5 Pet Travel Tips For A Memorable Family Road Trip This Summer (Win!)

Summer’s here, and what better time to spend quality time with your furry best friend than by hitting the road and exploring your own beautiful backyard? Traveling with a dog can be stressful for both you and them, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five tips from Theresa Lantz, MSc, Companion Animal Nutritionist at Petcurean, makers of Go! Solutions to help set you—and your furry BFF!—up for success before you hit the road:

Set your pet (and you!) up for success

Before you start off on your vacation, consider getting your pup used to being in the car for short trips to ensure their first go is as stress-free as possible. We recommend traveling with an appropriately sized pet carrier to keep your pet contained for safety while also providing them with a ‘home base’ that allows them to relax and snooze. Additionally, keep an eye on your dog for signs of distress when they are out of their usual environment. On a long road trip, vomiting may signal motion sickness, while things like excessive drool or panting, whining or general unease could be signs of distress.

Stay hydrated

Just like people, dogs can easily get dehydrated – and in serious cases – suffer from heat stroke, especially when the weather is warm and you’re keeping busy with lots of different activities you might normally not do at home (i.e. hiking, swimming, etc.). In addition to offering frequent access to water and having a collapsible BPA-free water dish on hand, help your dog stay hydrated by incorporating wet food into their diet.

For an on-the-go solution, try all-new Go! Solutions Booster recipes which are wet food toppers available in a variety of flavours to add functional benefits and moisture to every meal. Add it to a complete and balanced kibble like Go! Solutions Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon Recipe for dogs with sensitive dietary needs or Go! Solutions Digestion + Gut Health Salmon Recipe with Ancient Grains to support digestion for a complete and balanced meal on the road. Packaged in easy-to-use, mess-free single-serve pouches, they are sure to enhance your pup’s meals while supporting hydration.

It’s important to not only monitor your dog for hydration but also to ensure their digestive health is well-supported. While wet food toppers are great for hydration, incorporating digestive health supplements for dogs can aid in maintaining a healthy gut throughout your travels. Check out top-rated probiotics combined with prebiotics that cater specifically to canine needs.

Never leave your pet in a hot car

As the temperature heats up, it’s essential that you never leave your dog in a locked car for any amount of time. It’s important to note that even if the temperature outside isn’t extremely hot, a vehicle traps heat and can be exponentially warmer than the temperature outdoors. If traveling with companions, take turns staying with your pup when taking a bathroom break. If the only option is to leave your pet alone for a minute, park in the shade, lock the doors, put the parking brake on, and keep your air conditioning running so your dog doesn’t overheat.

Take the scenic route

Plan to make frequent stops on your road trip to stretch your dog’s legs, as well as your own to make the driving portion as enjoyable as possible. Check for pet friendly pit stops along the way (you’d be surprised how many destinations have places that cater to our furry friends)! Not only is it a good way to break up the time spent on the road, it’s also a great opportunity to check out what’s sure to be many scenic spots along the way you might not have noticed otherwise.

Don’t forget the housekeeping

In addition to packing the essentials like food and water, don’t forget to pack all the ‘emergency’ essentials in case anything goes sideways. Pack a pet-specific first aid kit to treat any accidents that might happen, and note the contact information for veterinary clinics in or around your destination. Always ensure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID and contact information and that their vaccination records are up to date before you travel.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! With these easy tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making priceless memories with your pup this summer. Learn more at go-solutions.com. —Vita Daily

Win! A $500 Go! Solutions Prize Pack!

Congrats Haralabos A. of Calgary, AB, who will receive a $500 prize pack, including  6 months free food + SWAG! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.