LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

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Hi Erin,

I believe every dog should travel in a crate for safety's sake. Will you be traveling by van? If so, maybe you can position the crate so your dog won't see the scenery passing by yet still get enough air flow.

One of the best things you can do is start training your pet for the treck now. First, set up the new travel crate in the house and train her to use it. This will at least eliminate crate anxiety. Once this is accomplished, put the crate in your vehicle and let your dog sit in it for awhile without moving the cars. Be sure not to do this in warm weather. Don't even close the car door, just hang around doing stuff in the yard like it's no big deal. Once your dog accept being in the crate in the car, you can progress to short drives. Gradually lengthen the drives so she gets used to a longer ride.

When the real trip comes, make sure you have plenty of dog biscuits and chew toys on hand to give your dogs something to do during the journey. Also make plenty of rest stops so they can stretch their legs and exercise.

For more tips, visit our category on Dogs and Travel. There are articles about car travel and pet friendly hotels. Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a safe journey.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly-- We are moving with our two dogs across the country (Virginia to California) in December. One of our dogs is fabulous in the car- curls up and goes to sleep. The other one is a nervous wreck and I hate to sedate her for long periods of time (this will be about 5 days of driving)... I am considering getting a travel crate to put in the car, because I do not want her to chew the whole car up while we are eating or whatever- or the hotel room when we need to go out!!! Please help me figure out what to do with my poor super anxious dog!

-- Contributed by: Erin

Hi Kelly,

My family & I are planning to traveling to Greece for the summer, for about 2 months. The problem is we have a 8 yr old Bichon that we plan on taking with us. Would he be able to handle to heat?

Hi Nina,

I think you would definitely need to make sure your dog was protected from the heat. I'm not sure what kind of plans you have made so far, but make sure the accomodations are pet friendly and equipped with air conditioning so you can leave your dog in your room when the weather is at its hottest.

Although I don't believe this particular carrier is airline approved yet, the Komfort Pets climate controlled carrier can help keep your dog cool if you take him out for a drive. Additionally, be sure you bring along water for your dog wherever you go so you'll always be assured of a supply.

I also think you might find our article on Dog Air Travel helpful for planning the trip.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you have a wonderful time in Greece.

-- Contributed by: Nina

Hi Maria,

I would check with your airline to see if they have a limit on crate size, but a slightly roomier crate than necessary might make your dog more comfortable. Have you already made arrangements to ship your dog? If not, you should really call now because some airlines require you to book six months in advance. You'll also need to check if Greece has any quarantine laws.

Best wishes for a safe journey.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly! I am planning to travel to Greece on Xmas to see my family and I will take my dog with me. She is a Bichon frise, will be 13 months at that time and she will have to travel in the aircraft's hold, since she is a little bigger than the size required to travel in the cabin. I would like to buy a plastic crate for her and I am thinking to buy the largest possible, even if she could fit in a small or medium size, because I want her to have more room. Is that right? Could there be a problem with a big crate for a small dog?

-- Contributed by: Maria
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