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Pet Gate ✅Parade Pet Gate helps you keep your pet where you want him.

✅Tri-fold gate perfectly fits to section off doorways, hallways, and anywhere you need to keep off-limits from your pup.

✅Folds to 24 x 18 inches for easy storage when not in use. Measures 24-inches tall and 54-inches wide completely extended.

✅Price =$31 with #Free #USA #Shipping.

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Catit Bench Scratcher with Catnip ✅Tired of Snowball scratching up the couch? Get him a bench of his own! ✅Provides appropriate place for cats to satisfy urge to scratch. ✅Durable scratching surface. ✅Includes catnip to increase interest. ✅Measures 19 inches. ✅Price =$21.28 with Free USA Shipping. ✅click on link for order and more pet products https://petdarlingshop.com/…/catit-bench-scratcher-with-cat…

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Love your puppy and care your puppy.🐶🐶 For All kind of dog,cat or any pet products,houses,mats,toys visit us at www.petdarlingshop.com 🐶🐶

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Trixie Outdoor Wooden Pet Home with Balcony

Give your little princess her own castle with the trixie Outdoor Wooden Pet Home with Balcony. Designed to provide small pets with a secure and relaxed environment, it’s constructed of weather-treated, non-toxic fir wood—meaning this adorable home will endure years of use with very little maintenance. 😊😊

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Tips for Dental care of your your dog :-) :-) For dental products visit us.

"Dogs provide companionship and company. 🐻🐻 They can be a comfort to people who crave unconditional interaction with another living being.🐱🐶"

For All kind of dog,cat or any pet products,houses,mats,toys visit us at www.petdarlingshop.com 🐶🐶🐶🐶

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Dogs provide companionship and company. 🐻🐻They can be a comfort to people who crave unconditional interaction with another living being.🐱🐶

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What Type of Cat or Dog Should I Get?

Whether you’re looking to adopt your first pet, or you want to grow your fur family by one more, there are a few important things to consider when looking for a new cat or dog. Ask yourself and your family these questions before you visit a shelter or talk with a breeder.

Pet ownership can be a very rewarding experience. From companionship and unconditional love, to long walks and snuggles on the couch, having a cat or dog makes our lives richer. Before you decide to get a new pet, it’s important to evaluate your personality, lifestyle and environment to make sure your furry friend will be a good fit.

Consider the following as you begin thinking about what pet is right for you.

Life style Schedule and Routine

What does a typical day look like for you? As you think about getting a cat or dog, consider how much time you will have to devote to their needs, including attention and exercise. Typically, dogs require more attention than cats – twice-daily walks and plenty of affection are musts for our canine friends. Cats, on the other hand, still need affection and playtime, but are more independent.

Often, many pet parents’ school or work schedule does not allow them to come home to let their dog out or play with their cat. Just like people, even the most independent pets don’t like to be left home alone all day. Make sure your daily schedule or routine allows you to attend to your dog or cat’s needs.

Activity Level

Exercise is critical to the overall health and well being of both cats and dogs. That’s why it’s important to find a pet that has a similar activity level as you or other members of your family. For example, if your family enjoys being active (e.g., takes bike rides and long walks or runs) a puppy or high-energy adult dog might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you prefer gentle exercise or none at all, consider a senior cat or dog that will be content to relax with you at home.

Keep in mind that your future pet’s breed also plays a large role in their exercise needs. In addition to species and age, some cat and dog breeds are more energetic than others. It’s also a good idea to ask the shelter staff or breeder about a pet’s energy level – cats and dogs have their own personalities, just like us.

Personality

As you consider what kind of personality you would prefer your future cat or dog to have, also take time to examine your own traits and preferences. Think about things such as training and energy levels. Puppies and kittens require lots of patience and flexibility, and anxious shelter animals might need a gentler introduction to their new home.

Also take into account how social your future pet is and whether or not they are good with children and other pets. You don’t want to bring home a new cat or dog only to find out that they are a potential danger to young kids or could potentially injure your other dogs or cats. You can prevent personality mismatches by asking the shelter staff for the pet’s temperament assessment report, as well as researching their specific breed.

Tip: Most shelters will allow you to foster a cat or dog before officially adopting them. If your family and other pets get along well at their first meeting, consider fostering them for a couple weeks to make sure they will be a good fit for years to come.

