Planning a road trip with your dog? You’re in the right place. Keep on reading and find out some practical tips that can make the whole organization a walk in the park.
Test the waters
The first thing to do before you hit the road is to check how your four-legged friend reacts to short- and medium-length trips. If your dog enjoys the ride, you can continue with the preparations, but if not, here are some tips that can be helpful.
Contact your vet
Before you leave on a long trip, don’t forget to talk to your vet. Make sure your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date and, just in case, ask for some medicines for motion sickness, diarrhea, or other remedies your vet thinks that may come in handy.
Find pet-friendly accommodation
Before you head off, remember to book a pet-friendly hotel and ensure you and your dog have a nice and worry-free stay. In other words, check if there are any additional fees, breed or area restrictions before making a final decision regarding your accommodation.
Create a travel packing checklist
If you put all the things you need to pack on the paper, it would be good to make one for your dog’s necessities. That way you’ll be sure not to leave without a leash, food, water bowls, waste bags, medications, as well as an external ID tag.
Safety comes first
It’s very important to keep your dog safe and secure while traveling in the car. Therefore, set up a ventilated carrier or crate and ensure a comfortable space in the car for your pet. If this solution doesn’t fit your needs, you can use a canine seat belt and ensure your dog is safe during a long ride.
Take care of your dog’s needs
When traveling for a long time, it’s essential to have the needs of your four-legged friend covered. It means you should make quick stops every couple of hours so that your dog can do their business and, at the same time, stretch their legs. Also, place a water bowl on the floor to keep your pet hydrated.
Use the positive reinforcement technique
Annie Johanson, a writer who provides the best assignment writing service uk, suggests using the positive reinforcement to make your road trip a pleasant experience: “My Lenny, an adorable beagle, can behave like a real child when we travel, so I reward him with some treat every time he behaves well. Win-win for everybody!”
Have a fun ride
A long ride can be boring if there’s nothing fun to do. So, keep your dog busy and entertained with some toys or food puzzles. That way, your best friend won’t be barking and jumping around, seeking for your attention.
Last but not least, remember to enjoy every moment of your road trip! Like every experience, it will have a positive and negative side, but keep in mind that your attitude counts and that you can always choose your reaction.
Have a nice trip!
Author Bio:
Thomas Lanigan has work experience for 4 years as a marketing specialist, social media manager, writer, journalist, as well as an editor at EduGeeksClub.com and bestcustomessay.org. Also, he is a professional content writer in such topics as blogging, marketing features, progressive education programs, business. Pet ownership, nature, and protecting biodiversity are his passion, and he has a wealth of knowledge in these fields.