Make a list and check it twice – here’s what you’ll need to pack when you bring your dog along with you on your vacation!
There is nothing more exciting than planning for a trip unless, of course, you get to bring your dog with you. Dogs make excellent travel companions but there are a few things you need to be aware of before you decide to take your dog with you on your trip. Make sure to arrange for a pet-friendly hotel and plan ahead so that you bring with you all of the items your dog is likely to need. Below you will find a list of travel essentials to pack for your dog- you might add a few necessities unique to your pooch, but the listed items are a must for any four-legged tourist.
Water
Bring enough water to cover the trip, including stops and stay-overs (you can never be sure that there will be water available along the way). Also, you should have a suitable water bowl for travel- spill-proof travel bowls can be used in a car without worrying about water getting everywhere. Collapsible dog bowls from silicone or lightweight foldable nylon bowls are also a great choice.
Food
Pack as much food as your dog is going to need for the trip, as well as a little extra, and store it in an airtight container. Of course, you’ll have to bring a food dish as well- there are travel bowls for dogs that fit inside your pocket. Or, if you prefer, you can get a whole dining on-the-go set for your pampered companion and make sure they’ll get to have their meal wherever and whenever.
Treats
Bring along some of your dog’s favorite treats to help him settle down if he gets nervous in the car or in the hotel. You can make your own if you prefer or go with more “challenging” treats that will keep them occupied enough to forget all about stress. Braided bully sticks or PB-filled Kong are tried and true choices.
Toys
Don’t forget to pack some of your dog’s favorite toys to keep him entertained during the trip and to make him feel more at home when you stop for the night. If your pooch has a favorite plush toy, making the trip without it should be unimaginable. And even if they’re not obsessed with any particular toy, you can opt for some chewable or puzzle toys to give your doggo something to focus on.
Extra leash and collar
You never know when one might break or get lost, so you should have an extra leash on hand when you are away from home. Also, getting a reflective dog collar personalized with your contact information for the trip is a good idea- better to be safe than sorry. In case your pooch gets lost in a new and unknown environment, having them wear easily noticed contact info could be a literal lifesaver.
Waste disposal bags
It goes without saying that you should always clean up after your dog when using public areas, so be sure to pack a supply of waste disposal bags so you can do so. The lavender-scented extra thick poop bags are a perfect choice for travelling. Additionally, you might want to get a doo doo tube, or a container made to hold smelly (full) poop bags- you never know if you’ll have where to dispose of the bag on the spot.
First aid kit
Pack a container of essential items you may need to deal with minor injuries (include items like tweezers, gauze, bandages, tape, styptic powder etc.). It’s also a good idea to bring some first-aid supplies in case of emergencies, such as activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide and OTC drugs. You can also get pre-assembled first aid kits for dogs if you’re not keen on assembling your own.
Towels
Having a few towels on hand will be useful if your dog gets wet or muddy. If you want to go that extra step, you can make your own mud mitten from an old towel, or buy an upgraded, super absorbent version of the same.
Crate or kennel
No matter how well-trained your dog is, many professionals recommend keeping your dog in the crate during travel (he may also feel more comfortable sleeping in it at the hotel). There are tons of pet travel carriers to choose from, but if you want a crate or a kennel specifically, you can choose from soft foldable travel crates to waterproof nylon pens and everything in between. The best part is that they’re all lightweight and easy to store, so it won’t be a hassle to take them with you.
Brush or comb
Keeping your dog regularly groomed will help to reduce shedding (this will come in handy when spending long hours in the car). While not all dog breeds will need grooming on the go- especially those who are low shedding, it pays off to be prepared for every situation. In addition to your pet’s usual brush or comb for grooming, make sure to pack a tick remover and flea comb as well. You never know if a nasty parasite is lurking behind the corner!
Moist towelettes
These will come in handy for cleaning up your dog’s paws before he hops back into the car and for wiping nose prints off the windows. Also, if your pooch rolls in something stinky or dirty and you don’t have where to bathe them, a pack of wet grooming wipes will be a heaven sent.
Other Preparations
In addition to packing everything your dog needs for your trip, there are a few other preparations you need to make. First, check with your vet to make sure that your dog is healthy enough for travel and that he is up to date on all of his vaccinations. If you end up having to board your dog unexpectedly, most kennels will not accept dogs that have not had their bordatella vaccine.
Though your dog may be healthy enough to travel, that shouldn’t stop you from being prepared in the event of an emergency. Consider bringing a copy of your dog’s medical records with you just in case something happens and you need to see a vet. Pack any medications your dog will need and make sure your dog’s I.D. tag is up to date with your current information.
Traveling with your dog can be an adventure for the both of you as long as you are fully prepared. By using this packing list you should find that you have everything you need and by following the tips for other preparations, you should be confident that you are ready for your trip. So buckle up and hit the road!