If you’re traveling with man’s best friend, you’re in for a treat. Dogs have a way of making everything better.
But before you hit the road with your dog, there are a few things you should consider to make the trip fun for yourself and the furry members of your party, courtesy of the animal lovers at Merci Collective.
Article Summary
Outdoor Adventures
There is no better companion for outdoor activities than a dog. Not only do our furry friends enjoy exploring new sights and sounds. They also often have the stamina to keep up with us on the most exhausting excursions, barring health problems or advanced age. A few safety tips to keep in mind when hiking or boating with your dog:
Ask the local game and wildlife commission about wild animal sightings
Outfit your dog with a life vest if you will be on or near water
Bring along a portable water bottle and plenty of water
Talk to your veterinarian about when temperatures are too high – the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation also recommends keeping dogs out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Know which plants are toxic to dogs
Brush up on your dog’s training; he should come when called and stop when commanded
Check out the area’s local parks, which often feature dog-friendly walking trails – leash and collar always required
If you find that your companion just isn’t game for your adventure out in the open, make sure the town you’re visiting offers plenty of access to dog daycares.
Staying Hydrated
As briefly mentioned in the list above, it is important to bring along a water bottle for your dog when traveling. When going on adventures, you might not always have access to a water bowl for your furry friend. Besides, letting your dog drink from a communal water bowl can be dangerous. For example, the communal water bowl might carry the leptospirosis bacteria which is on the rise in the US. To avoid all these issues, carrying a portable water bottle is a solution. You can also look into the Urban Oasis Water Bottle infused with healing crystals. This way your dog can stay hydrated on the go and healing crystals will create better emotional stability. At Merci Collective you have the option to choose from a number of healing crystals. You can take a quiz to see what healing crystal best suits your dog’s needs.
Where to Stay
When you’re traveling with pets, your options of where to stay may be slightly limited.
Some establishments don’t allow any size pets while other accommodations restrict the weight or number of pets you can bring with you.
It is recommended to do your research and see what accommodations allow pets.
However, keep in mind that the information you find online might not be up to date with their current policies, so always make sure to call ahead for the most accurate information.
Another great option for your stay is vacation homes. Oftentimes vacation home rental sites have a number of filters that make it easy to search for exactly what your needs are.
No matter where you choose to hang your hat, you want to make sure to bring a travel-friendly dog bed.
Even if your accommodations allow pets, you can reduce the probability of damage – and a forfeit of your deposit – by making sure your pup is comfortable.
Research your pet bedding options, including crate and kennel mats. Dog cot beds are also great options, especially in warm weather.
Staying Healthy
While vacations are certainly a time to relax and reflect on the stress and mess of the week, you still have to maintain your health.
While staying active is easy with a dog, getting the right nutrition may not be as easy to find when traveling with a pet.
If you want to go out to eat, make sure the restaurant has an open patio where dogs are allowed. You can always call the restaurant regarding their pet policies.
To be safe, make sure to stay in a location where you can prepare your own meals, if necessary.
You are not the only one who needs to eat when traveling. When you bring your pet along, you need to make sure they also have enough food for the duration of the trip.
It might be possible that the location you’re traveling to does not carry the brand of food your dog is used to, or you might not even have access to a pet store.
Local Laws
When traveling to a new location, keep in mind the local laws. For example, some areas have strict dog laws that prohibit excessive barking.
In order to control your dog’s barking, look into crystal healing as this will give your pet the emotional stability they might need, especially when traveling.
Crystal-embedded harnesses and collars are the perfect solution for when you are on the go.
If you are staying in a condominium or neighborhood-based vacation home, HOA rules are another thing to keep in mind.
Planning a long weekend or week-long excursion or trip with your furry friend is not that hard if you take the time to pack the essentials for you and your pet. As well as double-checking whether he’ll be met with open arms or exiled for his existence.
There are plenty of dog-friendly places and lots of opportunities for an active trip that will excite and entertain both you and your dog.
Merci Collective takes pride in designing elevated everyday essentials to support you and your pet on their healing journey - in style.