7 Hacks You Should Know When Taking Your Dog for a Trip

Traveling is an exciting time because this is when people can leave all their stress, responsibilities, and workload behind to recharge and have fun. Pet owners deserve a relaxing time abroad as well, even if it’s just a road trip. Leaving your furry friend behind can be stressful for a lot of dog owners and the key to a happy trip is to avoid stressing out about things. When hiring a pet sitter isn’t an option, then taking your dog with you is the best choice. Owners must plan the trip out conveniently for the pup to ensure its safety and comfort. 

Read on to learn more about 7 useful hacks that can make the trip hassle-free when you take your furry friend with you.

1-Wear a Large Fanny Pack

Wearing a fanny pack is smart if you’re traveling with a pet because it gives you access to several important items. You can carry treats for your dog, a plastic bag to pick up droppings, wet wipes, small chew toys for entertainment, and even important pet documents. Traveling abroad will be easier with it because airline travel for pets requires a dog’s passport, vaccination documents, and veterinarian inspection certificates. Your fanny pack can carry all of these important documents to minimize time and make the trip hassle-free for everyone. Pet owners can decrease the chances of losing important items during the trip, making the experience stress-free and enjoyable.  

2-Plan the Right Accommodation 

Before you start the trip, planning the right accommodation options for you and your dog is smart to avoid any problems when you get to your destination. If you’re traveling to the UK for instance, then some hotels and hostels will allow pets, but having a backup plan is essential for the safety of your dog. If you’re on a road trip across England’s countryside, several establishment owners advise travelers with pets to rent a dog friendly cottage in Cornwall for a comfortable and safe experience. Your vacation will be a lot easier if you plan ahead to find pet-friendly accommodation options that are near tourist attractions, have privacy, and close to town. Research and check if they allow more than one dog if you have multiple dogs with you.

3-Allow Them to Look Out the Window

If your furry friend is getting bored, then letting your dog look out the window can keep them occupied. Dogs may experience motion sickness randomly as well, but looking out the window will minimize the effects. It can be helpful for the dog whether you go on a road trip or you travel by plane. Your furry friend will appreciate it and have fun looking at the different sights along the way, keeping them occupied and preventing them from vomiting. If you’re on a plane ride, ask for permission first before you carry your pet out of their carrier. Road trips will be easier because you can just open the window a little bit for them to pick up different scents, enjoy the scenery, and combat motion sickness symptoms.  

4-Take Bathroom Breaks

If you’re on a road trip, taking bathroom breaks is essential for your dog because they may need one every hour. Even if your dog can go up to 3 or 4 hours without bathroom breaks, the different environments and scents may make your furry friend unpredictable. Consider monitoring them frequently and keep an eye out for panting, whining, or even pacing. These signs will indicate that your pup needs a bathroom break. Find a safe secluded area, walk with them a bit until they’re ready, and then pick up after them with a plastic bag when they’re done.

5-Get Pet Carrier Packs

Investing in a pet carrier pack is worth the cost, especially if your dog is small. You have the option between backpacks or front packs, but it’s recommended to choose the front pack. Dog carriers have several designs and colors, having a few pockets or storage compartments for their toys too. Pet carrier packs are designed to carry dogs that weigh up to 40 pounds, but testing the pack first before you purchase it will be wise. Make sure that it fits your pup perfectly.

6-Pack Citronella Sprays

Depending on the area you’re traveling to, make sure you pack a couple of citronella sprays. When you go on walks or explore the different areas, you may run into other dogs or strays and it can get a little tricky. The sprays are designed to prevent unnecessary dog fights and it’s a lot kinder than other deterrent options. It will not harm the dogs or hurt them but the scent will just control them, making them stop or move away from other pups while walking. Even if your furry friend isn’t aggressive, you can’t be sure what other dogs will be like. Since you can’t predict their behavior, the citronella sprays are a safer option for odor deterrents.

7-Dog Paw Pads

Investing in some dog paw pads will keep your pup safe and healthy, especially in areas you’re not familiar with. The paw pads protect the dog from sharp objects, rocks, or glass, ensuring that your little exploration trip will be safe for your furry friend. They’re designed to be durable and thick to maximize protection against sharp objects. The pads can be very handy if it snows or rains because they’re water-resistant as well. Also remember to moisturise their paws after wearing the pads for a longer period of time.

Extensive research is expected of owners when they decide to go on a trip with their pets. Dogs need special care steps on the road or when traveling abroad, ensuring that they stay safe and comfortable until you reach your destination. There is a huge misconception that traveling with dogs is extremely difficult or impossible, forcing people to pay a lot of money for pet sitters. This is not true at all because, with a little bit of planning, you can make the experience easier for both of you and it’s not as difficult as you expect. Even when you travel abroad, airlines and travel agencies accommodate pet owners and ensure that the journey is safe for the pup. Never assume it’s impossible and plan every step to enjoy a lovely trip with your furry best friend.