Thinking about taking your fluffy friend as a companion on your next trip? Dogs make great travel buddies, but there’s a lot to consider before you can head off. One of the most important factors – for both you and your pet – is how you will negotiate feeding them while traveling.
Here we take a look at a few key tips for feeding your dog when you’re traveling. Whether you’re catching a flight or setting off on a long road trip, make sure you’ve planned how, what, and when you’re going to feed your pet.
Air Travel
If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat, flying with your dog on internal flights could be a great practical option. Just remember to check the rules and regulations of any airline you travel with far in advance to avoid any surprises on the day of travel. Once you’ve got the green light for flying with your dog, it’s time to think about feeding. We suggest that:
- You should not feed them for 4-6 hours prior to the flight. By keeping their stomach empty, they are less likely to experience nausea during the flight.
- You might like to freeze a small tray of water for your dog before you leave. This makes it easy to travel with, and it will have started to defrost once you’re on board. It’s important that dogs have access to water at all times, especially in situations they may find stressful.
Travel by Car
Traveling by car can be a lot less traumatic for you and your pet because you can incorporate breaks and rest stops. To help the journey go smoothly, you should:
- Refrain from feeding your dog while the vehicle is moving.
- When you take a break at a gas station or rest area, take your dog for a quick walk. This will help give them the opportunity to go to the toilet and burn off some energy. In turn, this keeps their metabolism moving.
- Bring bottled water for your dog if you intend on being in the car for several hours.
- If your pet is prone to motion sickness, don’t feed them for a couple of hours before the journey.
General
However you decide to travel, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind with regard to feeding your pet in all situations. Keep the following food tips in mind when planning your next trip with your dog.
- Food can make a big difference to your dog’s health all-round. Feeding them a nutritional and healthy food daily can make them less prone to car sickness and gastrointestinal distress. Use online resources, like this food comparison on Fuzzy Rescue, to find the best kind of food for you dog.
- When traveling, take a supply of your pet’s usual food. Changing their food – particularly in situations that are new to them – could cause stomach upset.
- Invest in a quality travel bowl to make it easier to feed your dog while on the road.
- Take care of any food you take with you. If you are traveling in the summer months, or heading to a hot destination, pet food may spoil more easily than when you’re at home. Pack it in an airtight container, or in a cooler when in the car for long periods of time. When you reach your destination or take an overnight stop, take the food indoors with you rather than leaving it in a hot car.
Feeding is one of the most important aspects of your dog’s day, so don’t forget to think about it when you’re about to head off traveling. With these tips in mind, you should be set for an organized and stress-free journey when it comes to feeding your pet.