Tips for Travelling with the Super Collies
Before we get into our adventures, I think it’s important to review what is needed to make a road trip successful and safe for both you and your dog/s! My dogs travel with more luggage than I do!
Let’s Go Over The Basics
First things first, you’re going to want to either get your pup a car restraint to keep them secure in the case of a sudden stop or accident. You can use a harness that attaches to a seatbelt or a crate or carrier. Dogs can be badly injured or even killed if they become a projectile in a collision, so you want to make sure your pet is as safe and secure as you are.
The Center for Pet Safety has done studies on several of the most popular carriers and crates for travel so you can check out your preferred carrier and see for yourself how they hold up in a crash test scenario here.
The Kurgo and Sleepy Pod equipment both seem to test well.
Never Leave Your Dog in the Car in the Hot Sun
Never leave your dog in the car alone on a hot day, even for 10 minutes with the window open, as a car can heat up so fast and this can be deadly.
Once you arrive somewhere hot, watch for hot pavement and overheating. You may want to check out some of these dog heat safety tips from Talent Hounds for useful info like how to spot the signs of overheating.
Always Pick up after your dog and keep pet-friendly spaces safe for everyone!
Leaving poop is gross and can be dangerous.
Microchip Your Dog
If you’re going to be taking your dog far away from home you should think about getting them microchipped and making sure the contact information is up to date.
Keep your Dog Safe from Bugs and Diseases
Be sure to check that all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Investigate what bugs or diseases like heart worms, ticks, fleas, mosquitos or flu might be a threat where you are travelling and look into ways to protect yourself and your dog.
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My Travel Essentials Include:
- Food – You may not be able to find your dog’s favorite brand on the road easily so make sure you have a decent supply with you. Switching foods around can cause your dog digestive issues. Use a waterproof container.
- Water – You want to make sure you and your dog stay hydrated and keep a supply of clean water handy.
- Non-spill bowl(s)
- Treats.
- Supplements and any medications.
- Toys, discs and trick gear.
- A Pet First Aid Kit (I carry several)
- Clean Up Bags.
- Blankets.
- Cleaning Supplies- Because accidents do happen!
- A camera and a phone to document your adventures
- Bed(s)
- Leash(es)- Do some research about where you’re going beforehand as some places require 6 ft leashes.
- Collars and up to date tags.
- Sunscreen (for you and your dog).
- Calming spray and/or toys- This can be a big help if you have an anxious dog, here’s a post about products that can be helpful for soothing reactive dogs found at the Global Pet Expo this year.
- Vet records and emergency vet and contact numbers – In case of emergency if you’re far away from home you want to be prepared to get your pet any treatment they may need. Pet MD has lists of Vets by location. There’s also the ASPCA poison control hotline which you can call 24/7 if your pet ingests something you fear might be toxic: (888) 426-4435
- Towel in case your dog gets wet
and I am sure I missed something…
Now, if sleeping in your car isn’t something you want to do, don’t worry!!
Thankfully the Red Roof Inns are not only affordable and nice, but pets stay FREE! We have enjoyed them a few times in the past month.
They have over 345 locations spread out across the USA.
