Around 78% of pet owners acquired pets during the pandemic. For many of them, it was a way to deal with the loneliness that came with staying indoors all day during the lockdown. Also, since it was a time when movement was restricted, they couldn’t go out much.
Recently, the global COVID-19 infection rate has fallen. Things are much better with COVID-19. Many of the travel restrictions that were imposed during the initial stages of the pandemic have also been lifted. Thus, pet parents are willing to travel with their pets once again or for the first time, especially with their dogs.
If you’ve ever traveled with your dog, you know it’s not easy. It requires careful planning and preparation, from the shelter of your car to the hotel room where you’ll be staying. The good news is that there are many ways to make any journey with your dog easier and more enjoyable for both of you. One way is by ensuring you are carrying the right things with you during the trip.
Here are some of the must-have essentials when traveling with your dog.
#1 A Leash and Harness
The leash should be six feet long and made of a material that won’t hurt your dog if they run into it or get caught in the leash. Retractable leashes are the ideal choices because they give you the most flexibility for walking around town.
Harnesses are important for safety reasons. If your dog runs away from you or pulls too hard on its leash, it could choke and hurt itself. If your dog gets scared while on vacation and tries to bolt away from something, their harness will help keep them close by so you can calm or slow them down.
Harness fit is also important. You want something comfortable but not too loose or too tight around their torso so that it doesn’t rub against any fur or skin when wearing it for a long time. PetCareRx has a ton of options when it comes to harnesses and retractable leashes. You can explore their catalog and find whichever product suits your needs the best.
#2 A Bowl and Water
When traveling with your dog, it’s important to bring a bowl and water. A spill-proof bowl may be best since you don’t want wet food or water everywhere in your car. The right size is also important. If it’s too big, your dog will have difficulty eating out of it without spilling food or water all over the place. You can bring along a collapsible stainless steel bowl that folds up for easy storage when not in use.
#3 Paper Bags
When you travel with your dog, it is important to have a supply of paper bags with you. You should keep one or two plastic bags in your car or on your person as well, but these are for disposing of dog waste. You can purchase special biodegradable paper bags at pet stores that are made specifically for this use.
Biodegradable is the key word here because they will break down when left out in the sun and rain (as opposed to regular paper). The problem with plastic bags is that they cannot be recycled. If you use them for this purpose, they will end up in landfills instead of being reused over and over again.
Bioplastics usually degrade within three to six months. However, controlled processes can be used to break down these materials in just one week. That makes using bioplastics a more reasonable option, especially when environmental concerns are high.
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#4 Dog Food
Make sure to bring at least a few days’ worth of food. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your trip and forget about what your dog will eat on the road. Remember that different brands carry different types of food. Some dogs may be allergic to certain ingredients, so make sure yours isn’t before you leave home with just one brand in mind.
You should also carry a variety of food options, just in case. Once again, online stores like PetCareRx have a wide range of dog food options to choose from. You can find all types of dog meals, including dog food for senior dogs and dogs with special nutritional needs.
#5 Toys and Treats
Whether you’re traveling for a few hours or a few days, having toys and treats to keep your dog occupied is essential.
Toys are important for keeping your dog entertained and for chewing on furniture or other things that may be dangerous. Dog treats can be used to reward good behavior, but they should also be used as rewards for exercise.
Treats should be healthy and not too fatty so as not to overfeed him or make him sick when he eats them in large quantities at once. The treat must also be small enough that it won’t choke him if he swallows it whole. Find a delightful balance of health and taste with the wholesome treat options available at Mighty Munch.
#6 Identification and Vet Records
ID tags and microchipping are important. If your dog gets lost, identification is the most important thing to help them find its way home. The same is true if you travel with your dog internationally. Some countries require all dogs to have a passport that includes ID tags and vaccination records.
Your dog must have an ID tag with their name, birthday, address, and phone number so it can be easily identified by medical professionals in case of an emergency or injury. It may also contain information like what medications they take or if they have any allergies. For international travel purposes, it’s best to put your contact information on both sides of the tag so that it can be read from any angle.
#7 Flea Medication
Fleas are a common problem for dogs, and they can be very difficult to get rid of. Flea bites can cause skin irritation and infections and transmit diseases such as tapeworms. Fleas can also act as carriers for other parasites that may infect you or your family members if not properly treated.
During the trip, your dog might catch fleas which is why you must carry flea medication with you. Apart from dog flea pills, you should also consider carrying a flea spray and a flea collar for dogs (as a flea preventive measure).
Traveling with your dog can be fun and exciting, but it’s important to take precautions and carry these essentials. Doing so will make the trip more enjoyable while ensuring your dog’s safety and well-being.
