Dog Friendly Travel Guide

11 Tips for Safe Car Travel

1. Plan Ahead. If you are rushing around at the last minute your dog will pick up on this and become fearful. Want your dogs to carry his own bags? Check out the Kurgo Wander Pack. My dog loves it. I think it makes him feel important!
2. Avoid car sickness Don't feed your dog for at least 2 hours before a long car ride, but make sure to provide plently of water. There are many conveniont travel food and water bowls on the market.
3. Make sure the temperature of your vehicle is comfortable for your dog. Keep the car well ventilated and your dog out of the sun while riding. Specialized seat covers can keep the backseat comfortable as well as clean.
4. Do not let your dog ride with his head out the window! Yes, I know your dog likes it, but serious eye injuries can occur from road dirt or flying debris.
5. Make sure to stop and allow your dog to relieve himself. Yes, I know your husband wants to "make good time", but remind him that neither you nor the dog can "hold it" for as long as he can!
6. Use a crate, car seat or dog seat belt. This not only protects your dog, but all the passengers in your car as well.
7. Always keep your dog on a leash when leaving the car. Even dogs that are well trained off leash can become confused or disoriented when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. I use the Kurgo Zip Line. The zip line allows my Guinness to move freely atound the back seat, but he is held securly to the zip line by his comfortable padded harness. When we arrive at our destimation I just detach the Wander Leash from the zip line and we are ready to go!
8. Make sure your dog's ID tags are up to date! Remember your home phone number on your dog's ID tag won't help if there is no one there to answer it.
9. I know you've always heard, "Dont leave your dog in a locked car with the windows closed." Well I say,"Don't leave your dog in a car unattended AT ALL!" Dogs left alone can become frightened or may fall prey to kidnappers (dognappers).
10. Don't forget to travel with a copy of your dog's health and vaccination records. Take along a first aid kit especially if you are planning an active or outdoor vacation.
11. It is a good idea to carry a first aid kit in case of injury, especially is you are planning an active trip in the outdoors. There are a variety of afordable first aid kits available for every size pet.