Traveling long distances can be stressful, and adding a hungry, sick dog or loud carry-on puppy to the scene can make it more difficult for you. If you’re making plans to travel soon, you are likely thinking, “What about my dog?”
There are options for hiring pet sitting services, boarding your dog, or even having your pet on your trip should you feel confident enough to take it on. When you plan your next trip with your dog, it is essential to think about the dog’s temperament, health, and previous travel experiences.
Travel Preparation Involving Pets
There’s nothing more fun than driving on the open road with your best friend, which is especially true in the case of a pet with three legs and whiskers. Take note of the following tips if you’re heading out on the road and plan to bring your pet with you.
1. Pre-veterinary Visit
Set up an appointment for your dog’s veterinary care before you depart. It is essential to know that airlines require pet health certifications for travel at least ten days before your departure, so be sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Because most dogs are not qualified to travel, you should consult with your vet to determine whether they’re suitable for boarding or other alternatives.
If in search of a veterinary clinic in Oak Grove, you can ask your peers for suggestions and recommendations, or better yet, you can search online and check the best available option near your area.
2. Train Your Pet
A well-trained dog makes travel simple and safe for everyone. You can utilize treats and praises to encourage your dog to be successful throughout your journey by reinforcing important travel rules with positive reinforcement. You can tell your dog “Wait” before leaving the car so it won’t leap out and become loose. Make sure your dog is familiar with their crate or safety harness with their favorite toys and treats to ensure an enjoyable environment for them. Begin to train your dog yourself or by a professional before going on vacation.
3. Practice Safety
Do not allow your pet to take a seat in the front. Also, keep your pet’s head inside the vehicle at all times. Despite their love of the winds blowing their hair, they’re at risk of developing eye, nose, ear, injury, and infections. Be sure to supervise your dog when driving. In less than a half-hour, even on a pleasant day, the temperature in your vehicle could reach dangerous levels.
If in case your pet got into an accident and injures itself, you need to know if the injury would require surgery right away. A dog orthopedic surgery procedure can be needed in the earliest possible time in order to save your pet’s life.
4. Prepare for Emergency
Prepare for the worst-case situation, such as your dog being lost or experiencing a medical problem. However far you are from home, having a microchip with valid identification will enable you to swiftly and safely return to your pet. The current identification tags of your pet should be attached to its collar while far from your home. Create a list of all the emergency veterinary clinics you visit during the route and at your final destination, write down the phone numbers and addresses of each.
If you want to ensure that your pet’s wellness is assured, you can get in touch with a veterinary emergency facility. You can type in “emergency veterinarian near me” in your search bar and look for the best results available in your area.
5. Be patient
You’ll not be able to anticipate every possible issue while traveling, but you will also not be able to predict how your pet would behave in an unfamiliar situation. Be patient with your pet and with yourself throughout the highs and lows of your journey. You should take time to enjoy the experience, and don’t forget to make some lasting memories on the way.
