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If traveling more is on your bucket list, why not bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure? Experiencing new cultures, seeing new sights, and meeting new people are some of the most enriching things we can do. It only makes sense then that our dogs would jump at the opportunity to go with us. Here are some ways you can make the most of your traveling dreams with your dog by your side.
1. Pack for Safety and Comfort Outdoors
If you’re an outdoor adventurer, then the K9 Sport Sack is the device you never knew you needed. Wearing one of these bad boys means your dog will never miss out on another breath-taking view or heart-pounding adventure again. The K9 Sport Sack’s design gives your best buddy an over the shoulder view so that they’re comfortable and in tune with every move you make. Whether you’re snowboarding in Colorado, hiking in Vienna or walking the shoreline in Miami, you can bring your dog along hands-free and stress-free.
However, that dog carrier is just one of many pet products you can benefit from on the go. Make a checklist before you pack to ensure you don’t forget anything.
Don’t Forget The Essentials
Before you and your fuzzy BFF hit the trails, make sure your intended path is dog approved. Always be sure to pack plenty of food and water. Collapsible food and water bowls are a space-saving, quick way to refuel your pup.
A great way to ensure your pup stays hydrated is to get a pet water bottle, such as the Springer Classic Dog Water Bottle. This Springer product has an attached bowl on the top that will fill with water when you squeeze the bottle. When your dog is done drinking, you can stop squeezing it to release the water back into the bowl, ensuring you don’t waste any water on your adventure.
Pet-safe insect repellent and dog booties for rough terrain can be helpful if you plan to let your dog stretch their legs periodically. Also, a pet first aid kit is also a definite must. The ASPCA recommends these first aid essentials:
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (give this only under veterinarian or animal poison control recommendation)
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors with a blunt end
- Tweezers
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- Oral syringe or turkey baster
- Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
- Towels
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel
Be Extreme, But Not Too Extreme
Dogs tend to lack a sense of awareness about potentially dangerous animals. They’re curious and lovable to a fault so they can often fail to recognize that not every creature is their new best friend. Attach bear bells to your pup if you’re in bear territory. Always keep a close eye on your pooch and check before they start sniffing under rocks or logs. Stagnant water can also pose a potentially fatal hazard to dogs. Even puddles can contain highly toxic cyanobacteria, which is why it’s so important to bring your own water in a dog water bottle.
2. Finding Adventure In The Big City
Adventures with your best friend don’t stop at the outdoors. Navigating the concrete jungle of your favorite big city has never been easier! When you’re in a big city, you can almost always count on traveling via mass transit. New York City has a unique law requiring your dog to fit inside a bag if you plan on having them tag along for a subway ride. Wearing your pup is a handy way to abide by the law and travel handsfree! You can sip your favorite coffee in one hand and show your pooch funny cat videos in the other.
If you spend any significant amount of time in a big city, then you’ll eventually need to shop for the necessities. Wouldn’t it be easier if you could do those things without worrying about holding onto a leash? Plus, your dog will be pretty stoked about seeing the hustle and bustle of big city living from your point of view!
3. Keep It Simple at the Airport
If you’ve ever tried to navigate a busy airport with your dog in tow, then you know what a headache it can be. Your luggage drags behind you and pet carriers are bulky. Security checkpoints are stressful. People are sneezing, kids are crying, you don’t know whether or not you’re supposed to take off your belt and shoes. It’s nuts!
Carrying your dog on your back or in a wearable holder is a great way to keep you handsfree and stress-free. Load up your pup and shop the duty-free stores without a care in the world with the TSA-approved Karry-On! Of course, you still have to abide by any airline policies regarding dogs in flight. If airports and long layovers seem to be your second home, then wearing your dog is a no brainer.
4. Prepare for Potential Emergencies
Whether you’re traveling abroad or staying nearby, you should be prepared when you have fido in tow. Of course, you should always make sure your dog’s microchip information is up to date. If you’re traveling to a different country, be sure to research the rules and regulations that each country requires. Many countries require specific vaccinations or veterinarian approval.
Have a local veterinarian’s information readily available and on you at all times. It’s best to research this ahead of time. If an emergency arises, you don’t want to waste any time with a language barrier or incur those hefty international data charges on your phone.
5. Broaden Your Pup’s Pawspective!
Views on dogs vary throughout the globe but some countries are jumping at the opportunity to welcome your pup! Here are some of the most dog-friendly countries to jet set to with your furbaby.
Switzerland
Not only does Switzerland have some of the most breath-taking views, but they manage to include dogs in every aspect of society. One of the coolest parts about Switzerland is that dogs are welcome on their public transit. If you want to see the sites in Zurich and have dinner in Geneva, you can hop aboard the bus, train, ferry or tram with your playful pal in tow. Tickets for small dogs are free while big dogs ride for half price.
Austria
Austria is known for its scenery and seemingly endless hiking trails. Your fuzzy friend must be at least seven months old to see Austria’s sites. If wining and dining is your thing, you’ll be glad to hear that dogs are welcome in many Austrian restaurants! It’s not uncommon for your pup to be pampered with a blanket while you eat. Jealous? Us too. Who wouldn’t want to be wrapped up in a warm blanket while they eat dinner?
France
If you dream of going to France and dining on crepes, you’re in luck! Many restaurants allow dogs to dine inside and outside with their moms and dads. What daring dog wouldn’t want to go shopping in Paris? Public transit is very dog-friendly in France so your adventure-loving furbaby will never miss any of the action. How many dogs get to tell their friends at the dog park that they saw the Eiffel Tower?
United Kingdom
There are more than 8.5 million dogs living in the U.K. so naturally, they’ve perfected their dog-friendliness. Most drives in the U.K. are short and sweet, which makes traveling with a pup a breeze. You can hike Scotland’s rolling green hills and when you’re done, you can treat your dog like royalty, Slide them a scrumptious treat as you sip on a warm cup of tea and take in the sights of London!
Master the K9 Sport Sack Before Navigating The World
Using the K9 Sport Sack requires some training like any dog product, but it can make travel easier. Some dogs will take to it very quickly, others may need a few rides to get accustomed to it. Thankfully, there’s help for that! Each dog’s shape and size are as unique as their personalities. That’s why there are multiple sizes and styles to choose from and accessories to give each fluffy butt a custom fit.
K9 Sport Sack’s “Tip Tuesday” tells you everything you need to know like how to put the carrier on if you’re alone and tips to get your pup comfortable with using it. The same tips can also be found in K9 Sport Sack’s Instagram story highlights if Instagram is more your thing.
There’s only one question left: Where are you and your dog going to go first? Start your journey now. Click here and use coupon code “iheartdog15” at checkout for 15% off your first step towards your next adventure!
Toledo, United States.
