Get Your Pet Road Trip Ready
Tips and tricks to make your next adventure with your pet easy and fun!
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With nicer weather heading our way, it’s time to get ready and look forward to summer activities like road trips. However, if you’re like me, you dread having to find someone to watch your pets or somewhere for them to stay while you’re on the road. Or, maybe you just enjoy traveling with your pet and experiencing your adventures together. Either way, let's talk about the ways you can prepare to bring a pet along, and what products can help you along the way.
First, let's discuss some basic supplies you will want to bring on your journey. I would highly recommend planning your trip with stops in place to allow your pet a break from the car to use the bathroom, drink or eat, and just stretch their legs. For situations like this, portable pet water bottles and collapsible bowls are great items to pack, as they take up less space and can be hooked to backpacks. No matter where you are heading, bring plenty of pet safe wipes to clean your pet off. Don't forget to pack plenty of poop bags! Make sure your pet is comfortable when it is time to rest by bringing blankets or their bed from home. Finally, you will want plenty of treats, chews, and toys to keep them busy and happy.
Something extremely important to prepare for when traveling with your animal is their safety and wellbeing. First things first, ensure that you have a safe place for them in the vehicle you are driving. There are many options for this, but crash-tested seat belts that hook to their harnesses are an amazing way to keep your animal safe and secure. Kurgo’s Seat Belt Tether is a great option! Always make sure your animal is secure in and out of the vehicle and bring harnesses, collars, and leashes that you are comfortable using to handle your animal. If you are concerned about handling your animal in new places, you can also bring a travel crate or bag to carry them in. It is also crucial that your animal has some form of identification on them, whether that is a microchip or ID tag just in case. You can also purchase or make pet first aid kits to travel with to be extra safe and prepared.
If you are new to bringing a pet along while traveling, whether it's a long or short trip, it can be extremely stressful for both of you in the beginning. Even if you have an animal on the calmer side, I would always recommend being as prepared as possible, as you can't predict which noises or movement may cause stress to your pet. If you have an animal that is already anxious or you are worried about your pet traveling, I would highly suggest bringing calming aids with you. CBD is one of the most common calming products and are available in various forms and strengths. It is important to ensure the CBD you purchase is pet safe and to familiarize yourself with the dosage appropriate for your animal and their size. CBD works by targeting the cannabinoid system in your animal's body. Because of this, it can take some time for the CBD to regulate the system and show noticeable results. If you decide to use this calming method, I always suggest starting the treats or oils a few weeks ahead of your planned trip.
If you are looking for alternative options, there are other calming aids to try. It is important to do your research and see which options would work best for you and your pet. Some of my favorite recommendations are: Heavenly Hounds Relaxation Squares, Ark Natural’s Happy Traveler, and Natural Dog Company’s Calming treats.
Traveling with your pet may seem overwhelming, but if you prepare and plan ahead, you can ensure that you have a great experience. In the end, exploring the world with your furry friend is an amazing and rewarding experience for both of you!