Do you have a fur kid who travels with you? We have twoโฆ.one who weighs over 100 pounds and the other who tops out around 30 pounds. Traveling with dogs can have its challenges but they’re part of our family and love joining in adventures with us. The key is to plan so you are as prepared as possible before you go.
We’ve partnered with Kris from AdventureDawgs to bring you some tips and tricks we’ve found helpful on our journey. Kris has three awesome dogs she travels with throughout the U.S. and Canada You can follow along with their adventures on Instagram at @adventuredawgs or their website at adventuredawgs.ca. Seriously thoughโฆthey are adorable!
Break Times
Plan to work in stops along your route. Getting out to stretch in a safe area and allowing your dog to expend a bit of pent up energy will help both you and your fur kids. This can look like local dog parks, rest areas (look for the marked pet areas), or parks. Your dog will have a great time exploring a new area, even if it’s just for 30 minutes! Be sure to work in those water breaks too and, as a consequence, potty breaks.
Food
Your pup may not eat as much when traveling, and that’s ok! Don’t force them to eat if they turn their nose up at their usual food. Keep treats around to reward them for being good travel buddies and supplement their lack of food intake if you’re worried. Resist the urge to feed them people food as this can lead to a disaster laterโฆ.trust us on this one!
Comfort
When traveling with your best friend, make sure they have a comfortable spot to enjoy the trip from. Do they have a favorite blanket or toy? Bring it with you! Consider investing in a traveling dog bed they can lay on. We have beds that come along with us on our travels and the boys appreciate having a familiar spot to rest. If your dog is traveling with equipment around them, be sure it is secured so it won’t inadvertently fall on your dog during sudden stops or sharper turns.
Know Before You Go
Traveling with dogs can present some unique challenges so it’s important to do a bit of research prior to arriving at any destination you plan to visit. Do the places you plan to stay accept pets? Are there any breed or size restrictions? Are there other people or pets in the vicinity? Keep your pup leashed or have a good sized tie out that allows them to have some freedom without going too far. If you use a tie out, be sure it is secured to something sturdy. There’s nothing worse than watching your dog take off running with part of a tree being dragged behind them. We like to tie up to our van hitch.
Entertainment
Keep your dogs entertained on your adventures. Bring along puzzle toys and snuffle mats/scatter feeds to help with any pent up energy, stress, or anxiety they may have. If you are adventuring on a trail that doesn’t allow dogs, make sure they are in a comfortable and safe place. Doggy daycares could be a good option here! Always reward them by planning specific experiences they can join you on. There’s nothing like watching the joy in your dog as they get to discover different places by your side.
Traveling with dogs is so much fun as long as you plan ahead. Our adventures wouldn’t be the same without them.
Drop any tips or tricks in the comments we may not have mentioned.
See you out there!
