Traveling with dogs is more than fun. It’s our way of escaping as a family. As an avid traveler, camper, adventure seeker and full time photographer, our fur kids allow both my hubby and me to join them on their adventures. In reality, they are more than just dogs. They’re special family members who give us joy, fun and laughter every day.
When the words “walk” or “run” are spoken, it’s followed with wagging tails, along with jumps, barks and snagging leashes. Then, at the end of the day it’s a dash to crash, by all of us! As much as we treat them as our kids, we never lose sight that they’re still dogs who need us to watch out for and over them.
As a dog owner and trainer over the years, there are easy (and inexpensive) tips and actions I consistently follow and recommend to keep them safe. This includes on the travel road and at home. Plus, a couple of these work for their human parents.
With preparation, awareness and practice, you’re better equipped to care for your dog if the need arises.
Traveling with Dogs: Keeping Them Safe and Healthy
Before any checklist, any kit, there’s something that’s even more important when traveling with dogs. You and your mental preparedness in the event of an emergency. For humans, remote emergency medicine is when you are an hour or more from medical care. For pets, our windows are equally short.
While we can’t predict everything that will happen, having basic foundation pet safety, response treatment and health knowledge saves time. This precious time makes a difference for you and your pet.
Tip #1: Pet Safety Manual and Website
The first tip? Keep a pet safety manual (this is a pdf: Pet Emergency Care Handbook – VCA Animal Hospitals) in addition to a pet health website with a review before you need it. Then, if the unforeseen happens and you’re remote, you’re better prepared to respond. When remote and you need to chat with a vet, PetCoach continues to receive high marks. While our recent emergency was in a city with access to medical care, if we were remote this would be my choice.
If we wait until accidents happen to research or discuss options, we’re already behind the eight ball. There are some emergencies that are treatable by you. Then, there’s others where a sounding voice, a vet trip or actual rush to emergency is required. By doing advance research, you’re more prepared to make the best decision.
Tip # 2: Hiking & Traveling with Dogs: Bee stings and bug bites
The woods and fields are filled with bees and insects that bite. Or, if your dog has an unknown and unexpected allergic reaction, they need to counteract it quickly. Keeping Benadryl (on Amazon) nearby helps reduce and stop the reaction. Be sure to chat with your vet about dosage on your next visit. Our dogs weigh 25 pounds and one Benadryl works.
Tip #3: Traveling with Dogs and their Eye Care
Just last week Gina and Qallin pounded sand with us on the beach in St. Augustine, Florida. When the winds picked up, so did the sand. Right into Gina’s eye, poor baby girl. With my Refresh Eye drops (on Amazon), we did a few flushes and she was fine. If they need an eye flush, check ingredients of your eye solution before administering to your dog as not all human eye drops are safe for dogs.
Tip #4: Slip Collar Leash
This tip is not just for our dogs, but others too. There are times where we come across dogs that are off leash and no owners nearby. A slip collar (see in items below) helps get other dogs under control and also serves as a backup leash if needed.
Tip #5: Carry Meds and Vet Records – paper and electronic
On a recent trip to Montana, we visited two emergency vets. Both vets requested medical records before providing vet services. If your vet offers an online portal, carry a recent printout in the event cell access is limited.
Tip # 6: Traveling with Dogs: Medical Kit
There are many different medical kit options available. The Adventure Medical Kits (Amazon) offer different configurations based on your needs. As with human first aid kits, the supplies are designed to quickly help treat our patients. However, it is important to review the contents, see where they are within the kit and know how to use them before a need arises.
Bonus Tip – “Bloat:” Never feed dogs within an hour of heavy exercise or long driving tips
There’s a dangerous condition called Bloat. Deep-chested breeds are at greater risk but it happens in all breeds. The official term is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV).
There are many factors that can cause Bloat and it’s critical to know the signs. Bloat (GDV) is both painful and fatal unless fast, emergency treatment is provided. Seek immediate, emergency medical care! It is not a condition that you can wait and see if your dog will get better.
Two bloat preventive recommendations from my vet were to 1) never feed dogs within an hour to 90 minutes before or after heavy exercise and 2) wait an hour before/after long car rides before feeding. To read more: Preventive Vet: Bloat in Dogs.
Evacuation Checklist from the CDC
Pet CDC Disaster Kit Checklist – For those of us who live in high risk weather or potential disaster areas, we maintain plans to evacuate. Our plans include important financial and legal documents, personal care kit that includes our medications and vital necessities. This checklist from the CDC is a comprehensive list of supplies to pull together for your pets in the event of disaster.
Traveling with dogs today is easy as they’re widely accepted and even catered to in campgrounds with dog walks and runs, hotels and property rentals. Taking the time to have a pet care and emergency plan helps keep your dog safe and enjoying the journey side by side with you.
For related reading: RVs vs. Traditional Travel: Exploring New Horizons
