Journeys with your Dog Checklist
Lets look at the things you may need to make sure you are fully equipped for your journey and build a checklist of all the things you need to make sure you are prepared for all eventualities, you can never be too prepared!
A SUITABLE CAR RESTRAINT – this can be anything which keeps the dog secure and safe whilst the car is moving. This can be but is not limited to a harness, pet carrier, dog guard, travel bed system and so forth. Please note you will also need to have the dog secured within a travel bed system which recommended to be a crash tested harness.
MICROCHIP/TAG DETAILS – Please, before travelling anywhere, make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date, as well as the tag on their collar should the worst happen, current contact details are paramount.
STURDY AND RELIABLE COLLAR/HARNESS AND LEAD – Make sure to take a collar and lead or harness and lead whichever you have for your dog. It is also an idea to take a long line lead for those more explorative walkies, as keeping your dog under control which on public land is a legal requirement, especially around livestock.
POO BAGS! – Self-explanatory!
COLLAPSIBLE BOWLS – there are so many different options these days for collapsible bowls which concertina up to make them small and easy to carry either in a backpack or clipped to your belt.
BACK UP ITEMS – Collar/lead/harness, again this is self-explanatory, it’s only common sense to make sure you have an extra collar and lead to hand in case of breakages.
DOG FIRST AID KIT – also self-explanatory, cuts and scrapes happen when out on adventures. A well-stocked first aid kit isn’t a bad idea for yourself and your dog. Many of the items used in a canine first aid kit can be used on humans too in most cases.
FOOD & TREATS – it is best to make sure you have not fed your dog less than two hours before you travel, this helps with travel sickness and upset tummies.
ANTISICKNESS TABLETS – If your dog still suffers with travel sickness troubles even when you have fed them well before the two hour recommended cut off point, you should be able to get something from the vets to help with sickness. It's never nice to see your pet suffer but equally causes them to start to resent getting in the car if it happens every time.
WATER - A bottle of tap water is always useful. There are now options for travel friendly water bottles with attached bowls which is a great idea and space saver.
CALMING SUPPLEMENTS - This is down to your own research and preferences but there are a fair few different calming supplements which can be given to dogs who find trips in the care stressful. Please make sure to test this out on your dog prior to the trip to make sure you can get them to the vet if they have any adverse/allergic reactions.
SOMETHING COSY OR COMFORTING - Yes it is a dog, but studies have shown that dogs can also get attached to a toy or a blanket as a child does, if your dog has something of this nature, it might be worth putting it with them on the journey so they can have something to help settle them.
So there you have it, an easy to follow checklist guide to make your journey as smooth as a smooth haired mini dachshund's coat!
The Travel Hound
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