Vacation season is in full swing. Did you know that nowadays, 37% of vacationers travel with their pets? that is nearly twice as many as ten years ago.
Today we welcome guest blogger Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com. Nick and his wife Mary created this site out of their mutual love of dogs, in memory of their beloved dog Willie. The site is a resource for pet owners, especially those who are dealing with the loss of a pet. Nick has graciously written this wonderful article especially for loyalpitbulllove.com. So read and enjoy.....and be sure to check out Nick's site.
Today we welcome guest blogger Nick Burton of ourbestdoggo.com. Nick and his wife Mary created this site out of their mutual love of dogs, in memory of their beloved dog Willie. The site is a resource for pet owners, especially those who are dealing with the loss of a pet. Nick has graciously written this wonderful article especially for loyalpitbulllove.com. So read and enjoy.....and be sure to check out Nick's site.
Five Ways to Plan for Traveling with Your Dog
There is nothing quite taking a vacation and getting away from it all for a little while. However, when we have dogs, leaving them behind can be extremely difficult. To get a little extra adventure, why not consider bringing them along for the journey?
Getting Around
Finding the right destination will lay the groundwork for the rest of your plans. However, where to go can depend on your pup's personality. If your pooch is more actively inclined, he might thrive somewhere close to the wilderness or the beach. That can benefit you, too, since there are destinations like Santa Barbara or Stowe, Vermont that have plenty for owners to do. Even if your choice is a city, such as San Diego or Washington, D.C., that doesn't mean your pup has to be bored. Yes, there may be unfamiliar areas, but there are canine-focused travel apps designed to help you find parks, welcoming restaurants, and other dog-friendly locations.
Do the Paperwork
Without certain documents, you could encounter difficulties if any issues occur, such as an accident or a medical problem. So, if you don't have them, ask your veterinarian for a complete copy of your pup's medical records. These will include a history of visits, treatments, vaccinations, as well as any health issues your pooch has had. While your vet could send these documents to another vet if needed, it's good to have them on hand in case of an emergency. In fact, if you're taking a trip abroad, such as to Canada, these precautions could be vital if a border agent queries you about a health certificate or rabies vaccination.
Stock Up Gear
Packing the right doggy gear can ensure your travels are smooth. Of course, planning can be chaotic, so it's wise to have a checklist that you can tick off. To start, focus on the basics, such as collapsible food and water bowls, doggy bags, as well as spare leashes and collars. If your pup gets nervous, you might also want to stock up on medications and toys to provide some comfort. Moreover, if you're traveling by car, Pet Life today notes that it's essential that you invest in a quality dog seat belt to keep your dog safe and avoid any distractions for you.
Get Them Comfortable
Unfortunately, no matter how much pups love to explore, they can still get anxious when traveling. Thankfully, this can be avoided by getting them used to riding in a vehicle. However, if they haven't been in a car, don't just rush into driving them around. Instead, take the process step-by-step, and start by being parked in the car. By going slowly, you keep things controlled, and can focus on reassuring your pooch and rewarding him for his courage. As you get your dog used to the car, look out for any evidence of stress, such as trying to pull away from the vehicle. Don't worry if that happens, as taking a step back and praise can have a positive impact.
Choosing the Accommodation
This is where it can get a little tricky, particularly if you plan on multiple stopovers. After all, you need to be certain your pup will not only be welcomed but have an environment where he feels comfortable. So, to avoid any surprises at reception, contact your accommodation before you book. Even if they request a deposit or higher fees, that still means you both have a place to stay. Still, you want your furball to enjoy the experience, and that might be a challenge if the hotel is too restrictive. If you really want to go all out, make it a policy to look for places offering extra features. Yes, looking for hotels that offer dog yoga, or doga, or a scavenger hunt might sound unnecessary, but it could make a world of difference for your companion.
With suitable gear and preparation, bringing your pup along can transform a vacation. Of course, you want your dog to be comfortable and active, so start crafting a good plan. Now is the time for you and your buddy to make memories that will last the rest of your lives.
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
We thank you Nick for your thoughtful contribution to our site, and once again, please be sure to check out Nick and Mary's site, ourbestdoggo.com.
There is nothing quite taking a vacation and getting away from it all for a little while. However, when we have dogs, leaving them behind can be extremely difficult. To get a little extra adventure, why not consider bringing them along for the journey?
Getting Around
Finding the right destination will lay the groundwork for the rest of your plans. However, where to go can depend on your pup's personality. If your pooch is more actively inclined, he might thrive somewhere close to the wilderness or the beach. That can benefit you, too, since there are destinations like Santa Barbara or Stowe, Vermont that have plenty for owners to do. Even if your choice is a city, such as San Diego or Washington, D.C., that doesn't mean your pup has to be bored. Yes, there may be unfamiliar areas, but there are canine-focused travel apps designed to help you find parks, welcoming restaurants, and other dog-friendly locations.
Do the Paperwork
Without certain documents, you could encounter difficulties if any issues occur, such as an accident or a medical problem. So, if you don't have them, ask your veterinarian for a complete copy of your pup's medical records. These will include a history of visits, treatments, vaccinations, as well as any health issues your pooch has had. While your vet could send these documents to another vet if needed, it's good to have them on hand in case of an emergency. In fact, if you're taking a trip abroad, such as to Canada, these precautions could be vital if a border agent queries you about a health certificate or rabies vaccination.
Stock Up Gear
Packing the right doggy gear can ensure your travels are smooth. Of course, planning can be chaotic, so it's wise to have a checklist that you can tick off. To start, focus on the basics, such as collapsible food and water bowls, doggy bags, as well as spare leashes and collars. If your pup gets nervous, you might also want to stock up on medications and toys to provide some comfort. Moreover, if you're traveling by car, Pet Life today notes that it's essential that you invest in a quality dog seat belt to keep your dog safe and avoid any distractions for you.
Get Them Comfortable
Unfortunately, no matter how much pups love to explore, they can still get anxious when traveling. Thankfully, this can be avoided by getting them used to riding in a vehicle. However, if they haven't been in a car, don't just rush into driving them around. Instead, take the process step-by-step, and start by being parked in the car. By going slowly, you keep things controlled, and can focus on reassuring your pooch and rewarding him for his courage. As you get your dog used to the car, look out for any evidence of stress, such as trying to pull away from the vehicle. Don't worry if that happens, as taking a step back and praise can have a positive impact.
Choosing the Accommodation
This is where it can get a little tricky, particularly if you plan on multiple stopovers. After all, you need to be certain your pup will not only be welcomed but have an environment where he feels comfortable. So, to avoid any surprises at reception, contact your accommodation before you book. Even if they request a deposit or higher fees, that still means you both have a place to stay. Still, you want your furball to enjoy the experience, and that might be a challenge if the hotel is too restrictive. If you really want to go all out, make it a policy to look for places offering extra features. Yes, looking for hotels that offer dog yoga, or doga, or a scavenger hunt might sound unnecessary, but it could make a world of difference for your companion.
With suitable gear and preparation, bringing your pup along can transform a vacation. Of course, you want your dog to be comfortable and active, so start crafting a good plan. Now is the time for you and your buddy to make memories that will last the rest of your lives.
Image Courtesy of Pixabay
We thank you Nick for your thoughtful contribution to our site, and once again, please be sure to check out Nick and Mary's site, ourbestdoggo.com.
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