Finances and Responsibilities

Having a pet is a big responsibility, and it can be expensive. Cats and dogs not only require care and attention, but they also need proper nutrition and medical care. It’s important to honestly examine your finances to make sure you can afford everything your pet needs.

Another question to ask is who will be the primary caretaker and how other members of your family will help care for your new dog or cat. Pets appreciate routine and consistency, so it’s important that whoever is responsible for feeding or exercising your furry friend can follow through on that commitment. Before you bring your new pet home, set clear expectations for all caretakers and assign responsibilities.

Environment

Consider your current living situation: Are you in a house, town home or apartment? Do you have roommates, young children or neighbors that live above/below you?

Before adopting a new pet, first make sure your neighborhood or landlord allows cats and dogs. Sometimes, town homes and apartments will allow pets up to a certain weight; other times, leasing contracts forbid pets of any kind. In the same way, certain neighborhoods have restrictions on the kinds of cat and dog breeds you can have. Check with your landlord, as well as local and homeowners association (HOA) laws to avoid surprise pet fees.

Additionally, make sure your children, spouse or roommates don’t have dog or cat allergies. All too often, pet owners return their new cat or dog to the shelter or rehome them because someone at home develops allergies. If people in your home do have allergies, consider adopting a hypoallergenic dog or cat.

Questions to Ask Shelters and Breeders

The last thing you want after you get a new pet is unpleasant surprises. While picking out a new cat or dog, either at a shelter or with the breeder, make it a point to ask the following questions to learn more about your furry friend before you bring them home.

What is their history before coming to the shelter? If you’re getting your pet from an animal rescue shelter, ask if they know where they cat or dog came from, as well as why they ended up there. Whether they are a stray, or had to be surrendered due to behavioral issues, it can only benefit you and your family to learn more about your future pet.

What is their medical history, and do they have any conditions currently? Medical care will be a big part of caring for your new dog or cat. Learn what injuries, including bites or broken bones, or diseases, such as heart worm or kennel cough, your new pet had before meeting you.

How do they behave around strangers, children or other animals? As mentioned above, it’s better to know how your new cat or dog will act around different people and pets before you bring them home to prevent injury and inter-pet aggression.

Being honest about your lifestyle, home life and level of commitment is key to finding a cat or dog that will complement your family well. The considerations above are a good place to start as you begin to think about welcoming a new feline or canine friend into your home.

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Why Is my Dog Eating Grass?

Have you ever caught your dog nibbling on the grass when you let them out or when you’re on a walk? While it may seem strange to us, eating grass is common and a completely normal behavior in dogs. Sometimes, however, chowing down on the yard could mean they have an upset tummy or other condition.

Learn more about why dogs eat grass and what to do if you suspect your pup is trying to self-medicate a stomachache.

Eating Grass: Harmless Habit or a Sign of Illness?

Our furry friends have a reputation for eating just about anything, including the lawn. While eating grass is often nothing to worry about, there might be an underlying medical condition that your dog is trying to treat naturally. Here are a few common reasons why dogs eat grass.

Upset Stomach

Just like people, our dogs can experience an upset stomach from time to time. Anxiety, changes in diet or a stomach bug could be at the root of your dog’s tummy woes. Or, your pup might have even gotten into something they weren’t supposed to, like the trash or human food.

Symptoms of an upset stomach in your dog might include:

Loose stool

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Vomiting

Fatigue

Your dog will eat grass in an effort to soothe their upset tummy by inducing vomiting. If your dog throws up after eating grass, keep in mind that this is a normal reaction; however, it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your pup to make sure it isn’t something more serious. If your dog’s stomachache symptoms don’t subside within a couple of days, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Dietary Deficiency

Your pup’s dog food formula should provide a complete and balanced diet, including essential vitamins and other nutrients. However, if your dog isn’t getting the nutrition they need because they aren’t getting the proper amount of food or they are eating the wrong things (e.g., table scraps), then they might be trying to get more nutrients from the grass.

To help discourage this reason for eating grass, talk with your veterinarian about finding a dog food recipe that will meet their nutritional needs, as well as how much to feed them.

Normal Behavior

The most common reason that dogs eat grass is instinct. Our furry friends are scavengers by nature, and eating plant matter from the grass or garden is a normal behavior. So, if your pup occasionally enjoys snacking on the lawn, there’s usually no cause for concern.

Watch Outs

While eating grass is often a harmless habit, it can make them sick if the lawn has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, pesticides or fertilizers. These can irritate your dog’s stomach and cause other serious symptoms.

