Traveling with the “furkids”
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I’ve been writing this blog in my head for ages, so many ideas, so much info I want to share, but simply never enough time, and well, maybe there’s a little procrastination in there as well.
So, I figured why not get started on my blog after a long weekend vacation? One that I spent doing nothing but relaxing and recharging the brain as well as the body. And of course one spent with my dogs, hiking trails and playing in the ocean.
Vacations for me these days are so few and far between, but when they do arrive, they almost always include my fur family. I can’t think of any other way to spend a relaxing holiday than having Bailey and Bugsy tagging along getting to enjoy the sights and sounds of a new adventure. This last trip Bailey settled in like a trooper, easily adjusting to the new surroundings, and different routine. Bugsy however was a little less relaxed. Not having had him that long, it is very possible this was a first for him on many accounts. First long road trip. First view of the ocean. First time hiking through the woods. While he wasn’t as relaxed as his canine sibling, he took everything in stride, and trusted me to guide him through each encounter. All in all he did pretty well.
Traveling with dogs can often be a bit hectic. Making sure you pack everything you’ll need; food, blankets, leashes; beds, etc, can be quite daunting. Dogs almost need their own suitcase. There are few things we often don’t think of packing, but they are things that can often make the trip a little less stressful.
- Bring a dog first aid kit; gauze, wrap, polysporin, clean wipes, and anything else you thing might be helpful. While we hope injuries never happen when we’re away, it’s nice to be prepared if they do.
- Make sure to bring Kongs so that you can fill them with treats/kibble to help keep them occupied while on the road, or in the hotel room. Good chew treats like bully sticks or deer antlers are great too, and often the prolonged chewing can help relieve any travel stress.
- Pack a long leash. While we love our dogs to have freedom when we head out on an hike, not all have stellar recall, and we never want to lose our dog when we’re away from home. Bugsy was rarely off his long leash this past weekend.
- Dog coat. We always hope for perfect weather, but we don’t always get what we wish for, and we certainly don’t want to miss out on some great scenery just because of a little rain. Your dog will appreciate being dry.
- Benadryl and Gravol. Benadryl for any unexpected allergy flare-ups, and Gravol for mild car sickness. Check with your vet before using either, and for a recommended dosage.
Traveling with our dogs can be a lot of fun. With a little pre-planning, having the furkids tagging along can be painless; they’ll be happy just being with you and being included!
Enjoying an ocean view hike
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