Essential items that you need before going on a summer holiday with your dog

The summer is already here and the long-awaited summer holiday with your dog is finally approaching. You’ve packed your stuff , but what about your dog? If this is the first time that you are traveling with your dog, we have some good news for you! In today’s article, we will tell you the essentials that you need before you hit the road with your pet.

You don’t have to bring lots of special travel equipment. All you need are the things you and your dog use regularly at home. A leash is a good starting point, plus a couple of travel-specific items that will make your life much easier. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what things you two need for a safe and healthy adventure.

1. Carrier Bag

The Swiss Army knife of the dog travels. Whether you are flying or traveling by car, you want a dog carrier bag that is comfortable to wear for long periods. If you fly with your dog in the passenger compartment, the carrier will need to go under your seat.

If you are in the car, you can put your seat belt around the carrier for an immediate safety increase, and when you arrive at your destination this your dog’s familiar bed. Plus, if your carrier bag has several pockets, then this is a great spot to store smaller dog accessories. Think of it as your dog’s suitcase and their bed at the same time!

2. Folding Bowls

These often come with a carabiner and collapse flat. That means you can attach them to a leash, put them in a small pocket and hang them off a bag to dry when needed. You can use a permanent marker to mark the amount of food you normally feed your dog on the bowl before traveling, eliminating the need to bring a measuring cup since the fewer things you bring the easier way it will be for both of you.

3. Poop Bags and Holders

When you rush around trying to pack, you just have to forget some things. Avoid forgetting the all important poop bags by having a poop bag and holder attached to the leash. Because you simply can’t forget something that is attached! It is a good idea to bring an extra roll or two so that you do not run out of them.

4. Chewing Toy

This is something to keep your dog busy while you are in transit. These can take a long or short time depending on your dog’s enthusiasm for chewing. Anyway, they take a little to no room in your luggage, and when your dog is finished you don’t have to carry it anymore. They are also easily accessible at pet shops, so you can fill up on the road!

5. Mess Kit: Cloths, Towel, Pee Pad

It’s always a good idea to have a towel handy to help clean up mishaps and dry your pooch after those up planned dips dogs love to take.  Make sure you are ready mop up any mess and to clean your pup so you can easily move on to the fun parts of your trip!

6. Vaccination Paper / Health certificate

It is always a good idea to get a copy of the dog’s vaccinations, your veterinarian’s contact information and an emergency veterinarian info at your destination. Depending on where you go, you may need a veterinary health certificate. It is a good idea to keep a digital copy of all this, along with a copy with you and in your dog’s carrier if applicable.

8. First Aid for the Dog

This need not be extensive, but should include basic wound treatments, antibacterial cream, tweezers or a wrench, flea remover, generic Benadryl tablets and any drugs (and prescriptions, if you anticipate that you might need to refill) your dog needs. Don’t forget to bring any special shampoo or other skin treatments your dog may need.

9. ID Tags

Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date! It is a good idea to get one for your dog’s carrier as well. If you travel internationally, include an email address and Skype or Google Voice number where you can be reached.

10. Waterproof Dog Food Bag

Bring as much of your dog’s food as possible. At least be a day’s worth of food as a minimum, as it gives you time to find dog food at your destination. Putting it in a waterproof, reusable bag helps keep it fresh. And finally, that’s about it! As you can see, you don’t have to bring much more to travel with your dog than you usually use at home!

When you travel with your dog you get practical experience to learn what you really need to bring with you and what takes up space in your bag and next time you go on an adventure with your dog you will know better what is essential and what is not. Check out our list of items we recommend if you are camping with your dog?

Author’s bio:

An avid history and sociology enthusiast, Aleksandar is committed to exploring how time and different circumstances change people in various settings and situations. He has written many texts, articles, and blog posts on interpersonal matters published both online and on hard copy, which he believes shape us more than we give it credit.

One of his passions is to bring understanding to personality fundamentals, such as sexuality, humor, intuition, empathy, individuality, and common sense. He finds the greatest passion in writing about different angles in reviewing political situations and what led to certain circumstances that create our reality.

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