If youâre like many people whose family includes a dog in San Jose , then you love involving your pet in family activities and adventures. If youâre planning to bring your pup along on a road trip this summer, then keep the following tips in mind to help ensure a fun and safe trip for your pet:
Schedule a Veterinary Appointment
If itâs been some time since the last time your dog had a checkup, then scheduling an appointment before the trip is important. During this visit, you can get your canine caught up on vaccinations, and also have him vaccinated against any threats, such as Lyme disease, that may be an issue during your travels. Inform your vet about your plans so she can take this into consideration while evaluating your petâs health.
Factor in the Weather
Checking the weather report for your destination is important for ensuring that you pack appropriate clothing, and the same goes for your dog. Consider what temperatures and weather you are likely to encounter on your road trip and then pack any necessary gear for your canine.
Plan an Accommodating Route
To help ensure your dogâs health and happiness over the course of the trip, itâs important to schedule your travel in a way that allows for frequent breaks. Leave plenty of time for stops and choose a route that offers places for your canine to stretch his legs and relieve himself. Plan to stop for 15 to 30 minutes about every 4 hours.
Use a Dog Crate
A road trip is a significant amount of time for your dog to spend in the car, so this type of event requires that you consider your petâs safety. Experts recommend that you use a crash-tested and safety-certified crate, which is the safest means of travel by car for dogs. Additionally, a crate will provide your canine with a comfortable and familiar place to sleep when you stop at your accommodations.