Hitting The Road With Your Dog!

When you hit the road, what are you going to do with your dog? While many people regretfully leave their dogs at home or bring in a pet sitter, the truth is that it now significantly easier to bring your dog with you! If you would love to have some companionship while you are traveling and if you know that your pet would love it, consider how you can bring your dog along.

What Types of Vacations Suit Dogs?

Some types of vacations are more suited to dogs than others. For example, camping is a great option when you want a dog-friendly adventure. Dogs both large and small can get a thrill out of playing outside in a brand new place. However, dogs do not do very well on vacations where they will be left in the hotel room on a regular basis. If you are in the city and you know that you can bring your dog with you most places, this is fine, but if you are dealing with a situation where your dog will be left behind all day and all night, it might be better to leave it at home.

Car Safety

When your dog is in the car with you, you need to find a way to keep it restrained. You can purchase a canine seatbelt that attaches to your regular seatbelt rig, and that will keep your dog from falling over and getting hurt if the car needs to stop suddenly. Another option for you to consider when you are thinking about keeping your dog safe in the car is putting a barrier between where the dog is sitting and the driver. Some dogs are jumpers, and the last thing that you need when you are on a busy freeway is to have your dog try to climb into your lap! A net or metal barrier can be purchased to separate your car.

Routine Stops

If you want to travel with your dog, you will find that routine stops are necessary. Though you should at least stop to feed your dog and to allow it to relieve itself, the more stops you make, the happier your dog will be. Even a quick ten minute romp at a rest stop can help your dog stay calmer and more inclined to nap in the car.

Consider Tranquilizers

If your dog is particularly high strung, it might be worth your while to talk to your veterinarian about tranquilizers. Tranquilizers can help keep your dog calm if you have to drive for long stretches of time, and it can also help an animal that is prone to car-sickness as well.

Plan Ahead

Make sure that every place that you want to get to allows you to bring your dog in. This means that you need to call ahead to every camp site and motel that you want to stay at. More hospitality establishments than ever are allowing dogs on the premises, but not all of them will. Speak to them and make sure that you have an okay to bring in your animal. When you are eating out on the road, chances are good that your dog will not be allowed in. In that case, resign yourself to eating a lot of takeout food or enjoying a lot of food at park benches. If you are someone who adores your dog, think about what is going to happen when you go on vacation. If you thin that your dog has an adventurous spirit, take it on the road with you and see what kind of fun you can have together! Kevin Caldwell travels often and loves to share his advice and experiences with others. You can learn more about Kevin by connecting with him on Google+.