Top 5 Summer Travel Tips with Dogs

It’s warm out, that means summer road trips with family! These trips can be more enjoyable when your four-legged friends tag along, but it can be less of a vacation if your pets are uncomfortable on the road.

“Taking pets out of their homes can induce stress on both the pets and the owners, so it’s important to keep them comfortable and safe while travelling,” said Jessa Paschke, behaviour and training specialist at Mars Petcare. “Surrounding them with some of their favourite things from home can help reduce any anxiety and keep your pet happy anywhere you go.”

To ensure your dog’s health is the best it can be on your summer road trip, keep these tips in mind:

1. See Your Vet Before You Go.

Be sure to visit your veterinarian prior to taking off, especially when traveling with an older pet. Your vet can do a quick check-up to help identify any potential issues with your dog’s health that could worsen while travelling. Ensure you take out pet insurance when taking your pet on holiday in case of any unexpected injuries or emergencies.

2. Avoid Bad Breath and Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean.

When the family is crammed into a car, stinky dog breath can put a damper on your drive. Feeding you dog dental treats such as GREENIES^TM Dental Chews daily will help freshen breath and prevent a build-up of plaque and tartar on dog’s teeth. With healthy dog gums and teeth, and fresher breath, your family can get “road-trip close” with your dog and share endless summer hugs and fresher kisses!

3. Find Pet-Friendly Stops Along The Route.

Long drives often require frequent stops for you, but don’t forget that your pets need pit stops, too. If you see your dog panting during your car ride, it’s definitely time to stop. Find a rest stop that has a grassy area for them to expel some energy and take care of their business. Be sure to keep your pets on leads to keep them from roaming freely in unfamiliar places. If you’re stopping overnight, don’t forget to call ahead to make sure you’ve booked pet friendly accommodation.

4. Keep Your Pet Comfortable.

To keep your dog calm and comfortable in the car, bring a few of your pet’s favourite things along for the ride to surround them with familiar smells. Whether it’s your dog’s bed or tasty GREENIES^TM Dental Treats, packing a few favourites can make anywhere feel like home. If it’s your pet’s first road trip, try some pre-travel road trip training by taking him on more frequent car rides. It’ll help him become acclimated to riding along so he’ll be more comfortable for the longer trip.

5. Check Your Pet’s ID.

Before embarking on a trip, make sure your pet’s nametag is secured to their collar and the information is up-to-date. Ensure your pet is microchipped. In the event your furry friend gets lost, it’s one of the best ways to locate him or her.

“Pets are involved in all aspects of our lives, including vacations,” Paschke said. “Help your fur-family stay healthy, happy and comfortable when travelling by keeping these simple tips in mind before your next road trip.”

SAFE TRAVELS!