Do you own a pup but want to go on a camping vacation or road trip? Leaving a pet child behind when the entire family goes on vacation is never an option for most dog owners.
Luckily, there are several venues and accommodations that allow pets, making it easier to travel with them.
Nevertheless, you do not want to get caught unprepared when vacationing with your pup. Your primary goal is to ensure that your dog enjoys the vacation as much as every other member of your family. But how will you do that? By packing a few essentials for him.
In this guide, you will learn the eight essential things to pack when vacationing with your pup.
1. Bed and Crate
You can turn any place – hotel room or seat of your vehicle – into the semblance of a home for your pet. And all you need to make that happen is by bringing your pup’s pet with you on your road trip.
Dogs are always happy to smell something familiar, and it will help give your canine friend structure. This prevents your pup from turning to your hotel room’s crisp, clean sheets or furniture.
2. Food and Treats
Food and treats, and of course, water, are the next to pack for your puppy. Bear in mind that your canine friend is still growing.
Therefore, it is crucial to maintain your pup’s regular diet and treat regimens with healthy nutritional meals and healthy treats from sources such as VitaPet.
You should also not forget to stop from time to time to give your pup some water.
3. Supplements for Anxiety
Does your pet get somewhat anxious when new people are around? Or when taken to new places or destinations? Even if you know how to soothe your beloved canine friend with a nice squeeze and calming voice, your pet may need a little more than cuddling.
Therefore, consider getting some dog supplements for anxiety. These supplements can quickly relieve your doggie’s anxiety during the long car ride or when they feel nervous in unfamiliar places.
4. First Aid Kit
It does not matter if you have to purchase an entire first aid kit or put one together independently.
You should not leave your home without a first aid kit. This is to prepare you and your pup, of course, for the inevitable bumps, scratches, and bruises that will undoubtedly happen on your road trip.
Make sure your first aid kit includes all the essentials, including items such as:
- Tweezers
- Gauze bandages
- Eyewash
- Scissors
- Styptic powder
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tapes
- A thermometer or two, etc.
It is not a bad idea to get a list of the reputable vet clinics along your travel route, as well as those at your final destination.
5. Safety Restraints
Having safety restraints installed in your vehicle is an excellent idea. Some states even require domestic dogs to be secured in vehicles during long or short trips.
You can check local laws so that you do not defy the rules at your vacation destination.
Safety restraints also cover leashes, collars, and even tags. They are essential to avoid any problems during roadside breaks or at the new location.
6. Identification Tags
If you have not considered getting your pup microchipped, now is an excellent time to consider getting it done.
Ensure the tags have your full name and valid phone number for easy identification in case of emergency.
7. Vaccination Records and Some Extra Meds
Many dog owners that travel always forget to take their pet’s vaccination records along with them when they travel.
This is crucial, especially if you may have to cross an international border or two at some point on your trip.
Take your dog’s paperwork along with you, just in case an emergency occurs. And if your pup is on medications, do not forget to stock up on your pet’s meds.
8. Waste Disposal Bags
Well, this came last for a good reason: it is easy to remember but far easier to forget, especially during last-minute packing.
It can be pretty embarrassing to get caught without a waste bag for those roadside stops that will eventually come up.
Therefore, get some environmentally friendly bags right away. This will prevent you from searching for and running to the nearest pet store when you arrive at your vacation spot when you should be resting.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the eight most essential things to pack with you when vacationing with your pup.
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, but these are enough to get the vacation off on the right foot, especially with your little furry companion.