Summer is right around the corner, and your thoughts may be turning to cross-country road trips with family and friends. While you’re packing the sunscreen, putting your photo book in the car to ensure you have somewhere to store the photos you’ll take, and preparing the family for the trip, you should also be preparing your pup to travel cross-country. Before you can head out to make memories and put photographs in your photo book from Shutterfly, there are a few things you should do to prepare your small dog for the journey ahead.
For most of us, our pets are a part of the family, so when we go on vacation, it’s automatic to assume that you’ll take them with you. However, there are a few preparations for taking the family pet that you need to handle before putting your pooch in the car to go on a trip. From having a durable harness to making sure he has the right food and water, there’s a lot to consider. In this article, you’ll find a few tips to help you prep for a cross-country trip with your pup for the first time.
Schedule a checkup at the vet.
Before you start planning a cross-country trip with your small dog, it’s a good idea to schedule a pup checkup with your pet’s vet, to confirm that your pup is healthy enough to make the trip across the country. You need to make sure that all your large dog’s vaccinations are in order, and your small dogs, too. Then you have to make sure to stock up on any medications your pup has to take as well. Take the time to discuss fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other health concerns that are common when traveling with your pup.
Take a short trip first.
If you’ve never gone on a cross-country trip with your small dog, it’s best to take a short trip first. For example, take a ride to your favorite beach( that allows pets, of course), and take your small or large dog along for the ride. This is the best way to see how well your puppy does when riding and to get him used to the car. Make sure that you use the harness you purchased, along with the chest strap and leash, so that he gets used to these before you head out as well. You can visit Joyride Harness for the best harnesses, leashes, and even dog seatbelts and accessories to keep your furry friend safe on the ride and during walks on your trip.
Dogs will be dogs, especially when you’re in a strange place. You have to take your dog for walks, and you don’t want him to pull away and go chasing a squirrel, dart out into traffic, or get lost during your vacation. The best way to avoid this happening is to have a durable dog harness and leash on hand.
Plan your route.
Once you’re sure your large dog can handle short trips with ease, it’s time to start planning out the route you’re going to take to your destination. Map your trip out so that you can stop at pet-friendly destinations along the way. The last thing you want is to pull into a hotel for the night only to find that no dogs are allowed.
Take your time on your trip as well, because just like your family, your large dog needs to get out of the car and stretch his legs. Take in the sights along the way. These stops are also the perfect time to make memories and add snapshots to your photo book. You can find the best photo books at Shutterfly, so take this opportunity to fill them with photographs and stickers of the best memories of your trip. You’ve found the best photo book service out there, so take your time on your trip and use it! Whether you’re a professional photographer or using Amazon prints and Google photos as an amateur, take your time and enjoy the memories.
These are just a few of the best ways to prepare for a cross-country trip with your small dog, puppy, or large dog. Remember, plan your trip ahead of time, and always have a sturdy dog harness and leash on hand for a safe trip.
