How-To: Traveling With Your Dog

Vacation just wouldn’t be the same without your four-legged best friend, right? Make sure you and your pet are well prepared with our how-to guide on traveling with a dog.

1 – Know Your Dog

Do you know if your dog has travel anxiety or gets car sick? Take them out for test drives if they don’t like to ride around already. Start with short rides of 10 to 15 minutes to help your dog acclimatize to your car and the motion of the vehicle. Then, increase the time daily or weekly until it’s time for your trip. If your pet does exhibit anxiety or car sickness, talk to your vet and they may be able to prescribe them a light sedative or something to help nausea.

2 – Stay Safe

According to AAA, 30,000 accidents a year are caused by unrestrained pets roaming freely around the vehicle. Keep your dog secure by either using a pet barrier, crate, or pet seatbelt.

3 – Plan Your Pit Stops

Plan to stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can get out and exercise, use the bathroom, or have a snack!

4 – Hydrate

The ASPCA recommends you should have a gallon of cold water handy so your pet doesn’t dehydrate on the road trip.

5 – Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone

On an 85 degree day, a car can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes. If you have to stop somewhere that isn’t pet-friendly, like a restaurant, leave the windows down at least an inch and order your food to go. If it’s available, go through the drive through.

6 – Don’t Let Your Pup Hang Out Of the Window

As much as they love the wind flying through their fur, please don’t let your dog hang his head out of the window. High wind speeds can cause damage to the dogs’ already sensitive ears and lungs. Flying debris and cars driving too closely also can pose dangers to your pup.

7. Have Documents Handy (Just In Case)

Just in case the unimaginable happens, happens, make sure you have important documents handy. Proof of vaccination, microchip registration, and insurance are just a few examples of what you should bring along.

Just a few more tips:

• Bring a few snacks or treats to reward your furry friend for good behavior
• Bring along a familiar toy or blanket to make them more comfortable
• Turn off the speakers in the back of the car to avoid damaging your pets’ hearing
• Give them positive reinforcement and lots of love along the way

Now that you know how to travel with your four-legged family member, check out the array of pet-friendly vacation homes Resort Realty has to offer you! Between this checklist and our awesome homes, you and your pet will have the best vacation yet!