Travelling with your canine companion can be a lot of fun! Not only is it a great chance to bond with your dog, it can also be a opportunity to explore the world together. Whilst travelling, it is im-paw-tant to make sure your pup is as comfortable as possible. Part of that involves bringing along everything they will need. From everyday essentials to emergency supplies, we've compiled all of the travel essentials you'll need to pack for your pooch...
A Travel Carrier
Depending on the size of your dog, a travel carrier or crate will be essential for your travels. A good travel carrier should fit your pooch comfortably, allowing them enough space to stand up and turn around easily. If you intend to take a flight, make sure your carrier is airline approved. Carriers or crates should be secured when travelling by car, usually by using the car's seat belts. Make sure to familiarise yourself with how to secure your carrier before heading off on your travels.
A Secure Lead
When travelling with your dog, you're sure to do a lot of walking. Keep your canine companion safe and secure with a strong, sturdy lead. A cross-body lead like our Handsfree Leads are perfect for your travels as they can be used in multiple different ways. Our clever coupler lead features adjustable lengths, and can be worn around your waist, shoulder, or easily tethered. It's also perfect for walking two dogs at once or using as an extra-long lead.
A Comfortable Harness
We recommend taking a comfortable harness for your dog for all of the walkies you will be taking. Harnesses are generally better than collars for walking your dog as they allow for better lead control and keep your pup comfortable all day long. Harnesses apply even pressure across your dog's body, giving you more control over them and enhancing your dog's comfort. They are also more secure than a collar, which is great when you're in a new environment.
Food and Water Bowls
Collapsible food and waters bowls can be a great option for travelling with your dog, Whether you're flying or just planning on doing a lot of hiking, collapsible bowls will probably be your best option. If you are planning a road trip with your pup, you may be able to just bring their bowls from home. Either way, your dog will definitely need their daily essentials like this.
Food
Again, depending on where and how you are travelling, it may be a good idea to bring some of your dogs daily food with you. It isn't usually a good idea to suddenly swap foods as this can cause your dog to have an upset stomach or to refuse their food entirely. Bringing along just a few days worth can help transition your dog onto a new food that you purchase once you have arrived at your destination. If you can bring along enough food for the entirety of your trip, even better!
Identification and Documentation
Be sure to familiarise yourself with the laws surrounding dogs wherever you are travelling to. Different countries will require different ID and paperwork. For example, in the UK, it is a legal requirement for all dogs in public spaces to have their owner’s name and address on a tag or collar when in a public place. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £2,000. We recommend having your contact details on your dog wherever you travel to, just in case they do get lost.
Some countries will also require medical documentation such as vaccination records. If your dog has any ongoing health issues, it is a good idea to carry some sort of documentation regarding this in case you need to seek medical help for them whilst on your travels.
Toys
Keeping your pup entertained is always important, but especially whilst they're on their holidays! Bring along a few of your pups favourite toys (and maybe even treat them to something new) so that they have plenty of mental stimulation whilst you have some time to relax. Toys that they are able to entertain themselves with are ideal. If you are travelling by car, don't let your dog have any of their toys whilst the vehicle is in motion as this could present a choking hazard.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential when travelling with your dog. New places and new terrains pose an extra risk of injury, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. You can buy pre-made first aid kits for dogs or pack your own. Blue Cross recommends that your first aid kit includes;
- Medications (and their leaflets) that your dog is currently taking
- Bandages - a roll of self-adhesive or crepe bandage (5cm width)
- Conforming/open-weave bandages (2.5cm width)
- Some non-adhesive absorbent dressings (5cm x 5cm) to cover open wounds
- Surgical sticky tape
- A box of cotton wool
- A box of sterile absorbent gauze
- Blunt ended scissors, preferably curved
- A thick towel
- A soft cone collar
Poop Bags
An essential for any outing with your dog, make sure to bring plenty of poo bags along for your travels. We recommend keeping them to hand in a poo bag pouch so that you're never caught short. Different countries will have different laws surrounding dog fouling so be sure to keep these in mind to avoid any fines.
Treats
What would a holiday be without a few treats? Treats are good to have on hand for a number of reasons, such as encouraging good behavior, distracting them or keeping them occupied. Bring along treats that you know your dog already loves and won't upset their tummy. Don't forget to bring a selection of smaller treats and longer lasting chews.
A Piece of Home
Our pets can get homesick, just like us. Changing up their routine, whilst exciting, can also be unsettling for them. To help negate this, be sure to bring along your pups favourite blanket that they use at home. Dogs are very sensitive to scent, and so having something that smells like home is very comforting to them. If they don't have a blanket, consider giving them a towel or t-shirt to sleep with for a week or so before your trip.