When traveling with our dog, there are a number of essentials we need to remember to bring. Being prepared will make the trip more enjoyable; for you and your dog. Pack food and water bowls, grooming tools, collar with ID tags and a leash. Bringing some comforts from home such as blankets, bed or pillow, and toys and chew toys. A crate can also help your dog to settle in better to the new environment. Bring plenty of food and any supplements for the trip, you do not want to change dog food and risk stomach upset while traveling. I also recommend bringing your own bottled water (it can be mixed with the local water). Water from a source your dog is not used to can sometimes cause stomach upset. Bring your dog’s medical records and rabies certificate, and make sure your dog’s microchip ID profile is up to date, just in case.

In addition to the essentials, there are other items that you will be necessary for the trip. Some dogs may feel more anxiety or excitement than usual when traveling, and these emotions affect behavior. When it comes to dogs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So when preparing for your trip, pack additional supplies for the out-of the-ordinary situations and experiences.

Consider where you will be going, what you will be doing with your dog,  and what will be going on around you. If you are traveling to a place that will have harsher weather conditions (snow, extreme heat or thunderstorms), this may be a factor when you pack for your pet. Dogs used to rural and suburban areas may need a little extra help in dealing with the city if this is your destination. You must be prepared for unexpected behaviors in your dog when traveling to new and unknown places.

Items that can help with anxiety are Rescue Remedy, Richard Organic’s PetCalm or a DAP collar, as well as a Thundershirt or Calming Cap. Bring a head collar or harness to maintain control of your dog in case he/she gets spooked by loud noises or crowds. You may also want to bring additional protection for your dog against pests and parasites. Depending on where you are going and what you will be doing, you may want to consider other vaccinations such as Leptospirosis or Lyme Disease. If you want your dog to share the load, bring a doggie backpack. Include a first aid kit and if you don’t have a dog specific one, kits made for humans work well, too. And don’t forget to bring poop bags. We must clean up after our dogs!

Packing Essentials:

• Dog Food
• Food and water bowls
• Supplements
• Crate (ex-pen and/or dog bed)
• Treats and Treat Pouch
• Leash/Collar with tags
• Medical Records w/ vaccinations
• Couple favorite toys and chew toys
• Any medications needed
• Grooming items (brush, nail clippers)

Additional Supplies:

• Canine First Aid Kit
• Bottled Water
• Head Collar or Harness
• Additional Tick Protection
• Poop Bags
• Calming Agents (Rescue Remedy)
• Thundershirt or Calming Cap
• Muzzle
• Doggie Backpack
• Travel water bowl or doggie water bottle

Many of us enjoy vacationing with our dogs. Make sure, depending on where you are traveling, where dogs are allowed and where they are not, and have a safe and enjoyable trip!