Travelling with your dog is a wonderful experience in itself. It provides a special companionship, helps reduce stress, and makes exploring new places exciting. But to travel with your dog, you need certain items that you should carry along to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
In this blog, you will see nine such dog travel essentials that will make your travel journey with your dog smooth and enjoyable.
1) Foods, Treats and Bowls
Firstly, you have to carry nutritious dog food alongside you to keep your dogs well-fed. It is better to carry dry dog food, since they comes in a safe package that lets the contents spill easily. You may also have some excellent dog treats that will help you to command your dogs effectively. Do not forget to carry a bit of extra water, as it helps in hydrating your dog whenever required.
You also need to carry some bowls so that you can pour food and water into them for your dogs.
2) Bedding
Whether you are travelling by car or train, you have to make sure your pet travels and sleeps with comfort. Select dog beds that can be easily rolled up. These generally do not take up a lot of space and can be carried anywhere easily. Your pets will also like it if you pack their favourite blanket and pillow, which will give them familiarity with their old environment.
3) Hygiene
One of the biggest concerns for all dog parents is whether their dog will excrete suddenly in the middle of their journey. Apart from the regular bathroom breaks, carry pee pads for dogs. You may also carry disposable diapers for puppies and senior dogs. While visiting any place, use easy-to-dispose-of poop bags to avoid littering around.
4) Grooming and Paw Care
If you think the grooming of your dog is really important during travelling, then the answer is yes. Suppose you have visited a place where the climate is humid; it can make your pet’s coat matted and tangled. Similarly, beaches and hills are great places for your pet to get ticks and fleas. Hence, it is important to carry grooming essentials while travelling with your pets.
5) Dog Toys
There are high chances that your dog will be alone when you are travelling with them. This is because you can get busy while encountering new things. So it is important that you pick your dog’s favourite dog toys while travelling. The toy not only keeps your dogs entertained but also provides them with a sense of familiarity.
6) Name Tags
While you are visiting new places, there are chances that your dog may lose their way from you. Hence, it is always best to be well-prepared. This is where the importance of a name tag comes in. The name tag makes it easy for the owner to identify their dogs, and helps them reach the dogs without much problem.
7) Collars, Leash & Harness
It is always recommended to keep your dogs on a leash or a harness during travelling for their own safety. Just make sure that your dog collar, leash and harness are comfortable, easy to handle as well and durable. The best thing about collars, leashes, and harnesses is that they let you have complete control over your dogs.
8) First Aid Kit
Exigencies can happen anytime, and hence, you need a good first aid kit for your dogs during the journey. A well-equipped first aid kit helps you in treating minor injuries and stomach upsets. It will also be helpful to consult your vet for any particular medicine that you should carry for your pet’s specific needs.
9) Pet Carrier
While travelling with pet dogs, pet crates can be a lifesaver. Also, car seat belts can keep your dogs safe. You can also use a car seat cover to prevent your car seat cover to avoid fur and drool on the car seats. Moreover, you can place pet mats on the car seats for a comfortable level.
If you are travelling with a senior dog, jumping up and down can cause stress on their joints. In this case, a pet ramp can cause stress on their joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are the most important items to pack when travelling with a dog?
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Always pack food, water, bowls, bedding, grooming items, toys, a collar with a name tag, a first aid kit and a pet carrier.
2) Should I carry my dog’s regular food while travelling?
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Yes, always carry your dog’s regular food to avoid digestive issues from sudden diet changes.
3) How much food should I pack for my dog on a trip?
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You should pack enough for the entire trip, plus 1-2 extra days’ supply in case of delays.
4) Why are bowls useful for travel?
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Bowls are highly useful for feeding food and water to the dogs while you are on the go.
5) Is it necessary to pack bedding for my dog?
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Yes absolutely. Bedding helps your dogs to feel comfortable and safe, especially in unfamiliar places.
6) What grooming items should I take when travelling with my dog?
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Some of the grooming items you should take while travelling with your dog are pack brushes, wipes, paw balm, dog shampoo, and a towel to keep your dog clean and comfortable.
7) Do I really need to carry dog toys on a trip?
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Yes, of course. Toys keep your dogs entertained, prevent anxiety and reduce boredom during long journeys.
8) Why is a name tag so important for dogs while travelling?
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A name tag is important for dogs, as there is also chances it may go astray. The name tag with contact information makes it easier for you to trace your pet.
9) Should I carry a first aid kit for your dog?
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Yes absolutely. Your first aid kit should contain items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, tick remover, adhesive tape, scissors, etc.
10) Is a Pet Carrier or Crate necessary for road trips?
- Yes, pet carriers keep your dogs safe, secure and comfortable, especially when you are on a long drive.
11) How do I keep my dog calm while travelling?
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Take familiar items like their favourite dog toy or blanket, play soft music and ensure they get regular breaks.
12) Can I give my dog treats during travel?
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Yes, but offer only light treats to prevent an upset stomach during the journey.
13) How often should I stop for breaks when travelling with a dog?
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For your dogs, you can take every 2-3 hours of potty breaks, stretching and hydration.
14) Do dogs need travel documents when flying?
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Yes, airlines will require health certificates, vaccination records, and sometimes microchip details.