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Are you thinking of embarking on a road trip for a memorable summer vacation with your doggy companion? Before gearing up and get going, here are five tips that will make sure you will both stay safe and enjoy your experience to the maximum degree.
If you haven’t taken your dog to your vet for some time, it’s a good opportunity to catch up with his checkups now. Make sure your dog has had all her planned vaccines, and learn if any additional ones are needed due to the trip, e.g., for Lyme’s or any other threat endemic to your destination point.
You need to make sure that your planning allows for periodic breaks. You dog will be much more comfortable and happy if she is allowed not only to relieve herself but also to take walks and explore the new surroundings.
Aim for one quarter to half-hour break every four hours. To add more to the enjoyment factor for both of you, see if you can schedule your breaks at places that offer pet-friendly facilities; a simple dog part will do just fine.
After planning your journey, next up is booking your overnight locations. You should know that many hotels and even campsites may have restrictions when it comes to pets. For this reason, it is advisable to get in touch with every location you intend to lodge, to ask about their pet policy, including any additional charges, rules or breed restrictions. Most pet-friendly hotel franchises will have this information available on their websites.
If your trip takes place on the occasion of a social event (e.g., a graduation or a wedding), it means that you will have to spend time apart from your dog; it also means that you should plan for an appropriate service to take care of your dog. Avoid leaving her without supervision, since being in a new environment will probably ensue increased anxiety, therefore she will be best left in the company of professionals. You can get referrals for appropriate services at the destination point from family and friends, if you have any there.
During long journeys by car, safety should always come first. There is no safer way for dogs travelling in cars than a crash-tested and certified crate. What’s more, your canine friend will have a comfy, familiar and safe place to tug in during your overnight stays at your places of accommodation.