Be especially mindful of your dog’s grass-eating habit if your yard has been fertilized. Many fertilizers contain harmful chemicals and compounds called organ phosphates or carbonates. Ingestion of these chemicals can cause symptoms ranging from mild, including drooling and watery eyes, to serious, such as seizures, difficulty breathing and even death.

If you suspect your pet has ingested fertilizer or large quantities of herbicides, insecticides or pesticides, contact your veterinarian right away. The sooner your dog is treated for possible poisoning, the better.

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Safety Tips for Swimming With Your Dog

Going swimming or doing other water activities with your dog is a great way to enjoy summer. Following a few helpful safety tips can help you keep your dog happy and safe in the water.

Summer is a great time to be outside enjoying nature with family, friends and pets. And what’s more refreshing on a hot summer day than enjoying a dip in the water to cool off? If you’re thinking about taking your pup along with you on water adventures, check out these helpful tips for introducing your dog to water, plus dog pool safety tips for swimming with your dog.

Do Dogs Like Water?Yes, and it Can Be Great Exercise

Many dogs enjoy water. Just like humans enjoy cooling off in a pool or lake, dogs can find water refreshing. In fact, swimming is great exercise for dogs, especially older dogs or those with joint issues or heart conditions. Swimming provides a full body workout with low impact on joints. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before beginning an exercise regimen with your older or ailment-prone pup to make sure their bodies can handle the movement and exertion.

No, Not All Dogs Like Water

However, if your dog does not like bodies of water, do not to force your dog into the swimming pool. While your dog may be unsure of water the first time you introduce them to it, enduring signs of anxiety, stress or discomfort is your dog’s way of telling you they would prefer to stay dry. In these situations, it’s best to respect your dog’s wishes. The last thing you want is for your dog to panic when you’re out on the water.

Some Dogs Aren’t Born to Swim

Keep in mind that some dog breeds are not natural swimmers. Dogs with heavy chests and short muzzles, such as bulldogs or pugs, will likely have trouble paddling and staying afloat. Small breed dogs, dogs with short legs and long bodies, and dogs with double coats all may also have trouble swimming because of their physical build.

How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

When teaching your dog to swim for the first time, it’s important to start slow and easy. Take your dog to the shallow end of a walk-in pool or the edge of a lake or river. Let your dog get used to the feel of the water. You can walk out into a bit deeper water and gently coax your dog to come to you (toys may help). Support your dog as they start paddling and stay close in case they need assistance.

Continue to ease your dog into the idea of swimming with additional shallow-water sessions. You can increase the length of time you swim with your dog and test deeper water as they get more comfortable. Be sure to take it at your dog’s pace and never push them farther or faster than they’re ready to go.

Dog Swimming Safety Tips Get a Doggie Life Jacket

It’s a good idea to have a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket, for your dog. This can help your dog feel more comfortable in the water and help keep them safe if they are not a strong swimmer. Dogs should wear life jackets while boating, canoeing, kayaking or doing other activities in deep water. It can help your dog stay afloat if an accident occurs and they are thrown into deep water far from shore.

Stay Safe at the Pool

When swimming in a pool, make sure your dog doesn’t get into any chemicals or treatment supplies. Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, as it can upset their stomach. Also make sure your dog knows how to get out of the pool on their own.

Stay Safe at the Beach

It’s important to keep a close watch on your dog while at the beach, even if they’re a strong swimmer. Undertows and rip currents can increase the risk of drowning. Make sure to stay close to your dog in water and don’t go out too far. Hot sand can also hurt your dog’s paws. Keep your dog’s paws safe out of the water by applying a paw-pad balm before and after beach time or by outfitting your dog with protective booties.

Check for Ticks

Lakes, ponds and other bodies of standing water can be a breeding ground for ticks and other parasites. Ask your veterinarian about topical treatment you can apply ahead of time to keep your dog protected from parasites and the diseases they carry. Be sure to check your dog for fleas, ticks and other unwanted pests after spending time in or around water.

Remember to Bring Drinking Water

If you’re at the beach with your dog, on a boat or other excursion where fresh drinking water is not readily available, remember to bring a few water bottles along for your dog, as well as a water bowl they can drink from. As a good rule of thumb, if you’re bringing water for yourself, you should also bring it for your pup.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Dogs, like humans, can get sunburned without the proper protection. Be sure to apply a dog-safe sunscreen before and after your dog goes in the water.

