Travelling with Companion Dogs

Benefits of Travelling with Companion Dogs

Man's best friend doesn't always relish being left behind, so many of us find ourselves travelling with companion dogs from time to time.

Of course, it can be great fun for both you and your pet to spend this extra time together, but did you know your health can benefit from the experience as well? Travelling can sometimes be quite stressful, especially when conditions are less than ideal. However, the presence of your canine companion can have a calming effect on your system.

Studies have shown that nursing home residents experience certain physical and emotional benefits from visits with companion/therapy dogs, including:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Decreased heart rate
• More relaxed breathing
• Increased in self-esteem
• A temporary alleviation of depression

If pets can provide this kind of therapeutic influence on strangers, there's no reason our own dogs shouldn't provide some of the same benefits for us, as long as we make sure the situation is properly in hand.

Dog Travel Tips

Travelling with your pet can be accomplished more smoothly when you make sure you have her needs covered. Here are a few tips about what you'll need to bring when travelling with companion dogs.

Car Restraints

No dog should be allowed to ride loose in a car; it's simply too dangerous. Perhaps you've allowed this in the past and never had a problem, but all it takes is one mishap for an accident to occur.

A loose dog can:

• Hamper steering
• Draw your attention away from the road
• Jump out of an open window
• Get under your feet, impeding the gas and brake pedals
• Bump the gear shift

Any of these actions, no matter how temporary, can lead to a serious accident, and it only has to happen once. It makes far more sense to use some type of car restraint when travelling with companion dogs.

You might choose to use:

• Dog seat belts
• Dog car seats
• Travel crates

And while we're on the topic of restraints, also remember to bring along a collar with ID tag and leash for your dog, just in case you need to get out of the car.

Food and Water

Whether you plan to run errands for a few hours or you are planning a long distance trek, it's important to make sure your dog has what it needs.

Water is your number one take-along. It doesn't matter how long you'll be gone, take fresh cold water with you. Water bottles work best for travelling, but you can also fill a small bottle with water and take a bowl with you. Your pet will appreciate it.

Food isn't generally needed for jaunts around town, but it is a must for day trips and longer vacations. If you're planning on being out and you think your pet will need a snack, you can always take along a few of his favorite dog biscuits.

Medications

Is your dog adventurous, loving to go for rides? Or is your pet a bit nervous or uncomfortable in a car?

Sometimes a mild sedative prescribed by your veterinarian is just the ticket when travelling with companion dogs. It can help an unsteady pet relax, and might just ward off bouts of car sickness. However, before you jump to medications, you might first want to try slowly acclimating your dog to car travel. This can be accomplished for some pets in several steps.

1. Allow your pet to explore the car interior while parked, so he becomes familiar with the sights and smells.
2. Accustom your pet to whichever method of car restraint you choose.
3. Begin taking your dog for short drives around the block.
4. Gradually increase the time and distance until your pet is able to overcome his fears and ride without any ill affects.

If acclimating your pet simply doesn't work, then you can seek medication from your vet. Ginger capsules can be a soothing herbal remedy for a nervous stomach, and low dosage valium is also sometimes prescribed by vets for travelling purposes.

Conclusion

Travelling with your dog can be a positive experience, as long as you are both properly prepared for the journey.