As the summer travel season begins, many families will be making plans and taking trips that include their canine companions. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, taking a little extra time to prepare for the trip will make a significant difference in your dog’s experience.
The American Kennel Club offers the following canine travel tips.
— Dogs get anxious too. Many of the issues dogs face when traveling by car (most commonly motion sickness) are caused by anxiety. Before taking your four-legged friend on a long trip, get him acclimated to car rides by taking him on frequent short trips. Take him to fun places like the dog park so he doesn’t associate the car with going to the veterinarian or the groomer only.
— Experiment with feeding. Before hitting the road for your trip, experiment with your dog’s feeding habits. Some dogs do better having not eaten for several hours before getting in the car, while others need to have a small meal immediately before the ride. Use the short rides to test out your dog’s preferred feeding schedule for your road trip.
— Research flights. If you plan on taking your dog with you on a flight, try to book a nonstop flight to your destination rather than one with a layover. Pets remain in the plane’s hold when it is stopped on the ground, which can increase anxiety levels. Also, be aware of the weather when flying with your dog, as the hot summer temperatures can be dangerous for your dog.
— Invest in a crate. Instead of renting a crate for your dog, consider purchasing your own prior to traveling. This will give your dog time to become comfortable in it before the flight, and you will have it to use when traveling in the future. Make sure the type of crate you invest in matches the type of travel that you will be doing. For example, airlines have restrictions on the type of crate that your dog must be in to travel.
— Have identification. It is extremely important that your dog has proper identification, including a collar and a microchip should she get lost. Her tag should include your name and cellphone number on it, and you should check with your recovery service provider prior to traveling to ensure all information is up to date. For more information about microchipping and pet recovery service, visit www.akcreunite.org.
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For more tips on dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org
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