Summer is upon us, and pet parents will soon be on the road — many with their dogs. But does the mere sight of cars make your pup anxious? Are you worried that getting on a plane will send your pet into a panic? There are things you can help with!

We’ve got top tips for traveling—whether it’s by car, plane, or if you want to “stay at home” with your furry friend.

self driving tour

The most important thing to do before getting in the car is to get your dog physically tired – go for a walk or head to an off-leash dog park and let him have fun!

“Like a child, you need to tire them out so they can rest or sleep during the ride,” says behavioral therapist and coach beverley ulbrich explain. “If you deplete some of their energy first, they’re less stressed and anxious.”

You know your dog’s limits – or lack thereof! We usually go to the dog park for an hour before getting in the car, but your pooch may only need 20 minutes. Either way, factor it into your travel time for a more enjoyable trip.

“I recommend that you walk your dog as little as possible every day,” says Ulbrich. “So if he’s in the habit of walking at least 45 minutes a day, you need to walk 45 minutes before letting him drive for a few hours.”

Trips of less than an hour don’t require additional exercise, but make sure your dog poops before you leave.

Also make sure to bring plenty of water and dog friendly dishes.Our favorite to-go water tray is Gulpy, a portable drinking fountain Comes in different shapes and sizes. You can often find similar dishes at discounted prices at stores like TJMaxx or Marshall’s.

Even if you can drive ten hours straight in your car, that doesn’t mean you should force your dog to put up with it. Obviously, your dog needs potty breaks, and stopping him every few hours for a walk will help him feel more at ease on the road.

“As a guide, I’d say no more than a few hours of non-stop driving during the day,” Ulbrich said. “If you’re driving late at night and your dog is used to falling asleep, you can extend the time a bit longer. Also, puppies need more dwell time than older dogs who have learned to control their bladder better.”

If your dog is particularly anxious in the car—he may have had a traumatic experience in the past or motion sickness—you may want to try other methods of relaxing him, such as thunder shirt Even CBD oil.

“I’d try CBD at home first to make sure there aren’t any ill effects before trying a ride,” advises Ulbrich. “Even if it makes your dog drowsy, if you need him to move around for potty breaks, you probably don’t want to do that while driving.”

Always consult your veterinarian before trying CBD or any new treatment.

If your dog is really motion sick, Ulbrich Offers training tips on her website to help.

travel by plane

How about flying in friendly skies? Flying can be a scary proposition for a dog, even if it’s small enough to fly with you in the cabin. There’s a lot of engine noise, lots of strangers – too much for some! Not to mention that the dog has to fit in a carry-on box that slides completely under the seat in front of you – and he has to stay there for the entire flight. Most airlines have a maximum weight of 20 pounds including crate.

Dogs can be expensive to fly in the cabin; airlines charge $75 and up each Way.check it out Complete Checklist of Airline Requirements and fees for more information.

The cargo hold is understandably scarier for your dog. Dogs are basically treated like luggage and can get sick or injured in transit – often with little to no liability from the airline. 24 animals died in airplane cargo holds in 2017 aloneand 16 others were missing or injured.

“There are many airlines that will not [fly pets in cargo] Because there are risks, especially in hot and cold weather,” Ulbrich said. “I would only do this if absolutely necessary, never with a stopover or connection. If you have a layover, stay an extra few hours or even overnight so you can take your dog for a walk before your next flight. “

Here are the airlines that will no Pets are allowed in the cargo hold, according to 2018 DOT Air Travel Consumer Report:

• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Spirit
• Virgin America (recently merged with Alaska, the latter Pets are allowed in the cargo hold with some restrictions)

The Humane Society does not recommend flying your pets in the cargo hold.they provide Travel Tips and Alternatives on their website.

Keep in mind your dog’s temperament, as well as any genetic abnormalities that may affect its ability to travel – such as “short-nosed” brachycephalic dogs, which are not permitted to fly in Alaskan cargo holds.

Some of these varieties include:

• boston terrier
• boxer
• chow chow
• mastiff
• Bulldog
• pug dog
• Shih Tzu
• english toy spaniel

Even if your dog is a mix with one of these breeds, it is not recommended that he fly in the cargo hold.

Remember, many dogs arrive safely in cargo – 506,994 dogs were transported in 2017, 40 of which were injured, lost or died. You must determine if your dog will be able to make the trip physically and emotionally unscathed.

“The most important thing is that he’s comfortable in the cage,” Ulbrich added.

leave your dog at home

You can choose to leave your dog at home while traveling. You can have a 2-in-1 deal with a pet and a sitter; that way, your dog feels comfortable in his own environment while your home is well cared for.

Rover.com is the Nation’s Leading Provider of Reviewed Nanny Over 25,000 nannies are registered across the country. Every sitter goes through a reference check by Rover before they are allowed to list their services on the website. Sitters can complete training and background checks, and those with these qualifications display a “badge” on their profile. If something goes wrong, Rover offers 24/7 support for sitters.

“Our goal is to connect pet parents with loving sitters who are trained and qualified to provide proper care for their dogs,” said Rover CEO Aaron Easterly. “Rover.com is the largest and fastest growing network for dog lovers in the United States .”

You can also take your dog to a kennel – but watch out for rescue dogs! The turmoil and constant moving during a rescue can make them uneasy about being in one place and with people they don’t know well.

“Any dog ​​gets nervous being left in a new place,” Ulbrich said. “Always take your dog to the boarding house and spend time with him there. Make sure he’s comfortable with that. Let him practice overnight before you actually leave for a few days.”

Not all boarding services are created equal. It is important that your dog is able to get out of his crate and go for a walk.

“I prefer a place where people are with their dogs 24/7,” Ulbrich said. “If they leave the dog alone overnight, it’s not safe. Some places charge extra for any time they’re out of the kennel.”

Now there are even pet-only hotels, such as The Wag hotel chain in Northern California.

These hotels offer luxurious rooms with every convenience – down comforters, TVs and two-way Skype so you can check in with your furry friend. You can also choose from a variety of options, including facials, bedtime tummy massages and playtime. Wag offers dogs themed playgroups, wine and cheese, and even dog play in the winter snow.

“It’s one of the most exciting experiences your dog can have,” says Kristen Rau, Business Development Manager, Wag Hotels. “We work with some of the best companies in the world, giving us insight into what it takes to have such a clean, safe environment.”

the bottom line

Whether you’re taking your dog on the road or leaving him at home, be sure to do your research and be prepared.Also, view Beverly’s Useful Travel Tips, including how to find a dog-friendly hotel. Travel safe!