With many of us quarantined since March, you may be feeling the travel itch. In fact, more Americans than ever are opting for a good old fashioned road trip this summer. It’s the safest way to get a break from everyday life while still take precautions. So, if you’re looking to get away and bring along your furry friend, here is what you’ll need!
Leash, collar, and dog tag
It’s always important to have your dog’s tags, but it’s especially important during travel. Anything can happen when you travel and it’s important to be prepared. Make sure you have a strong leash, and your dog is wearing a collar with tags at all times.
Medication
Just as you would a human, make sure that you’ve packed your pup’s medication. This can be vital to their ability to function while traveling. Travel alone can be incredibly stressful, so make sure they are on track. This includes any vet prescribed medications, as well as joint supplements and multivitamins.
Vet information
When you travel, it’s useful to have your dog’s vet’s information, including name and phone number. This can come in handy should you need specific information from your home vet. Once you’ve chosen your destination, find a vet or animal hospital in the area and make note of their number and address. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this information, but having it on hand will lessen any panic in the moment.
Food
It’s very possible that you will be traveling to a location that has dog food on hand. However, traveling can cause your dog a lot of stress. We recommend bringing the food your pup is most used to keep things as normal as possible.
Treats
Treats are an essential part of traveling with your pet. You never know when you’ll need to bribe them into some better behavior. It can also be a useful trick for distracting your pet should you need to.
Travel bowls
Depending on how far you’re traveling, you may only need a bowl for water. For instance, if you’re taking a day trip, there’s no need to bring food or food bowls. However, for extended trips, separate food and water bowls are recommended.
Poop bags
One of the first rules about owning a dog is always cleaning up after your dog. Traveling is no exception! Make sure you are well stocked with waste bags so that you can be a good owner and clean up. No one likes to step in your dog’s mess and it’s not anyone else’s responsibility to clean up.
Travel crate
This one is a bit more optional. For crate trained dogs, it may be beneficial for them to sleep in their crate at night. If your dog likes to rush around your back seat, consider placing your dog in a crate for travel. Having a dog loose in the car can be incredibly distracting and dangerous for you and your dog. Air on the side of caution and utilize a crate.
Bed
This is also an item that depends on the length of your trip. This may not be necessary for a quick day trip but could prove essential for an extended stay. The key here is to make your dog feel as comfortable as possible. The more your dog feels “at home,” the easier the trip will be.
First aid
First aid is essential to taking your dog on any trip. You can buy a premade kit online, but putting one together is simple. Here’s the list of things you’ll need:
- Gauze
- Non-stick bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic spray or ointment
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass
- Flashlight
- Towel
Toys
Chances are you won’t be able to exercise your dog 24/7. Bring along their favorite toys to keep them occupied! Chew toys and bones and great for the car ride. Frisbees, balls, and ropes are wonderful outdoor toys for ride breaks. Stash some treats in a hollow ball and let them do the work. The possibilities are endless!
Grooming Supplies
Now, chances are you won’t be giving your dog a big bath while on a trip. However, things happen! Maybe Fido found a mud puddle and jumped in before you could tell him no (or maybe he did it anyway). To stay prepared, pack these grooming essentials:
- A brush (specific to your dog’s coat)
- Dog-safe shampoo
- Flea and tick prevention
- Nail clippers
- Toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste
- Towel
Cleaning supplies
Hey, it’s ok! Accidents happen, even to the most well-trained dogs! That being said, it’s important to carry the necessary supplies to clean up any messes your pup might leave behind. Look for an odor-reducing cleaner at your local pet store to remove both stain and smell.
Anxiety Supplements
The point of travel is to experience a newness you can’t get at home. While you understand this, your pet may not. Consider investing in a calming supplement to help them enjoy the trip. We highly recommend PupGrade Health and Mood Enhancer. Made with Organic Hemp Powder, Passion Flower, Chamomile, and more, this powder supplement promotes calm energy and decreases anxiety. On top of that, it’s anti-inflammatory, improves cardiovascular health, boosts a healthy immune response, and encourages shiny coats and soft skin. It’s good for your dog’s body and mind. Click here to order yours!
Click HERE to download your PupGrade Travel Checklist!