Spending time in the water with your dog can be a great way to bond and exercise this summer. Whether you choose to boat, swim, kayak, canoe or fish, keep these swimming safety tips for dogs in mind to help make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe!

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Choosing the Right Aquarium

Setting up a new fish tank in your home is exciting! If this is your first time purchasing and setting up an aquarium, you may be wondering what the most important factors are in choosing an appropriate tank. Let’s start with the basics:

Tank Size

Select a tank size that best fits in a location that’s viewable and enjoyable from anywhere in the room. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, the larger the aquarium, the easier it is to care for. The less space fish have, the more vulnerable they will be to any sudden changes in water parameters. Giving fish space to swim and grow will also allow them to reach their full potential with spectacular colors. A 20-gallon tank is a great choice for a first-time fish tank owner.

Aquarium Material

You will have the option of either a glass or acrylic aquarium. Acrylics are prone to scratching, while glass is harder to scratch but can be easier to break if mishandled. Either type of aquarium is acceptable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Water Type

Many beginner fish owners start with a freshwater tank, which is conducive to most popular fish species, including Goldfish, Guppies, and Bettas. Within freshwater tanks, you will need to decide whether your aquarium will be a cold water or tropical tank, and populate it with the appropriate fish based on your selection. A tropical community of fish will need an aquarium heater to keep water warm enough for them to thrive! If you’re considering a marine (or saltwater) tank, know that there will be different factors to take into consideration, such as whether to introduce reefs and corals to your aquarium or start with only fish.

Fish Type

As mentioned previously, the type of fish you select will depend upon the type of aquarium you’re interested in (or vice versa). If you have your heart set on a Clown fish or a Tang, then only saltwater will do. If you really like Bettas, a small aquarium (5 gallon) could be the proper choice. Whichever direction you go, make sure you have the right size tank to healthily accommodate your fish. Once you’ve made these initial decisions, the fun can begin as you start your aquarium and acclimate your fish to their new home!

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Are Dogs Color Blind?

We know that our pets perceive the world differently than we do, but how differently? It’s become commonly accepted that dogs are colorblind, but what exactly does that mean and is it really true? Learn more about how your canine companion sees the world.

It’s widely accepted that dogs can’t see color, but in light of recent studies, it’s become apparent that the once-readily trusted information is actually less fact than fiction. In fact, while dogs don’t see the same colors that we do, they see far more than just gray scale.

What Colors Can Your Pup See?

Although your dog won’t be seeing Technicolor anytime soon, dogs do actually have 20% of the photoreceptor cells that humans have. Photoreceptor cells are the part of the eye that controls the perception of color. Since dogs don’t have as many of these cells as we do, they see fewer colors and variations in tone. Behavioral tests suggest that dogs lack the ability to see the range of colors from green to red, but they can identify shades of yellow and blue. Essentially, this means that your dog perceives the world in yellow, blue and gray.

Interestingly, many of the most popular dog toys are made in colors like red or safety-vest orange, shades that are incredibly difficult for dogs to see. To your pup, red probably looks more like a muddy brown or even black. So, if your dog can’t seem to find that red ball on your lawn, it might just be that they can’t tell it apart from the green grass.

How Do Dogs “See” The World?

Beyond their limited perception of color, some experts believe that dogs also have 60-80% of the visual acuity that we do. This means that while something may appear crisp and clear to us, our dogs are probably seeing a blurry blob. However, dogs have better sight in dim light than we do. This vision difference actually helps them hunt.

Are Dogs Hindered By Limited Color Vision?

Even though dogs see fewer colors than humans do, they compensate by having a highly developed sense of smell. They rely far less on their vision for identification than we do, so their limited color perception isn’t a hindrance at all.

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Welcome Home Your New Kitten

As your kitten adjusts to their new home, there are a few important things that need to be taken care of to ensure a healthy, happy feline.

Set Up a Home Base: A kitten can easily be overwhelmed in a brand-new space. Try introducing your kitten to their home by allowing them in one room to start. Give them 24 hours to adjust to that space before granting them access to more and more of your home.

Introduce Them to Other Pets: If you have other pets, it’s wise to limit the introductions to one of them at a time. Give your older pet and your kitten plenty of space to get accustomed to each other, so that if one of them wants to hide or run off, that’s an option. These gradual introductions will allow your pets to get used to each other before they permanently cohabitate.

