Vacations can be an excellent opportunity to gather the family together and enjoy one another's company.
Just make sure you don't plan on leaving your dog behind. Why not? Dogs are part of the family.
Taking your canine companion on holidays presents you the opportunity to spend more quality time with your pet, which was tough back home. You can go on incredible walks with your dog and make moments that become lifetime memories.
Now that you know how essential it is to have your dog follow you on vacation, here are FOUR things you should know before taking your dog on vacation.
1. Do Your Research
In the past, traveling with your dog was a matter of common sense. You could take your dog on an airplane with you. But now that airlines are cracking down on pets, it's essential to know the rules before travel. Your best bet is to check the laws in your state and the local area.
Some states limit the number of times dogs can be transported in vehicles, while others allow them on planes or trains. Some cities or counties even have ordinances restricting dogs from being left alone in cars when unattended for more than a few minutes.
2. A Comfortable Carrier Is Important
Dogs, like children, should be taken on vacation with the right gear. When you're packing up the car, you don't want to be weighed down by a huge dog backpack with all sorts of stuff hanging off of it. Instead, opt for something that's easy to lift and doesn't take up much space.
A good carrier is made with soft materials and has wide straps that go over your shoulders and across your chest. It should have plenty of ventilation so your dog can breathe comfortably while he's inside it. And if you're going on long trips, make sure that your carrier has a harness inside so she can't fall out.
If your furry buddy is not comfy in their carrier, he’ll be miserable throughout the entire trip!
3. Make Sure Your Dog Is Up-To-Date on his Shots
Dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations and worming are less likely to spread disease to other animals and even humans.
This is especially important during the summer months when the risk of a flea infestation is high. If your dog has never been vaccinated or treated for fleas, you should bring it in for a checkup before taking them out of the country.
4. Pack His Favorite Treats and Toys in a Travel Bag
If your dog is like most others, he has certain things that he loves to eat, and nothing makes him happier than being able to eat them on the road. Pack his favorite foods in a separate Ziploc bag, so they don't get squished or broken during transport. Also, ensure you include some high-value treats for him to snack on at meal times, such as bully sticks. What is a bully stick? A bully stick is a chew toy made of compressed wood pulp and other ingredients. Bully sticks are designed to be strong enough to last through an aggressive dog's chewing habit but gentle enough that they won't harm the dog's teeth or gums.
You can put some healthy treats in the travel bag, too — natural treats such as carrots, apples, or other fruits are great because they're not messy when eaten off the ground (and won't stain your clothes). If you have more than one dog, pack individual bags for each of them, so they don't fight over each other's food while on vacation!
The Bottom Line
You've gone to the trouble of booking a vacation at the most amazing resort, but your four-legged friend feels left out. Many people don't think about bringing their dog on vacation with them, but many benefits come with choosing to do so. Given all the preparations you must make for a successful trip, it is worth considering whether you and your dog can travel together. It turns out that there are several things that you need to prepare for if you want your vacation with your pup to be great.
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