8 Tips on How to Travel Better With Your Dog In Louisville, KY

If you decide to head on the open road for your next vacation, you might assume you need to hand over a bunch of money to leave your beloved pup with a dog sitter or boarding facility. However, there’s no need to do that as long as you do a little research, invest a little time, and plan for your trip with your furry companion. Use some of these eight tips on how you can travel better with your pup so you both can have a memorable experience.

Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels

1. Go for a Practice Drive

Before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure it’s something your dog can handle. If they can’t handle a shorter trip, then it’s probably best to leave your dog at home because it will most likely be miserable on a long journey.

If your dog has never been in the vehicle, let your pup sit in it without leaving the driveway and then go on short rides. Rides to the dog park or their favorite pet store can help your pup associate car rides with a reward. After your dog is used to the shorter drives, head out for several hours to see how your dog reacts. You want to make sure it can travel without getting motion sickness, agitated, or anxious.

2. Teach Your Dog Manners

It’s best if your dog knows a few simple commands before you head out of town. Simple commands, such as “sit” or “stay,” can make managing a dog while traveling a little easier. Leaving a well-trained dog behind at a hotel while you check out the sites or go out to dinner can give you peace of mind. Also, you might find that others are more receptive to a well-behaved dog than one that barks or doesn’t listen.

3. Check-in With Your Vet

Is your dog well enough to travel? Speak with your veterinarian to discuss any existing health issues that your pet might have. You can also ask about how travel might affect your dog and ensure that all their vaccines are up to date. If you’re concerned about how your pup might fare in the vehicle, you can ask about anti-nausea or stress-reducing aids that you can provide during your drive.

4. Pack the Essentials

As tempting as it is to just have your dog hop in the car and head off on your vacation, there are a few things you should make sure you pack, including:

• Dog food and water.
• Collapsible bowls.
• Toys.
• Flea and tick medicine.
• Leash.
• Extra collar with ID tags.
• Poop bags.
• A bed.
• Pet first-aid kit.

If your canine needs medicine, be sure to refill it before your trip to make sure you have enough. Also, for food, pack enough for the entire trip plus a few extra days, just in case. You don’t want to be forced to purchase different food as it might cause your dog to have an upset stomach.

Other items you can consider, depending on the size of your dog and where you’re heading, include the following:

• Booties.
• Brush.
• Jacket.
• Hiking backpack.

You should also make sure your dog is microchipped and up to date on all of its shots.

5. Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy

Keep your dog safe and secure by having them ride in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There is a variety of wire mesh, soft-sided, and hard-plastic carriers available. Make sure whatever option you choose is large enough for your pooch to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. Get your dog used to the crate or carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. Always secure the crate or carrier so it won’t slide or shift if the vehicle comes to a sudden stop.

Consider adding a blanket or some puppy pads inside to keep your dog comfortable. You might also want to add a chew toy to keep your dog busy and to prevent it from chewing on the vehicle’s seat belts. 

6. Download Dog-Friendly Apps

There are plenty of free apps out there that can help you when you’re on the road with your pup. These three apps are available from the Apple Store or Google Play:

• BarkHappy: Use this app to locate dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and lodging. You can even use the app to find events and dogs nearby to give your dog some socializing.
• BringFido: This app can give you the lowdown on just about anything you need to know about your dog. As one of the top travel pet apps, it can help you find a pet-friendly hotel, beach, park, or just about any other type of attraction.
• Rover. If you’re looking for a dog sitter while you’re on vacation, this app is perfect for you. There are more than 65,000 pet sitters and dog walkers registered, and you can connect with them and pay them through the app.

7. Map Out Pit Stops

Just like humans, dogs need a break from the road as well. Whether they need a bathroom break, a meal, or a place to stretch their legs, make sure you plan enough stops so your dog won’t be anxious or have any accidents. Many major rest stops have dog areas that you can use. You also want to avoid feeding your dog in the vehicle, even if it’s a long drive.

8. Make Doggie Friends

Dogs are social animals and gravitate toward other canines. Try to find other dogs during your journey, which can not only help your pet but the owners can be a valuable resource when it comes to anything dog-related. Take your pup on a walk around the neighborhood and talk to local dog owners about the area. Visit one of the area’s dog parks and give your pup a chance to run around.

What do you think of this list created by Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram? Are there some tips that you have when traveling with your dog that you think we should add? If so, drop us a line so we can let other people know how to better travel with their canine companion.