Find a Vet: Find a veterinarian in your area, and schedule an appointment for a few days after you get your kitten home.

Choose the Right Food: Select a nutrient-rich kitten food formula to help support your cat’s rapid growth and development during the first few months of their life. Consult your veterinarian for a specially formulated kitten food that will deliver the nutrition they need for growth and play.

Spay/Neuter: Some adoption agencies spay and neuter kittens before being adopted out. If your kitten has not yet been spayed or neutered, or you’re not sure, talk to your veterinarian.

Vaccines: Your veterinarian will be able to recommend and administer vaccines to help keep your growing kitten happy and healthy.

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Tricks and Games to Try With Your Senior Dog

The saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is just not true. Senior dogs are capable of learning basic commands and even new tricks. In fact, physical and mental stimulation can help keep your senior dog sharper and healthier for longer. Whether you’ve adopted an untrained dog or you’re just looking for a new idea for playtime, try these tricks and games to play with your older dog.

As your dog gets older, you may notice a decline in physical activity or cognitive function. While it varies depending on the dog’s breed and size, most dogs are considered seniors once they reach the last third of their expected lifespan. You can help your dog maintain a high quality of life by keeping them active, both physically and mentally, in their later years. Teaching your old dog new tricks and games is a great way to do this, and it’s also a great way to bond with your furry friend.

Note: Consult with your veterinarian before attempting to teach your older dog tricks that involve physical activity. This could aggravate physical ailments such as arthritis or joint issues.

Basic Commands

Perhaps you’ve adopted an older dog who has never been taught training commands. These basics are a great place to start and fairly simple to teach. Using small treats, motion for your dog to perform the command you’re speaking, such as “come,” “stay” or “sit.” When your dog performs the command, give verbal or physical praise before rewarding your dog with a treat. This will help your dog learn to work for praise rather than food.

Roll Over!

Once your dog has learned basic commands, you can move on to more advanced tricks, such as “roll over.” To teach your dog this command, start by sitting or kneeling in front of your dog and asking your dog to sit. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose with your palm facing up. Move your arm over and around your dog’s head as you turn your palm face down. Your dog’s head should follow the treat in your hand and they may roll on to their side as their nose turns toward their shoulder. Reward your dog with praise then a treat. Repeat this move, but don’t stop your hand once you pass your dog’s head, keep it moving all the way in a circle so your dog has to flip over to its other side in order to keep following the treat.

Reward this new accomplishment with praise and a treat. Once your dog gets the motion down a few times, add the verbal command, “Roll over!” Continue practicing, speeding up the process as your dog becomes more accustomed to the movement. With some practice and patience, eventually your dog will learn perform the trick at your command.

“Shell Game” for Dogs

If you want to get a little creative during playtime with your older dog, try playing a version of the “shell game.” This simple game will entertain your dog, allowing them to flex their cognitive muscles without being physically strenuous. You’ll need a handful of treats and three empty, clean yogurt containers or plastic cups.

Sit on the floor facing your dog and place a treat under one of the cups, giving your dog the signal to stay. After a moment, give your dog the ok to go after the treat. Repeat this a few times until your dog learns to recover the treat from under the cup.

Next put out the additional cups, still placing the treat under just one. Mix the cups around while your dog stays. Once you give your dog the ok to recover the treat, they’ll have to find the correct cup. Your dog may find the correct cup right away, sniff around each one to find the treat, or simply knock them all over. Regardless, this fun game to play with your dog will pass the time while you bond with each other and can help keep your dog mentally sharp.

Training Tips for Older Dogs

Remember, as with any dog, patience is key when training older dogs. You should also focus on teaching your senior dog one or two tricks at a time. It’s easy for an older dog to become overwhelmed when trying to learn too many new things at once (just like it can be for us humans).

Senior dogs may have a more difficult time staying focused than younger dogs, and might take more time to learn commands and tricks. You might have to make training sessions shorter or less frequent if you find your dog is having difficulties. Look for signs of exhaustion such as yawning, drooping ears or excessive lip licking. Sometimes it’s ok to end the lesson early and spend more time loving on your furry friend. After all, love and care is what they need most during their golden years.

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How to Give Your Dog a Bath

Taking your dog to the groomer can be convenient for bathing and clipping, but you may need to give them a wash at home from time to time. Whether you’re bathing your puppy for the first time, or want to learn how to make bath-time easier for a senior dog, these tips and tricks can help make dog bathing a safe and hassle-free experience.

