Tips and packing list for a trip with your dog
Valuable tips for a carefree spring trip with your dog, from preparation to return.
As Spring brings with it light, colors, aromas and renewal, any opportunity to escape from the responsibilities is a good reason to escape the city. Of course, this season is ideal for an excursion with your dog to enjoy the blooming nature together and create memories with your beloved four-legged friend. Whether it is an excursion to the mountains or to a seaside destination, don't miss the opportunity to escape from the stressful everyday life and take a deep breath of fresh air.
Why should your dog be in contact with nature?
Contact with nature is an important factor for your dog's health and well-being, according to veterinarians. An excursion with your dog in nature gives both the owner and his pet the opportunity for physical exercise that includes running, playing, etc. Let's not forget, however, that our pets have their own psychology and contact with the natural environment is proven to be helpful for their good mood as it reduces stress and improves their psychology. In addition, an excursion with the dog is also good for his mind as he gets to know new images, sounds and aromas, fills him with experiences and explores new places. Finally, excursions give the opportunity to socialize with dogs, other animals and people by training our pet in good behavior.
What to take with you on a trip with your dog
The truth is that the packing list is much easier when we are alone and only have to pack our own suitcase. However, when we travel with our baby or our pet, preparing for the trip requires more effort and time. But why do we describe it as a laborious process? The answer lies in the needs of the pet. Don't forget that the better preparation you make, the more restful and easy your trip will be.
In any case, you should definitely take your dog's leash with you, as well as his crate in case of transport by train, bus or plane. In addition, you will need your dog's medical card and you may also need to take with you a favorite pillow or toy that makes it easier for him to sleep. As for the walk, garbage bags and wet cleaning wipes are essential. Take food for your dog and a special water bottle that can also function as a bowl.
At petchef you can find cooked dog food for all stages of their life and all breeds for a complete and balanced diet with the necessary nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. Meals are delivered fresh-frozen, so we usually recommend storing most of the food in the freezer and taking out a few portions in the refrigerator to defrost. If unopened, they can last up to 7 days in the freezer and 6 months in the freezer, while once opened, they should be consumed within 2 days. Therefore, they are easy to transport during an excursion and are an ideal solution. For safe transportation of our food, you can read here.
These are some of the basic items you should take with you on an excursion with your dog, but don't forget to take into account your dog's individual needs and preferences when creating your packing list with items such as toys or even clothing, such as a raincoat.
Useful tips for traveling with your dog
Organization
Organizing a trip with your dog can be a wonderful experience, but proper preparation is required to ensure a comfortable and relaxing trip. Before the trip, make sure that your dog has all the necessary vaccinations and deworming. Also, make sure that you have their medical card with you and any medication or special diet they need. Before you set off, make sure that your dog has a collar with your contact information, in case something unexpected happens and they get lost. At the same time, confirm that your pet's microchip is updated with the latest information, including your phone number. In addition, are you sure that the accommodation you have chosen for your dog's stay allows pets? If you are going to travel abroad, it is worth informing yourself about the laws and guidelines of the country regarding four-legged friends.
Transport
As for transportation, experts recommend a long walk before starting the trip so that the dog can release its energy and tire out. Alternatively, you can visit a dog park or play a game. According to experts, the safest place for your pet during the trip is in the back seat. In fact, you can find a special belt on the market to ensure its safety. However, as veterinarians emphasize, you should not feed your pet in the car since this can lead to nausea. Instead, prefer to feed your pet about three to four hours before leaving home. If you are taking a long trip with your dog, do not skip frequent breaks for your pet to relieve itself, a short walk and plenty of water. Be careful! Regardless of the weather, never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle as it can suffer heatstroke or even hypothermia and may even be stolen along with the vehicle.
Walks
Always use a leash during walks and avoid areas that are dangerous (such as a canyon or a river) and that you do not know well, resulting in possible accidents. In addition, keep a safe distance from wild animals that you may encounter in the countryside and you cannot predict how they may behave. An unexpected attack is never impossible. The same applies to some extent to the flora that you do not know what kind of side effects it will cause to your dog, so do not allow him to eat plants that he may encounter in the countryside. In any case, you must be prepared to deal with your pet's anxiety, which is very likely while you are away from your home. In this situation, make sure to offer him his favorite toys or objects that will make him feel safe.