Dog Friendly Day Trips – This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through the link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps you run your sick girl travel blog while providing quality product recommendations and great travel deals. Please, me
Traveling with your dogs can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. I went on many trips with my dog Frenchie Madeline Pugh and her foster siblings. I have also flown around the world as a volunteer with over 50 rescue dogs. All this traveling with dogs has taught me a lot about how to keep them happy and calm.
Dog Friendly Day Trips
My daughter Maddie is not a fan of road trips, so pet friendly vacations require a little more love and attention to keep her calm when she leaves the house. If you are a traveler or an avid traveler, I have tips and products to make your trip a little easier.
Everything You Need For A Road Trip With Dogs: Dog Travel Essentials — Sick Girl Travels
If you’re planning to travel with a dog, I’m here to tell you what you need to keep your travel companion comfortable. First, make sure you’ve assessed everything you need for a dog-friendly vacation. Not all hotels, resorts or Airbnbs accept dogs. You also want to make sure your dog has a good walking environment during the visit.
Now that you’ve made sure you have everything you need for a dog-friendly vacation, let’s talk about how to get there. This post covers everything your dog needs for long car trips, as well as things you can do to make your trip pet-friendly. Traveling with your furry friend doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, the right gear, and these dog travel tips, your dog will be car-ready in no time.
Before you leave, make sure your pet is welcome at your place. As more people than ever are looking for dog-friendly travel, hotels, Airbnbs and resorts are offering dog-friendly accommodations. Check what their rules are before you go. Many dog-friendly hotels do not allow your pet to be left unattended in the room. If it includes parts that your dog doesn’t allow, this can put a real damper on your trip. No one wants to see your face at Aunt Ursala’s funeral.
Also, check the costs associated with bringing your pet. If your dog is not a service animal, there may be some serious fees to have your pet with you. There may also be breed and size restrictions. Make sure you read all the fine print.
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The following are my travel essentials for dogs. For each of these dogs, you can find my products for the best travel experience. It’s also important to pack your dog’s veterinary records in case something gets in the way. Put it in the glove compartment so it’s always close at hand in times of trouble.
The first thing you need for a dog-friendly trip is your dog’s regular diet. Whether fresh, frozen or canned. Even if it is part of your regular diet, stick to it. Don’t replace their food with riding, or you could end up with a serious stomach ache. No one wants to drive with a dog with diarrhea, least of all a dog. Your epic journey is not the time to mess up your dog’s diet.
You don’t want your dog to eat while driving. This can cause motion sickness. If you want to offer your dog food and water, always stop to take a break from driving.
PetAmi travel bag for dog food | Kibble Carrier Collapsible Dog Bowls Water For Dogs | Camping, hiking equipment (black, gray)
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As with food, you should stick to your dog’s regular diet. One exception is if you’re traveling with an anxious dog, try a calm stand like the one below. I recommend trying them out at home first and doing a few small tests with your dog before heading out on the big road. If you have a very anxious dog, you want to make sure the medication is working well and not causing diarrhea. Some dogs may be sensitive to new foods.
Calming food for dogs – For daily stress and relaxation – with Ashwagandha, Organic Chamomile, L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan – Peace and Relaxation – Melatonin Turkey – 90 Count
Of course, water is one of the necessities for traveling with a dog. I love this water bottle for quick drinking. Every time I stop on the road, I pour water and drink my sweetest daughter. A good handler will give your dog a drink every 2 hours. Again, you should avoid serving drinks while the car is in motion to prevent motion sickness.
Kalimdor Dog Water Bottle, 12oz Portable Leakproof Dog Water Filter, Pet Food Drinker for Outdoor Walking, Hiking, Travel, BPA Free Plastic Feeding Bowl (12oz, Blue)
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If you have a large dog or multiple dogs, you can choose a larger water dispenser with bowls like the one below.
Dog Travel Water Bottle 77oz, Warm Dog Water Bottle Filter with Removable Water Bowl for Outdoor, Camping, Road Trips, Dog Park Dog Travel BPA Free
My dog has his own travel bag because I am involved in the organization. Instead of buying individual bowls and lunch bags, this travel bag is perfect in every way.
Modoker Dog Travel Bag, Pet Weekend Travel Kit for Dogs and Cats, Airline Approved Bag Organizer with Multi-Functional Pockets (Grey)
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Although it may be tempting to arm your best friend, the safest way to transport a pet is in the back seat or harness, car seat, or in a harness that attaches to your car’s seat belt. For my medium sized French bulldog, I prefer a dog car seat like the one below. For large dogs, you can choose a paper or a strip.
BurgeonNest Dog Car Seat for Small Dogs, Fully Removable and Washable Dog Car Seat Up to 25 Years Soft Dog Bed, Portable Dog Car Travel Bed with Clips and Hooks
If you want to protect your seats from dirt and scratches, you need a good car seat cover. This 6-in-1 car seat cover comes in 3 sizes and features a non-scratch, non-scratch protector, adjustable straps and a seat belt for your best friend.
Chumajor 6-in-1 Dog Seat Cover 60/40 Split 100% Waterproof. The car is waterproof for trucks.
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I know seat belts seem unnecessary to some, but they help keep your pet safe and in some states it is against the law to drive your pet without a seat belt. This is a simple and inexpensive item that can save your pet’s life in the event of an accident or sudden death.
BWOGUE 2 Pack Dog Cat Seat Belt Adjustable Car Seat Belt Nylon Fabric Dog Protector Seat Clip
Just in case something happens along the way, make sure you have a first aid kit with you for your furry friend. This is especially useful if you’re going camping, visiting a national or state park, hiking trails, or just exploring nature in general. It gives you everything you need to stop bleeding, remove ticks and sterilize wounds.
ARCA PET Dog First Aid Kit – Pet Emergency Travel Kit for Cats and Dogs – Water Resistant, Girl’s Pet First Aid Kit for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Sports, Hunting
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The best dog toys for traveling are toys that they love. I recommend bringing some of your pet’s favorite toys so they have a little home. Otherwise, you want something to occupy them, especially if you have an anxious dog. I love these lollipop rugs. While consumers beware, if you bring peanut butter into the picture, you’ll definitely want to have your car seat reliable.
Dogs and Cats Dog 2 Pack Safe Dishwashing Food Pet Lick Mat Dog Anti-anxiety Dog Toys Feeding Mat Butter Yogurt Peanut Pet Bath Training Mat
When you go take your dog with you. I love the value of these durable Amazon Basics doggie bags. They even come with a convenient dispenser.
Amazon Standard Dog Bags With Dispenser & Handle, Unscented, 900 Count, 60 Pack of 15, Black, 13″ x 9″
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Your trip may not include bodies of water, but if it does, make safety a priority. Some breeds, such as French bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers, are terrible swimmers. Yes, there are exceptions to this rule, but that’s usually it