Before the Bath Wait 48 Hours After Applying Flea & Tick Medicine

Before giving your dog a bath, make sure it has been at least 48 hours since applying a topical flea and tick treatment. Bathing a dog too soon can diminish the effectiveness and make them more susceptible to a flea infestation or Lyme disease from a deer tick.

Brush Your Dog

Take care to brush out any mats, knots or tangles in your pet’s fur before getting them wet. This will not only make it easier to lather and rinse your pup, but it will also make brushing them afterward a lot more pleasant.

What You Will Need

Shower Drain Protector: To ensure your dog’s fur won’t clog the bathtub drain, invest in a shower drain protector or hair catcher. You can also place a mesh sponge in the drain to keep your pet’s fur from getting stuck in the pipes.

Pitcher or Large Cup: Some dogs can be fearful of water that comes out of the faucet or showerhead. Use a pitcher or cup to gently rinse your pet.

Dog Shampoo: Use a pet shampoo that’s specifically made for dogs. People shampoo and soap can dry out your pet’s skin, which can cause irritation; however, if you’re in a pinch, baby shampoo can be gentle enough to use on your pup.

Wash Cloth: Rather than pouring water over your dog’s eyes and ears, use a damp wash cloth to wipe their face.

Towels: Have a couple warm and dry towels within arm’s reach to shield yourself from occasional wet dog shakes and to be prepared if your pup climbs out of the tub. Your dog will also want to be dried off as soon as possible after they have been thoroughly rinsed.

Tips for Bathing a Dog Close the Bathroom Door

In case your dog wiggles their way out of the tub, make sure the bathroom door is closed to prevent escape.

Use Warm Water

While some people appreciate a nice hot bath, our furry friends prefer warm water. Not only is hot water uncomfortable for your dog, but it can also increase shedding.

Dilute Shampoo for Dogs With Thick Fur

It can be difficult to rinse all the shampoo off your dog, especially if they have a lot of hair. To avoid soap residue on your pup, dilute their dog shampoo with water. You can also rinse them as you lather to make a final rinse easier.

Mind Their Eyes and Ears

Pouring water over your dog’s head can cause water and soap to get into their eyes and ears. Instead of washing their face with shampoo, use a damp wash cloth to wipe their eyes and the outside of their ears.

Once They Are Out of the TubDo Not Use Cotton Swabs in Their Ears

Just like ear cleaners can rupture your eardrum if used inside the ear, cotton swabs can damage your dog’s inner ear. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid using ear cleaners and instead wipe the inner flap of their ears with a warm wash cloth.

Do Not Use a Blow Dryer

Many dogs are frightened by the loud sound of a hairdryer. Blow dryers can also cause burns – even when they’re on a low setting. As long as you properly towel off your pup, most dogs are content to air dry or take a snooze in the sun after a bath.

Brush Again

Medium and long-haired pets need a good brushing after their bath to remove loose fur. Do this once they are mostly dry, as wet hair can be harder to brush and more susceptible to damage.

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How to Go on a Road Trip With Your Dog

Taking a road trip with pets can be challenging. Knowing where to stop, finding a place to stay overnight and deciding what to bring are important things to consider when traveling with your dog. Check out these tips to make your next road trip with your pet as fun and stress-free as possible.

Get the Most Out of Your Road Trip With Your Pet

Traveling by yourself is already stressful, and adding your dog to the mix can make planning even trickier. But with a little preparation, road trips with your pets can be a fun experience. Follow these helpful tips to take the stress out of traveling with your dog.

Step One: Practice Makes Perfect

Not all dogs travel the same. Find out what kind of traveler your pup is by taking them on a few test drives before the trip. Some dogs suffer from motion sickness and might require medication. Other dogs can get wound up or anxious in the car. Test trips will give you a good idea of what your pet will need on your journey.

TIP: Visit your veterinarian before your big trip. He or she can give you advice for managing your dog’s behavior and can prescribe sedatives if your pet is a nervous traveler.

You should also practice training with your dog to help make the trip easier on both of you and to ensure their safety while traveling. Make sure your dog has these down before hitting the road:

Crate Training – For your dog’s safety and those in the car, it’s best to keep your dog in a travel carrier. Additionally, if you leave them unattended in a hotel room or have fears that they’ll be anxious while trying to sleep in a new location, crate training your dog can prevent any destructive behavior and provide them with a sense of safety in a new place.

