.
Flea and tick preventatives are available in several options. But since you’re setting out on a road trip, opting for topical treatment will be the best bet. You never know when your canine companion might come in contact with shrubs, leaves, and trees with an infestation of ticks and fleas.
Frontline for dogs is a tick and flea treatment that veterinarians recommend. Use it on your furry friend before you leave for the trip. This fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick treatment kills ticks, fleas, their larvae and eggs, and chewing lice. The formula of this treatment is waterproof. Your canine companion will be protected from pesky parasites even after they get wet.
To safeguard your pooch from ticks and fleas, you just have to apply it once a month, and it will offer month-long protection. Note that this medicine can cause slight irritation at the site of application. PetCareRx advises pet parents to consult a vet if the irritation worsens or doesn’t subside within a few days of application.
#3. Stock Up on All Essentials
Whether you’re going on a two-day trip or a week-long trip, you must have all the necessary pet supplies.
Pack enough of your pooch’s regular diet to last the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Food and water bowls are also important. Skip the regular bowls; instead, opt for collapsible ones. They are ideal for feeding or hydrating your canine companion on the go. You can fold the collapsible bowls when not in use and store them in your pocket or backpack.
Pack comfort items like your pooch’s favorite bed or blanket. They will help it feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings. Grooming supplies such as a brush, shampoo, wipes, towels, and nail clippers are also must-haves. Canines can get pretty messy. Having them handy will allow you to clean your Fido should it get dirty.
Add car sickness medicine to your backpack. Should your Rover vomit, drool, or pant, you can give it the medication. Bring toys and chews to keep your dog occupied during downtime.
Your duffel bag must also contain a first aid kit. It should contain bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for emergencies. You can create your own first aid kit or buy a readymade kit sold at pet pharmacies.
To sum things up, road trips with dogs are fun. But they often stress pet parents out, especially if they take their canine companions for the first time. Preparing ahead can help you have a stress-free trip, and these tips will help you do that. Hence, follow them.
Long rides can be uncomfortable for canines. Make frequent stops so your furry friend can stretch its legs, relieve itself, and burn off some energy. Rest assured that you will have a safe and enjoyable experience.
