Tips for Traveling With Your Pooch

I love bringing my dog, Kona, along with whether it’s to the beach, shopping, or a hike at Umstead. It’s more fun with your four-legged best friend by your side!

However, sometimes our dogs don’t know their limits and we have to keep an eye on them. One thing is for sure, we want to keep our pets healthy and safe.

Both the extreme weather of the Summer and Winter can be dangerous to our pooches. Do you know what signs to look for to make sure they are OK? I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned while traveling with Kona for a happier trip.

Staying Cool

Dehydration

Most of us know the signs of dehydration in humans, but what about dogs? While traveling, it’s important we make sure our pups are getting enough water. You should always have a water bottle on you. Dehydration in dogs can lead to problems like kidney and organ failure, or even death. Know the signs of dehydration:

• Loss of appetite
• Reduced energy levels and/or lethargy
• Panting
• Sunken, dry-looking eyes
• Dry nose and gums
• Loss of skin elasticity

Hot Asphalt Awareness

Have you ever thought about how hot your dog’s paws are on the hot pavement? That’s like us walking on black top in the Summer without shoes.

Hot asphalt can cause your dog’s paws to bleed and blister. Protect your dog’s paws and stay on the grass while it’s hot. 

Sunburn

You can prevent your dog from getting a sunburn by applying sunscreen, keeping them inside during the hottest part of the day, or buying protective clothing for your pooch.

Your dog’s nose, belly, ears, and groin are most susceptible to sunburn. Also, shorter dogs are more susceptible to sunburn than other dogs because their bellies are closer to the ground and reflection of light. Poor babies.

And if your dog does get sunburned, aloe gel works for them as well!

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Road trips

Take Breaks

Are you driving to your destination with your pooch? While we can switch on the AC or turn up the music if we want, it’s hard for our dogs to tell us what they need! That’s why breaks are necessary. 

Every hour, you should pull over and give your dog time to stretch their legs! Also, potty breaks are important. No need to remind me though—Kona once pooped in the backseat of my new car while driving to the beach. Learn from my mistakes…

Seat belts

It’s essential you wear a seatbelt, but what about your dog? If you have to make a quick stop or wide turn, you don’t want them to go flying! Your pup could get seriously hurt. 

Nor do you want your dog jumping around the car and distracting you during the drive! 

Before a trip, you should purchase a seatbelt for your furry friend. Depending on the size of your dog, you can choose different kinds. 

Temperature

There’s nothing I hate more than people who leave their dog’s in cars on hot Summer days… Even if you crack the windows, temperatures can get up to 100 degrees and more. 

Do not leave your dog in the car.

Even with the AC on, make sure your pup is getting enough air. Additionally, keep your dog warm during the Winter. 

Pack the essentials

Lastly, make sure you pack your pup’s essentials! Usually, Kona gets her very own bag during trips. Two things that I could not live without during trips are pop up water bowls and harnesses. They both really come in handy!

Remember to bring pictures of your pets as well! Which really isn’t a problem in this day and age considering iPhones exist… and half our photo library is filled with pics of our dogs… 

But just in case Fido goes missing, have a picture of them on hand.

After your adventures, make sure to check for ticks. Ticks like to hide in dark, moist places. Thoroughly inspect your dog’s ears, feet, and tail.

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