Travel Safely With Your Dog This Summer

We love summer, with its longer days full of sunshine and warmer weather, allowing us to spend more time exploring with our dogs on long walks, at the beach or treating them and us to a trip away.

Unless you're lucky enough to live on the coast, or in a national park, most of us will have to travel in some form to take our pooch to the great outdoors. Whether that's by car, train, tube or even boat, planning ahead will make your journeys easier. We’ve pulled together some top-tips for travelling with your dog during the Summer. 

Travelling with your dog by car

• Cars get HOT, quickly. So never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, especially when it is warm. Leaving your dog unattended in a vehicle puts them at risk of being stolen, and leaving them in a hot car puts them at risk of overheating which can be fatal.
• Make sure your dog is secure. Use a dog car seat belt attaching to the seat belt buckle, clip a harness to the or a dog carrier/crate. 
• Ensure there is plenty of ventilation. Pop your air conditioning on, or if the vehicle doesn’t have AC, open the windows - though not wide enough for them to try to jump out!
• Protect your dog from direct sunlight with a window sunscreen.
• Wherever possible, travel early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler to avoid the midday heat.
• Keep a travel bowl and a spare bottle of cool water in your car/bag so you always have water to offer your dog to keep them hydrated and cool.
• Consider buying a cooling mat for your dog to lie on in the car. Otherwise, you can makeshift one by soaking a towel and wringing it out, then pop it in the freezer for 15-20 mins. When you take it out and put it in the car, it will give your dog a cool surface to lie on.

Travelling with your dog on a train or the tube:

• Check Pet Policies: Different train and tube companies have varying pet policies. Some may allow small dogs in carriers, while others might have designated pet-friendly carriages. Check with the specific train or tube company beforehand to understand their rules and restrictions.
• Do a trial run: If your dog is not used to the train and you are planning a long journey, start small and go on a few test journeys during off-peak when it is quieter - even to the next station and back. This will offer your dog the opportunity to get used to the train and help you determine if they will be comfortable with travelling on the longer journeys. By doing this, you may find that your dog is calm but suffers from motion sickness, in which case your vet is able to provide medication to help with this.
• Book in Advance: If there are restrictions on the number of pets allowed per journey, make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure a spot for your dog.
• Use a Secure Carrier: If your dog is small enough, consider using a secure and well-ventilated carrier for the journey. This will ensure your dog's safety and comfort throughout the trip.
• Exercise your dog before the journey: This will tire them out a little. Trains that allow dogs will only do so on a ‘well behaved’ basis, and it will make your journey hard work if your dog is full of energy. 
• Bring Essentials: Pack essentials like food, water, treats, toys, and a leash. Make sure to bring waste bags to clean up after your dog.
• Train Your Dog: Before the journey, ensure your dog is comfortable with the carrier and being in crowded or noisy spaces. Gradually acclimatise them to such environments to help to reduce any stress.

• Check Pet Policies: Just like trains, boats and ferries might have specific rules about travelling with pets. Contact the boat company or check their website for information on pet regulations.
• Choose Pet-Friendly Boats: If possible, opt for boats that are known to be pet-friendly. These boats often have designated areas where pets are allowed.
• Safety on Board: While on the boat, keep your dog on a leash and ensure they stay away from restricted areas. Be mindful of other passengers who may not be comfortable around pets.
• Take a life jacket: Even if your dog is a good swimmer, we strongly recommend finding the right life jacket for your dog and testing it in calm, shallow water before heading out onto a lake or sea. Keep it on them at all times around the water - including at the dock or boat launch point area, not just when you are on the boat.
• Overboard plan: Knowing what to do if your dog falls or jumps off the boat could save their life. Make sure everybody on the boat knows what the dog overboard plan is. 
• Seasickness: If your dog is prone to motion sickness, consult your vet for suitable remedies or treatments.

Travelling with your dog on a Bus or Coach:

• Review Pet Policies: Check with the bus or coach company's pet policy to ensure that dogs are allowed onboard. Some companies may have specific size or breed restrictions.
• Leashed and Well-Behaved: Your dog should be on a leash at all times and well-behaved during the journey. Avoid any disturbances to other passengers.
• Consider Off-Peak Hours: If possible, travel during off-peak hours when the bus or coach is less crowded. This can make the journey less stressful for your dog and other passengers.
• Bring Comfort Items: Bring a comfortable mat or blanket for your dog to sit on, along with their favourite toys or treats to keep them relaxed.

Keep their diet stable:

We’ve all done it, grabbed some extra food for a treat, or run out of food and had to resort to something unfamiliar when caught short when travelling.  But trust us, the last thing you want is to be away from home with a dog with a poorly tummy. Equally important, just because you're travelling and out of your usual routine, you don’t want to overindulge your dog, what seems like small weight gains can have a significant impact on your dog’s long-term health. 

Our Caboodle weekly stacks and Twin Packs are perfect for taking away with you. In handy grab and go trays and packs, with no need for refrigeration, they contain everything your dog needs for the day. They are tailored to your dog based on their weight and physical attributes so you can rest assured that your dog is getting the right amount of calories every day, with no risk of overfeeding. 

Regardless of the mode of transportation, remember these general tips:

• Ensure your dog has proper identification with up-to-date contact information, including a collar with a tag or a microchip.
• Bring a pet first aid kit in case of any minor injuries during the journey.
• Carry water and a collapsible bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
• Never leave your dog unattended during transit.
• Be patient and understanding, as travelling can be stressful for your dog, especially in new environments.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip with your beloved furry companion this summer!

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