Holidays and Dogs – How to Prepare?

Want to go on vacation with your dog? It requires proper preparation so that both you and your pet feel calm and relaxed. Check what your dog should have on vacation and what to keep in mind.

Planning a Vacation with Your Dog – What to Pay Attention To?

Want to take your dog with you on vacation? You need to prepare properly. Here are things to consider:

• Where to go on vacation with your dog so they don’t just stay in the room,
• How to plan your time so that your pet also benefits from the trip,
• Where the nearest vet is,
• How to pack for your dog,
• How to get to the destination.

These are just the basic things to think about when traveling with your dog.

Transporting Your Dog

Trips with dogs involve transport. If you're using public transportation, you must comply with the requirements – bring your dog's rabies vaccination certificate and a muzzle. Your dog should be on a leash. Small dogs can fly in the passenger cabin on airplanes, but larger ones usually stay in the cargo hold. Check the sizes of airline-approved carriers before deciding to travel with your dog, and also get them used to such travel restrictions.

If you're driving with your dog, the safest way is to transport them in the trunk, in a carrier with the appropriate certifications. If you prefer to have them in the cabin, for small dogs, choose a carrier behind the driver's seat. Larger dogs can travel on a mat in the back seat, as long as they are secured. Carrying a dog on your lap or loose in the car can be very dangerous in case of an accident. If your dog suffers from motion sickness, your vet can provide appropriate medication.

Check out this post: Injured paw pad in dogs – how to help?

Accommodation with a Dog

If you're planning a trip with your dog, make sure that where you're going, staying with a pet is allowed. Not every place is pet-friendly, and some may charge extra for your dog. Plan your vacation with a dog so that you're not leaving them alone in the room for too long, especially at night, as they may bark out of fear of being left in an unfamiliar place or destroy something. Also, bring a blanket to cover the furniture so your dog doesn't leave muddy tracks, dust, or hair.

What to Pack for Your Dog on Vacation?

First and foremost, bring their documents. If you're traveling abroad with your dog, the offers may be more expensive, but all places will require a dog passport with a chip and rabies vaccination. In addition, pack dog accessories – a collar or harness, an extra leash, a muzzle. Attach an ID tag to the harness or leash in case your dog gets lost in an unfamiliar place. Don’t forget to pack their regular food.

Traveling with a dog doesn't always go as planned. To avoid a visit to the vet, bring a first aid kit with:

• Disinfectants and bandages,
• Medications your dog takes daily,
• A thermometer,
• A tick removal tool,
• Anti-diarrhea medication, preferably natural and in an easy-to-administer paste form, such as DiarControl by Petipharm.

This will allow you to provide first aid and may prevent an expensive visit to a specialist if the issue isn't serious.

Read on the blog: First aid kit for dogs – what should it contain?

Planning a Vacation Without Your Dog

Can't take your dog on vacation due to a lack of pet-friendly places or just the long, expensive flight? You can leave your dog with trusted people, such as family members they know. You can take them to a familiar place or ask loved ones to visit them – this works especially well for anxious dogs.

Another option is to hire someone who offers paid pet sitting services. A dog hotel can also be home-like if you don't want to leave your couch-loving pet in a kennel. Alternatively, a petsitter can visit your dog or take them under their care during your trip.