10 vital dog travel safety hacks every pet owner must know

Like many pet owners, you probably feel uncertain about traveling with your dog for the first time. Whether an overnight or multi-day journey, traveling with any pet takes work. When the pet you have is a dog that you’re trying to keep safe and comfortable, it’s all the more challenging.

Preparation is the most effective thing to do before the big day. Prioritize your dog’s needs as much as possible and ensure they’re not going without.

Here are 10 travel safety tips for dogs.

Keep your dog with you

While traveling, try not to be separated from your dog. If your dog is prone to extreme stress or anxiety, keep it close until you reach your destination.

Bring your dog’s favorite blanket. To keep your dog comfy, bring her favorite blanket and toys.

This will bring the smells and textures they know and love along and give them something to focus on during travel.

Don’t let your dog ride in the front seat

While you might want to travel with your dog up front, if an airbag deploys, it could seriously hurt, maim, and even kill your pup. Also, a dog in the front seat with you can distract the driver.

Instead, create as much space as possible for the dog. As you put your dog in the back seat, clean it beforehand. Remove any clutter. Give them as much space as you can to enjoy.

See your veterinarian before leaving

Make sure your pet is healthy and up for the journey. If you haven’t visited your vet recently, do so now.

Bring your dog’s medical records.

For extended trips, such as to a foreign country, have your pet’s medications, ID, and medical records in a file folder with you.

If something happens and you need to bring your dog to a hospital or vet, their paperwork is there to pass over.

Take freeze dried dog food with you

Even if you’re only away for a few hours, don’t feed your dog fast food while traveling.

Invest in the time beforehand to prepare freeze dried dog food. Regardless of the weather or trip duration, you can let it thaw.

Prepare treats ahead of time. Pack long-lasting treats between meals when you need help getting your dog to focus or stay calm.

Bring water and a water bowl

Bring a portable water bowl. Pack it up before leaving your residence, along with a bottle of water specifically for the dog.

This will keep them hydrated during the ride. Try to stop every two hours to provide water and potty breaks for your dog.

Be prepared for accidents

Even if your dog is well-behaved, traveling may cause accidents. Be prepared for the unexpected.

Pack poop bags, puppy pee pads, and paper towels. Having a spray bottle of half vinegar and half water doesn’t hurt to work as an all-natural deodorizer and clean up those accidents.

Set up your dog with a secure collar and current ID tags so that if they get lost, your information is there.

Take practice trips

If you are taking your vehicle and the dog is not used to traveling, take them on a few short trips in the weeks before you travel.

Treat it as a test run. This way, your dog will see the car as a cozy, safe place and be more comfortable.

Restrain your dog

While the car is moving, consider ways to restrain your dog so that it is not a danger to yourself or others.

Consider using a dog safety seat or special seatbelt. You may need to section off your car to keep your dog from moving or jumping up front.

Dogs shouldn’t be crated together. Never travel by car with two dogs in the same crate. An unexpected turn or move could cause the dogs to crash into each other, leading to injury or a fight.

Avoid sedatives or tranquilizers

Try not to give your dog a sedative or tranquilizer. These medications can interfere with their ability to regulate body heat and put them at risk.

Avoid tranquilizers unless necessary and prescribed by your dog’s veterinarian.

Choose dog-friendly accommodations

Whether you’re staying at a campground, hotel, Airbnb, or other type of room, ensure your accommodations are dog-friendly.

Many places restrict the type of dog allowed and the behavior permitted.

Final thoughts on travel safety tips for dogs

Traveling with a dog requires preparation and following travel safety tips, such as keeping them close, bringing their favorite items, and not letting them ride in the front seat.

Also, visit your veterinarian beforehand, pack necessary food and water, take practice trips, restrain them while driving, and choose dog-friendly accommodations. Avoid sedatives and tranquilizers unless prescribed by a veterinarian.