The holiday season is upon us! It’s looking like this is going to be a much better and busier year for travel than 2020’s was. Your canine buddy may be more than happy to accompany you on a trip to reunite with loved ones! Read on for some tips from a Norwalk, CA vet on traveling with Fido.

Crates

Dogs should always be crated for car travel. It’s much safer! To make the trip more comfortable, put bedding and some toys in the crate. You’ll also want to get him used to hit crate beforehand. Your pooch will be much more comfortable in his crate if he thinks of it as a cozy den!

Breaks

Be sure to stop regularly to let Fido relieve himself and stretch his legs. Look up some parks or trails that are on the way. Weather permitting, this can be a great chance to explore some new places with your furry best friend! Just remember to pick up after your canine pal.

Food/Water

Does your four-legged friend eat special food? You may want to ship some to your destination ahead of time, especially if you aren’t sure if you can buy it there. Water is also something to consider. Sometimes changing water is enough to upset Fido’’s stomach. Consider bringing a few gallons from home. You can slowly mix in the new water. ID Your canine companion should be microchipped and wearing ID tags. Make sure Fido’s records are correct in the chipmaker’s registry! You can try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool, which is located here.

Packing

Fido will need his own doggy bag. You’ll want to include toys, treats, a pet first-aid kit, dishes, leashes, waste baggies, and a towel. (Bedding is a must too, but you can use the bed in his crate.) You may also need some seasonal or area-specific things. For instance, if you’re headed to a ski resort, your furry friend may need a comfy sweater. Going to the beach? Bring paw balm and an umbrella.

Accommodations

Before heading out, make sure Fido is welcome, too. This is one area where you don’t want misunderstandings. We also recommend saving a list of pet-friendly hotels along your route, just in case you’re delayed and have to stop for the night. Happy Holidays from Ashton Animal Hospital, your Norwalk, CA animal clinic. Call us anytime!