It is often hard and expensive to find dog sitters when going for holidays. Besides, a lot of pet owners prefer to take their dogs along with them for holidays. So, it is important to know how to travel safely with your canine friend.

 

Here are some of my tips which I have gathered from my own experience and friends, which I am sure will help you to travel safely with your pet:

 

1. Vaccinations

 

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. People often get their own shots before any extended trip, but can forget about their pets. Keeping dogs up-to-date with shots is always important, but the consequences can be far greater when you and your dog are traveling. A general veterinary checkup is always a good idea before taking your dog on any trip, since sick dogs shouldn’t be traveling. Getting treatments for sick pets while on any trip is inconvenient at the best of times, and potentially dangerous for them in the worst of times.

 

2. Plan Ahead

 

Plan ahead and to find enough hotels that are pet-friendly. More and more places are open to dogs, but there are some places that discriminate based on the type of breed. Some hotels don’t allow big dogs, and some places that do welcome animals will impose other restrictions. Depending on the trip, it may be difficult to get healthy pet food or meet your dog’s accommodations, so it’s best to research where you are going and confirm that your dog isn’t going to be missing anything crucial later. Dogs can get sick when rapidly changing their dietary patterns, so it is best to feed them something more familiar.

 

3. Take Precautions

 

Take some precautions against ticks and parasites. Trimming dogs’ fur and brushing them every day can help guard against ticks and fleas. Avoiding tall grasses in new locations can help. At the end of the day, if possible, it’s good to give your dog a thorough checkup to make sure he or she hasn’t picked up any ticks. In exotic locations, dogs may be at a greater risk for diseases from parasites than in local areas, so taking extra steps can be more important. If owners spot any ticks on their dogs, they could save them in plastic bags and have them tested to rule out diseases, to be on the safe side.

 

4. Hydration

 

Keep your dog fully hydrated during long trips. Road trips in particular can put dogs at risk for dehydration. Dogs aren’t always as good at advertising their thirst, so it’s important that they have regular water breaks. Similarly, dogs should never be left alone in hot cars with the windows rolled too far upwards, where they can overheat and get sick. Paying careful attention to the car temperature is essential.

 

5. Walk your Dog

 

Try to find ways of incorporating your dog into vacation plans. Finding great new places to walk your dog can get both of you exercise and help you both see new places. Dogs still need to be walked, even when both of you are on vacation. Leaving dogs in hotel rooms all day isn’t ideal for anyone.