Bathroom Cues – To avoid messes in the car and to get the most out of every pit stop, make sure your dog or puppy is housebroken.

Crowd Control – Many dogs get nervous when surrounded by strangers. If you’re planning to take your dog to crowded areas while on your trip, make sure to get them accustomed to crowds and teach them the appropriate manners ahead of time.

Recall – Be prepared in case your dog slips their leash or gets out of the car. Reinforce a strong recall with your pup to keep them out of harm’s way.

Step Two: Do Your Research

Before you and your furry friend hit the road, map your route to account for potty breaks, attractions, pet-friendly accommodations and more. This will give you a better idea of how long your journey will take and your pet’s needs.

Rest Stops and Potty Breaks: A six-hour drive might not seem like a long journey for seasoned road trippers, but dogs usually are not accustomed to sitting for hours at a time. In addition to bathroom breaks, make a few pit stops to keep your pup entertained. Plan out your stops and budget for that extra time in your travel. Look into rest stops that are dog-friendly, or even try to locate small cities and towns with public dog parks where you can let your dog run off some energy from being cooped up.

Road Trip Attractions: Just because you’re traveling with your dog doesn’t mean you can’t check out fun tourist attractions. Whatever it is you want to experience, check in advance to see if the attraction will allow you to bring your dog with you. If not, is there a safe place for your dog to stay while you have a look around? Planning in advance will prevent disappointment on the road.

Pet-friendly Accommodations: If your travel plans include staying overnight at a hotel, make sure your rest stop allows dogs. Pet-friendly hotels might not be available in every city, so it’s best to do your research and make accommodations ahead of time. If you want to camp, look into campgrounds and national parks that allow dogs. If your dog gets nervous in new places, or alerts at sounds in the night, staying the night in a hotel or bustling campground might be a challenge. A white noise machine and a blanket to cover your dog’s crate at night will help all of you sleep easier in a busy hotel.

Prepare for the Weather: Few things are worse than being unprepared while traveling, especially when it comes to the weather. Be prepared to readjust your plans in the event of inclement weather. Have a few backup plans (especially one that includes an indoor, climate-controlled space) just in case.

Dog Care at Your Destination: Maybe you want to go out to dinner or check out a few local shops. If you have to leave your dog alone for any period of time, be sure you have a plan in place. You can crate them for a couple of hours while you run out, or you can even find a doggy daycare at your destination.

Health & Wellness: Getting sick and other medical emergencies are the last things you want to have on a road trip. But in the event your dog requires medical attention, be sure to have nearby vet clinics mapped out.

Step Three: Safety First

Not everything goes as planned when you’re traveling – items get lost, people (and dogs) get carsick and fender-benders can happen. Prepare for unexpected events like these by:

Checking in with your local vet before you leave in case your pup needs updated shots or vaccinations before going somewhere new

Having the appropriate seatbelts, harnesses and crash-tested crates for the journey

Updating their tags and microchip information

Keeping all necessary documents, veterinary notes and emergency contact information in a safe place

Packing a first-aid kit, flea and tick medication and emergency treatment information

Keeping your dog in a crash-tested crate or having a special car harness

TIP: Beyond the medical necessities, keep in mind that your dog has different needs in the car than you do. Keep the loud music in the front seat to protect their ears. Also, be sure to keep your dog inside the car at all times.

Step Four: Packing Checklist

Keep your dog satisfied and entertained, and make sure you have everything you need to keep your car clean with this packing checklist.

Water bowl

Food bowl

Dog food

Dog treats

Leash (and a spare, just in case)

Updated tags & collar (and a spare, just in case)

Necessary medication (prescriptions, motion sickness medicine, flea & tick treatments, etc.)

Medical records & vaccination certificates

Crate/kennel

Dog bed/blankets

Favorite toys

Grooming supplies & towel

Car seat cover/protective sheet

Poop bags

Step Five: Keep Them Entertained

To make the journey more enjoyable, pack your pup’s favorite toys, and be prepared to play some quick games of tug or fetch whenever you stop. Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys filled with treats or peanut butter are also great ways to keep your dog entertained in the car.

Step Six: Establish a Routine and Have Fun

Your dog is a creature of habit. Create a simple routine for them at your destination or on the road, and they’ll ease into the adventure just like you. Remember, you’re bringing your pup along to add an extra element of enjoyment to your trip. Use these tips to make the journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.