Small Dog Travel Tips

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re you a proud dog parent of a small breed? Planning a trip but unsure about how to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for your pint-sized furry friend? Fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through essential tips and tricks to make traveling with your ‘little’ stress-free and enjoyable. The Little Beach Dog has lots of shareable experiences when it comes to small dog travel tips…let’s get started.  

Pre-Trip Preparations PRIORITIES

1. Research Vacation Locations: 

This should be a top priority. Should you wish to book a vacation including your four-legged family member, location is always first. Luckily it’s getting more and more acceptable to include dogs on vacations, so finding the right fit for both humans and dogs is more inviting. Research items, call ahead and ask questions, and try to get a room with easy access to outside for walking trips. Be sure to ask about restaurants that are dog-friendly too.  Planning ahead saves time and stress. 

If your dog is socialized, look into doggy daycares in the area. Most need to be pre-booked and processed and will not offer walk-in clients. But this is a great option for vacation days that might not be suitable for your four-legged friends, like Long Beach days, or amusement and water parks. Doggy daycare is a great choice as compared to leaving your dog unattended in a hotel. 

2. Veterinarian Check-Up:

Before embarking on any journey with your small dog, it is crucial to ensure they are in good health and that their microchip is functioning properly. Schedule a veterinary check-up to confirm your pet is fit to travel and up to date on vaccinations. If your pooch has a microchip, it is essential to be sure the chip is in place (some may shift) and the unit is working. Remember, should your dog get lost in a new location, he or she will be very confused without familiar locations and smells. Having a microchip that is reliable will ensure a speedy reconnect, reducing stress for both of you. Be sure to take your microchip information with you just in case you need to notify local animal control while on vacation. Small dog travel tip number one is always to check in with your veterinarian before you venture off on vacation with your dog. 

3. Comfortable Carrier:

Invest in a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier that provides your dog with ample space to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Familiarize your pet with the carrier before the trip to reduce anxiety. Adding a blanket or dog bed with familiar smells reduces stress. Having their favorite toys also helps with boredom reducing stress. If this is an unfamiliar carrier, place it in the house before the trip so your dog can get familiar with it. Perhaps treat them to coax them in, and reward them when they do. The idea it’s for your dog to initiate a comfortable space with the carrier, without being forced. 

4. Identification and Documentation:

Make sure your dog's ID tag is updated with current contact information. Additionally, carry essential documents such as vaccination records, health certificates, and any medication your pet may require. We also recommend digital devices, like a tracker or location device. These can be purchased online or at your local pet store. 

Packing Essentials

Packing for a trip somehow seems like an insignificant part of the adventure, some of us have it down to a science…others, not so much. But if you're a frequent traveler, you know how important the packing aspect can be. Being organized and prepared is essential to maximize vacation time without having to run around looking for forgotten essentials, and paying three times the price for the items. The same issues apply to your dog. Small dog travel tip: make a list for packing your pooch ahead of time. Best practice…make your list digital for future trips and alterations. Find what works and what doesn't. Then edit your list accordingly. 

1. Food and Water:

Pack sufficient food and water for your dog to last the duration of the journey. Stick to their regular diet to avoid any digestive issues. Water bottles are best, this way you know your dog is getting clean water at every location. If you wouldn’t drink the hotel water, then your dog shouldn’t either. 

2. Comfort Items:

Bring along your pet's favorite toys, blankets, and bedding to provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort during travel.

3. First Aid Kit: Medications

A compact first aid kit containing items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescribed medications is essential for addressing minor health issues on the go. Thinking ahead can make any mishaps easy to manage and financially stress-free. Make sure to pack any medications your dog requires, and think ahead in preparation for any issues your little one is susceptible to. Like upset bellies: pack pre-cooked white rice and pumpkin. 

Safety Tips While Traveling

1. Secure Restraint:

To ensure your dog's safety in the car, use a pet seatbelt, harness, or a secure carrier. Avoid letting your pet roam freely in the vehicle, as sudden stops or turns could pose a risk. When securing your dog with a seat belt restraint or via a leash, never attach it to a collar around your dog's neck. This can cause harm or be fatal. Always restrain using a harness. 

2. Breaks and Exercise:

Make frequent stops during long journeys to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, stay hydrated, and burn some nervous energy. Allow them to take in the new smells. This will prevent them from feeling anxious or restless. Make sure vehicle doors are not opened until you have secure control over your dog. We recommend a harness and leash. 

Accommodation Considerations

1. Pet-Friendly Accommodation:

When booking a hotel or rental property, ensure they are pet-friendly and inquire about any size restrictions or extra charges for small dog breeds. Lots of communities offer dog-friendly accommodations. Luckily The Little Beach Dog is surrounded by many beautiful places to experience and our beach community recommends you visit with your furry family member. If you're planning a visit to the Newburyport, Plum Island area of Massachusetts, be sure to check out our dog-friendly areas. 

2. Home Away From Home:

Set up a designated area in your accommodation where your pet can relax and feel at ease. Use familiar items that have familiar smells, like your pet's bed, blanket, toys, food bowl, and water. Maintain their routine as much as possible to reduce stress. Remember, if your dog is nervous about unfamiliar surroundings, more frequent walks help reduce energy and offer them a chance to smell things out. Dogs rely on their senses, and the sooner they become familiar with the smells around them, the sooner they will start to calm down. 

Exploring New Destinations

1. Local Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with local pet rules and regulations, including leash laws and designated pet areas in public spaces.

2. Weather Precautions:

Take into account the weather conditions at your destination and pack accordingly. Extreme temperatures can affect your dog's well-being, so be prepared with appropriate gear.

3. Pet-Friendly Activities:

Research nearby attractions or parks that welcome pets to ensure both you and your furry companion can enjoy the experience together. Lots of vacation areas have opened entries to allow dogs, but some have restricted areas and rules. Plan ahead, and remember, on activity days that are not better suited for dogs, pre-book doggy daycare, or a local dog sitter. 

Sum it Up 

In conclusion, traveling with a small dog breed can be a delightful adventure with the right preparation and precautions in place. By following these toy breed travel tips, you can create unforgettable memories with your beloved canine companion while prioritizing their safety and well-being. Remember, a smooth journey for your pet means a stress-free trip for you!

By implementing these small dog travel tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

When traveling with your Small Dog is not practical, find a pet sitter…unsure how to structure this, fear not. We have shareable tips for boarding your small dog too. 

If you have any small dog travel tips that we didn’t mention, share them in our Facebook post. We would love to hear them. 

Bon voyage!