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Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun. You can enjoy seeing new things and doing things together. Many dogs enjoy traveling. These days many hotels welcome dogs as guests. But if you’re going to be traveling with your dog there are some things you can do to make your trip a success. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations before setting out on your trip. Some areas can require you to show proof of your dog’s vaccinations if they ask so take your dog’s rabies certificate as well as having him wear his tags. Rabies shots are required throughout the United States, so be sure that your dog is current on his rabies vaccination. Besides the requirement, you never know what diseases may be present in the areas where you’ll be traveling. It’s best to have your dog protected in case you encounter something unhealthy for your dog.

2. When you travel your dog should wear a good collar with identification tags. Even if your dog has a microchip, your dog should wear tags when he’s on vacation. If your dog were to become lost (Heaven forbid!), and someone found him, it’s possible that they wouldn’t know to check for a microchip. However, tags are always immediately recognizable. Tags should have your name and current address and phone numbers on them. You can also include your vet’s phone number or another number where people will know how to contact you.

Microchips are still good. Collars can come off or be removed. In that case, a shelter or vet scanning your dog can find the microchip and be able to contact you.

3. When you travel with your dog take some water from home or buy bottled water on your trip. A dog’s stomach can be easily upset when traveling. Drinking strange water on the trip can cause diarrhea or other stomach upsets. Taking your own water or buying bottled water can keep your dog feeling good and prevent you from having to do some clean up.

4. Take your dog’s food with him on the trip. Even if your dog eats a national brand of pet food there are variations in batches and lots. It’s best to continue to feed your dog from the same bag or cans you bought at home to avoid stomach upset. If your dog eats a food that’s hard to find then you can’t count on finding it when you travel.

5. Crate your dog while he rides in the vehicle. Whether you have a car, van, truck or any other kind of vehicle, you should crate your dog when he’s traveling with you. Allowing your dog to ride lose in the car is not very safe for him. Riding in a crate is the safest way for your dog to travel. A hard-sided airline crate is usually the safest kind of crate for travel. If you are in an accident you dog won’t go flying through the vehicle. If he’s in the crate he will be as protected as possible.

Don’t choose a crate that’s too large. If the crate is too big then your dog will be slung around in the crate if there is an impact. Instead, choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand and lie down. This will protect him in case of an accident.

There are many other things to remember when you travel with your dog: remember to bring a can opener if you feed canned food. Remember to bring your dog’s dinner dishes. Remember to bring paper towels for any clean up. Remember to bring your dog’s bed if he has a favorite dog bed. The list is endless! It’s like traveling with a baby.

There are some things that you can pick up on the way if you forget them at home, but if you remember to have your dog up-to-date on his shots, wear a good collar with current ID, bring water from home (or bottled water), bring his food, and crate him while he rides, you should have a great — and safe — trip.

5 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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In your mind you and your dog are traveling down the road in a convertible. The top is down and you and your dog are letting the wind blow through your hair (and fur) as you drive off into the sunset. It’s a beautiful fantasy. Unfortunately, in real life, your dog drools, whines and throws up every time you try to put him in the car. A quick trip to the vet for his shots leaves him shaking and staring at you like you’re going to have him put to sleep. Taking your dog on an actual vacation would probably mean the end of your relationship.

What have you done to deserve this? Why does your dog hate to travel? And, is there anything you can do to make things better?

Contrary to popular belief, carsickness and travel anxiety can occur in any dog. Even puppies that are introduced to riding in cars at a very young age may develop into bad travelers. Some dogs simply seem to be more anxious by nature than other dogs. Certainly socialization in all forms will help to create a more secure, more confident dog, which can decrease anxiety in general. But if your dog becomes anxious about traveling in the car it’s going to take some work to help him get over his carsickness problems.

If you have a puppy or young dog do try to make the car a fun place for them, especially when you aren’t going anywhere. Play with your puppy in the car or van. Spend time there that isn’t associated with traveling. Let it be a place for games and playtime. That way, when you put your dog in the car or van to go on a short trip, your dog will associate the vehicle with good things. That good attitude may help a little.

Whether you have a puppy or a dog that is already experiencing some travel problems, go for very short trips. Drive around the block. Go back home before your puppy or dog can develop any bad reaction to the trip. Praise your puppy or dog and give them treats. You can do this several times a week, gradually making the trips a little longer. Most puppies will be fine with this routine and develop into great little travelers. If you have a dog which is already showing signs of being a bad traveler you should monitor him carefully to see how far you can drive before he starts having problems. See if you can slowly help him get a little further each time but don’t push things too far or make him uncomfortable. Carsickness is a very real, physical problem and if your dog is carsick he can’t help it.

Keep in mind that once a dog has been sick in your car that the odor will linger for quite a while. You may stop noticing it but your dog can still detect it. The scent of it may contribute to making him sick again so be sure to try to thoroughly clean any carsickness accidents in your vehicle. This will help your dog do better the next time you make an attempt.

If your dog isn’t improving by trying to gradually lengthen his trips in the car you can try some natural remedies. One of the old favorites uses ginger cookies or any kind of cookie or treat with ginger. Ginger is a traditional home remedy for settling an upset stomach and it works well for dogs as well as humans.

Some people recommend pheromones. Comfort Zone with D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) has helped some dogs by reducing anxiety.

Herbal and nutritional remedies are also popular. Composure Liquid by Vetri-Science has been used with success by some owners. Nutricalm has also worked to reduce anxiety for some dogs.

Some people prefer the Bach Flower Essences, such as Rescue Remedy.

If the natural remedies don’t work for you and your dog you may wish to try the over-the-counter anti-nausea drug Dramamine. Dramamine helps many dogs who don’t travel well. If your dog still has problems with traveling you should consult your veterinarian. He or she may prescribe something stronger for anxiety, such as Valium or Serax.

You don’t have to give up your dream of traveling with your dog but it may take a little work to get the two of you on the road together.

My Dog Hates To Travel courtesy Dog Articles.

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