The Use of Dog Crates When Traveling

The Use of Dog Crates When Traveling Keywords: dog crates, dog cages

If you wonder what to do this summer and where to go to recharge your batteries while escaping daily routines and do not know whether to take your dog with you, the answer is simple – take him. He is your best friend who needs to go out and see the world by your side. With dog crates, you can safely transport your dog anywhere. Even if your dog has not been used to staying in dog cages, he will shortly get accustomed. Dogs are intelligent animals with a great sense of danger, and their anxiety can sometimes trigger reactions of them hiding in a safe spot. Having a crate with you while traveling can provide the safe area there are looking for.

Choosing Dog Crates The first criteria to consider when choosing dog crates is the size of your dog. The crate should be larger than your dog, offering enough space to stand up without hitting his head and enough room for him to turn around to switch positions. Do not buy the crate only by eye-measuring. Get your dog, and measure his height and length – from head to toe and head to tail. This is the best way to find out the correct measurements. Then add an extra 4-6 inches to both height and length to determine the crate's size.

Another aspect to consider is the materials used in the fabrication process. If you know your dog to be an escape artist, it is best to go for a collapsible metal crate. These foldable crates can easily detach their walls for moments when you do not need the crate. It comes in handy when traveling or wanting to put it aside.

Prepare The Crate Once you have bought a cage, the only thing left is to prepare the area a little before introducing it to your dog. Try not to take the pup by surprise just minutes before you plan to go on holiday if the dog is not used to sitting in one. First, put some treats inside, so the pup gets attracted to enter it by himself.

Once he is in, use positive reinforcements to understand it is good what he did.

It is advisable to let your dog get accustomed a little before going on a long trip. Take him with you when you go shopping to see how the pup reacted to a shorter period spent traveling. This way, you can see how he reacts to being carried in dog cages after a trip.

Traveling by Plane

If you plan on traveling by plane and wish to take your dog with you, there are some things to consider first. You have to book a space for your furry friend too. Book at the same time and mention that you already own dog cages. You should also check with the company you plan to fly with their requirements.

Some companies have their own rule for dog cages, such as ventilation and locks. You have to provide a water bowl and a leak-free pad to be placed on the bottom of the crate.

Know how much the crate weighs before calling the airline because they will ask you. Some might also need to know how much your pup weighs too.

Traveling by Car – Secure Dog Cages There are some things to be careful with when traveling by car with your fluffy friend using dog cages.

Crate safety is one of the most crucial aspects in this case. Ideally, dog crates should go in the cargo area or the back seat. In any place, you have to safely secure it to prevent it from sliding or falling in case of emergency breaks. To improve the paw grip on the bottom of the cage you can put blankets to make the space more comfortable. If you must place the crate in the front seat, do not forget to turn off the passenger seat airbag. It can cause severe harm to your dog in case it pops out. Once you are settled and ready to go make sure you turn on the ventilation system or crack open a window.

Depending on how long your trip to the destination is, you will have to stop every two hours for breaks.

Take the pup out for a short walk to stretch its paws and provide some water or maybe a snack. Use positive reinforcement to make him believe it is alright if the dog feels agitated by the ride. If there are signs of motion sickness or anxiety you should be prepared with a natural remedy to soothen the nausea.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations When planning to go on holiday and bring your pup with you, make sure to check if the place you are looking to book yourself in is dog-friendly. Ask about their policies and restrictions. Not all locations allow owners with dogs. If they do, make sure you are allowed to walk him on the premises and their conditions regarding letting your dog out of the leash. You can also ask for a bigger room where dog crates can fit. Some dogs get anxious initially when having to sleep in a new place. It is best to be prepared and create a safe place to get some rest. Dog cages also works if your dog is known to be playful and likes to chew on things.

Before leaving on vacation, check with a veterinarian to see what vaccine you should get your pup done.

Some more luxurious accommodations require your dog to be fully vaccinated if something terrible happens to another of their customers. It is best to be safe and take these precautionary measures.

Another helpful thing you may do before choosing a place to stay is to read reviews on them. See what other people have to say about how they treat pet owners and what they can provide for your pup. This can help you understand how much the place is dog-friendly.