Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Summer Vacation

Dogs are more than just pets or even friends. We consider them family. So bring them along when we travel, especially during summer vacations.

By Guest Blogger, Laurel Tied

For many of us, our dogs are more than just pets or even friends. We’ve formed such a close bond that we consider them family. And it only makes sense to bring them along when we travel, especially during summer vacations.

Such trips provide a great way to explore the world with your canine companion further. And while this can be exciting for both you and your dog, you must ensure a dog-friendly trip.

To help you get the best of your time together, we’ve compiled some tips to help you prepare your dog for summer vacation.

Let’s get right into it.

Choose a Dog-friendly Destination

This is one of the most important things to remember. As you probably know, some communities are more welcoming of dog owners than others. For instance, Chicago, Manhattan, and Denver are among the most dog-friendly cities in the US.

Ensure that you check local leash laws before your trip. Some cities restrict certain dog breeds. E, you do your research before traveling.

What’s more, ensure that your lodging center has dog-friendly vacation resorts. Just as you would like to enjoy your vacation, you also want it to be a fun experience for your furry companion.

Get all the Essentials for Your Dog

Before you hit the road, you must ensure that your dog is ready for the trip. Here is a good checklist to use as a guide.

• Take a copy of your dog’s vaccination and license record. If it’s a puppy, make sure it gets all the necessary vaccination before traveling.
• Ensure that your dog’s collar is still intact and the contact information clear. If not, replace it before the trip. The last thing you want is to lose your dog during the trip.
• Consider getting pet insurance for your dog.
• If possible, take along your dog’s normal food to prevent disrupting your dog’s eating pattern.
• Visit your vet to ensure your dog is in good shape for the trip.

Stay Safe as You Enjoy Your Vacation

Now, you’ve gotten to your destination. It’s time for you and your dog to explore. Here are some of the things to have in mind:

• Ensure you obey all local pet policies.
• When going for walks, put your dog on a leash. This is wise for several reasons. First off, dogs love chasing squirrels and other small wildlife. Having your dog on a leash retrains them from getting into a potentially dangerous situation.
• Avoid interactions with feral cats as they pose several health risks to dogs. If you encounter a feral cat when walking your dog, visit feralcatproblems.com to learn more about what to do.
• Deal with wildlife infestation problems promptly. Depending on where you’re lodging, you might have to deal with pesky wildlife. Wild animals pose several health risks, so you shouldn’t handle an infestation on your own. Instead, reach out to an expert like District Wildlife Solutions.

Prioritize Safety While Travelling

Driving for long hours can put too much stress on your dog. To ensure your dog’s safety while traveling, keep the following in mind.

• Don’t let your dog hang outside the window. It’s hazardous. Asides from debris and objects potentially hitting your dog, it’s also at risk of falling. Only open your windows when your dog is secured with a seat belt.
• It can get stuffy and hot real quick in a car. That’s why you need to bring along plenty of water so you can keep your dog hydrated during the trip.
• Take regular breaks. Every one hour or two hours, stop for a toilet break.
• Never leave a dog in the car.

And the most important rule of all: DO NOT FORGET TO HAVE FUN. That’s why you’re on vacation in the first place.

about the author

Laurel Tied is a dog-lover who has spent her whole life researching how to keep dogs best safe and healthy. She is the guru to all things dog, from grooming to training.

Let’s talk dogs, or even better, let’s learn about dogs.  Gain more canine knowledge through Acme Canine’s social media:  website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram

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Welcome to Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine. Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals.