Planning for Your Dog’s Needs During Fall/Winter Travel

Embarking on missions to distant places with your pet can be really fun, but with this comes challenges that you must prepare for. With preparation, you can ensure your dog’s comfort, safety, and well-being during travel. Scoop Soldiers has shared a handy guide below that you can follow for your dog travel needs!

Assessing Your Dog’s Suitability for Travel

Your dog’s temperament and behavior might affect their suitability for travel. Plus, you must consider their physical health, age, and any medical conditions. You wouldn’t want to return an aged veteran back to the battlefield, would you?

Consulting a veterinarian is also good practice. A pre-travel vet check-up helps ensure that your dog is fit for travel. Your vet also helps you obtain necessary vaccinations, medications, and advice.

Choosing the Right Mode of Transportation

Each type of transportation creates unique environments for your pet.

• Traveling by Car: Using a dog seatbelt, car crate, or harness helps keep your dog in place and minimize the risk of accidents. You should also keep your dog comfortable during car rides with treats and stimulation. Don’t forget regular breaks for exercise and bathroom needs!

• Flying With Your Dog: Each airline and destination has strict pet policies, so make sure to research and comply before bringing your dog into the cabin. Before the flight, do some crate training and consider calming aids if necessary.

• Alternative Travel Options: Trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation may have restrictions on the breeds you bring on board. For accommodation, make sure to find one that is pet-friendly.

Packing Essentials for Your Dog

Here’s what you need to bring for the trip!

Food and Water

Bring enough of your dog’s regular food to avoid upsetting their diet. To make feeding easier, collapsible bowls and portable water bottles are the best choice.

Comfort Items

Bring a piece of home to make your pet feel comfortable in a strange environment. This can include their favorite blankets and toys. If your soldier is feeling anxious, calming sprays, chews, or medications can help!

Health and Safety

Some essential items for doggy first-aid kids are:

• Bandages

• Antiseptic Wipes

• Necessary Medications

• Antibiotic Sprays

• Cotton Balls

For added safety, we recommend checking if your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are up to date.

Waste Management

Pack plenty of waste bags and cleaning supplies for accidents. For long trips, potty pads are the go-to choice, especially for puppies and senior dogs.

Planning Dog-Friendly Activities at Your Destination

It’s not just the commander-in-chief who gets all the fun. Here’s what you can do so your furry soldiers can enjoy the trip, too!

1. Research dog-friendly locations like parks, trails, and restaurants, and schedule a few hours or half a day for these destinations. Some attractions are dedicated to pets, such as pet museums and dog parks.

2. Prepare for the location’s climate. You should bring the proper attire to keep your pet comfortable even when the temperature gets hot or cold.

Managing Your Dog’s Behavior During Travel

Due to all the excitement of being in a new place, it can be hard to give orders to your soldiers. Some steps you can take to keep your pet on its best behavior include the following.

Training and Commands

Practice commands like sit, stay, and recall (come) so you can easily tell them what to do. You can also socialize your dog before traveling to get them used to new interactions.

Dealing With Travel Anxiety

All the new sights, sounds, and smells can cause anxiety in your pet. Watch out for symptoms of anxiety like the following.

• Panting

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Lip Smacking

If you do see these signs, don’t worry! You can calm anxious dogs through music, pheromone sprays, or anxiety vests. Just make sure to have these before the trip.

Contingency Planning

Not all missions will go according to plan, so it’s best to prepare ahead and create your Plan B for any mishaps.

Emergency Vet Contacts

Make sure to research the local vets of your destination and their locations. We also suggest keeping emergency contacts within reach, including your regular vet and pet insurance information.

Handling Unexpected Situations

If your pet suddenly becomes sick or gets injured, keep calm and act quickly. Use the first-aid kit we mentioned previously and contact your vet when needed. There will also be cases when you experience delays or accommodation issues, which can stress your pet as much as you. Make sure to keep them entertained and distracted so they remain calm and nondisruptive.

Wrapping Up: Dog Travel Needs to Keep in Mind

Traveling with your pet can be a fun adventure, but you must prepare ahead to ensure that things go according to plan. From packing the essentials to dealing with travel anxiety, from health checks to managing pet behavior, there are a lot of things to be considered. Follow the tips we shared above as your starting guide. You should also consult with your vet for more travel tips!

If you need pet waste removal services before the trip, we can help! Scoop Soldiers serves as your partner-in-arms, keeping your spaces clean and hygienic. Contact us today!