Holiday Travel Must-Haves to Keep Your Pup Safe and Happy

Are you traveling for the holiday season? If you want to take your dog along for the ride, make sure you have what you need to keep them comfortable and happy. Dogs need special care to ensure they’re safe throughout your holiday travels. Whether it’s a day at your parents’ house or a week with relatives in another state, the right preparation can make a big difference in how well everything goes for you and your four-legged friend. 

Veterinarian Check-Up

You should prepare for your trip well in advance, and your to-do list must include a veterinarian check-up. Unless you recently brought your pup in for a visit, you need to make sure they’re in good health for travel and up to date on all the necessary vaccinations. It’s also a good time to ask your vet about calming techniques or medications that could help your dog feel calm and safe while traveling. 

Appropriately Sized Travel Kennels

A travel kennel for dog comfort will help you transport your pup safely. Small and large dogs both need to feel safe and secure in a vehicle. While you might feel comfortable traveling with your dog just sitting in the back seat, it’s not always the safest option, especially for long distances. Additionally, if you’re flying somewhere with your dogs, a kennel is mandatory for larger dogs who cannot travel in the cabin. You can think of a travel kennel as a safe little hideout. The right kennel will be big enough for your dog to turn, stand, and sleep without an issue. 

Food and Water

Every dog needs food and water every day. It’s a basic standard of living. When you’re traveling, you can use a dog food storage container to maintain the freshness of your dog’s food, just like you do at home. There are smaller sizes of dog food storage containers available, making it easy to transport a proper supply of food for your pup. You can also add food and water bowls to the kennel while you travel so they don’t get hungry or thirsty on the trip. Everybody loves car snacks! 

Rest Stop Walks

You need rest stops to go to the bathroom and stretch your legs, and so does your dog. Regardless of your dog’s size or activity levels, letting them out of their travel dog kennels and the car will help them feel more comfortable. Make sure you keep them on a leash if it’s an unfamiliar area, like a rest stop or a grassy patch near a gas station. You might feel tempted to let them run free, but it’s unsafe for you or your dog. Safety is a big priority no matter how you travel during the holidays.

Hugs and Reassurance 

Finally, you must give your dog lots of love while traveling. Be patient with them and try to be understanding. They’ll love to hear your reassuring words, even if they don’t speak the same language. Your dog should warm up to the people you’re staying with or stick to your side through the holiday. 

Traveling with your pet can be fun, and it’s nice that you get to bring them along, but make sure that you prepare. Planning ahead can help make the trip more comfortable for everyone.

About Petmate 

Your four-legged friend can turn the day around whenever you feel a little down. With such an important companion in your life, it’s crucial that you give them the proper care and attention they need, and Petmate can help. The pet supply manufacturer has everything pet parents need to build a comfortable space for their dogs and cats, including a highly rated top entry litter box, dog food storage container options, and large dog kennels. Petmate will also help you stock up on essential products like cozy bedding, pet bowls, and fun toys. Whether it’s a specialty product like a Chuckit! Launcher or an everyday item your pet needs for comfort and safety, Petmate ensures you can find your furry family member’s ideal product.

Check some items off the holiday travel checklist with Petmate at petmate.com