The holidays are approaching and you’re probably looking forward to enjoying them with your pet. To do so, you must take into account what to do to ensure that your best friend feels good during the experience. If you want your trip to go perfectly, here are 5 infallible tips.

1. Look for a place where living with a dog is not a problem.

Nowadays, there are plenty of “dog friendly” accommodations where your pet will feel as well cared for as you do. All you have to do is contact them, explain the characteristics of your dog and listen. Without a doubt, once you explain your pet’s characteristics and personality, they will provide you with good information about nearby places and activities for you to enjoy together.

2. Prevention is better than cure

Make sure your pet has all its papers and vaccinations up to date. If you are travelling to a foreign country, you should inform your vet so that he/she can tell you if any additional vaccinations are required.
If your dog is very nervous or is not used to long journeys, it is important that you consider the option of providing him with a drug to calm him down. If you are considering this, visit your vet so that they can offer you the best solution.

3. Before and during the journey

The transport method you choose will greatly affect your pet’s needs. If you are travelling by car, it is best to use a carrier or cage. It should be placed on the floor, behind the front seats or on the seat properly secured. It is important that you make a stop every 2 or 3 hours, so that the dog can drink water, walk around and use up some energy. Under no circumstances should you leave your dog locked inside the car, especially not in a place where it is very hot. Oh, and leaving your dog’s head out of the window is not a good idea either. His nose and eyes can suffer the consequences.

If you have chosen to fly, contact your airline to find out about the necessary documentation and the characteristics of the journey. In most cases, dogs travel in the hold, which is the place designated for animals. We know that this separation makes owners very anxious, but you must remain calm to prevent your dog from sensing this concern. If you choose to travel by train, check the railway regulations. It is true that assistance dogs, as an essential support for disabled people, enjoy certain advantages, but all other pets must be leashed and are subject to certain measures associated with their weight and breed.
Whatever the means of transport, avoid feeding them before the journey. Most dogs tend to get dizzy during the journey. This is the only way to prevent them from vomiting.

Once you arrive at your holiday destination, it is important to familiarise your dog with the space. Let him sniff and explore the room and surroundings. Find a place to put his bed, his food and water bowl, and give him some of his toys to make him feel at home.

4. We have arrived at our destination

Once we arrive at the holiday destination, we must choose a room (the bathroom can be a good option) and leave your cat’s belongings there, as well as the carrier (which can serve as a shelter).

During the first day, avoid upsetting him and try to keep him calm. In this way, he will gradually get used to the new space. In a few hours, his curiosity will lead him to go out and start exploring his surroundings.

5. Avoid unnecessary risks

Even if we take all the precautions in the world, it is essential to have our dog microchipped with updated data and the card that accredits it. If the dog escapes from the holiday destination, the chip could mean that whoever finds it will return it to you or at least identify you as the owner. It is also essential to hang a tag on the collar with your telephone number on it. This simple solution can save you time and trouble. And finally, if your pet is one of the “potentially dangerous” breeds, you should carry the corresponding licence with you.