Toy poodles are the perfect furry friend for those with allergies, and also a joy to groom! Owner's can either opt to undertake trimming their pet's coat by themselves or go professional every six weeks. That way they will get not only an expert cut but also enjoy trouble-free play sessions without matting - plus a refreshing bath and nail clip too. With just some basic training your toy poodle should be content in no time at all when visiting their favourite grooming parlour.
To make a cross-country road trip with your pup safe and comfortable, it's important to prepare in advance. Taking the time to anticipate potential emergencies will give you peace of mind that no matter what comes up, both you and your four-legged friend can safely handle any situation together.
What Does Your Dog Need?
The basic necessities seem easy: dog food and medication (if your dog takes medicine). But that is not all. What is the dog going to eat out of? Where do you store the food? What about water and dog bowls? This all takes up precious space in your vehicle.
Food
The best solution is to get a 10-pound sealable food bin for the food, and then within the spare space within the bin, pack any medications. You should also include a Ziploc bag containing vet records, food bowl, water bowl, and collapsible travel water bowl.
Comfort Items
Some dogs, especially young ones, will need comfort or enrichment items. Little puppies need to eat several times a day since they are growing at such a fast rate. Pack some snacks for use between meals. Include a couple of good chew toys (especially for teething puppies), and some comfy bedding for them to stretch out on. As for enrichment items, some dogs might be content with a familiar toy or chewable item, but think about what will keep your dog occupied or distracted during a bout of bumper-to-bumper traffic. If your dog is a fan of peanut butter, this might be a good time to take a spoonful and stuff it down a hollow toy. Dogs can get distracted for hours trying to get to the very last lick of the stuff.
Training and Preparation for the Road
If you’re planning a grand tour for your pup, it's important to ensure they have the skills necessary for being an exemplary canine citizen. Lay down some good foundations by teaching them how to politely walk on leash without pulling; refrain from jumping up when meeting visitors; wait patiently in the car until given permission before departing; get friendly with other pups and practice recall so that even in emergency situations they come back quickly.
Medical Preparation
Traveling with your dog can be an exciting experience, but before setting off on the adventure make sure to properly prepare. A visit to the vet should take priority; ensuring that vaccines and health certificates are up-to-date will give you peace of mind so nothing surprises or interrupts your plans along the way. With a full physical checkup beforehand, you can rest assured knowing that everything has been taken care of - leaving only exploring new places together.
Travel Practice
Take your furry friend on an adventure! Start with easy, short trips around town to help them get comfortable in the car. Then work up to more exciting places that are just a hop away - why not hit the lake for some quality bonding time? If you want something really special, take a longer road trip and explore nature together! With 5-10 hour rides there is sure to be plenty of unique sights out there waiting for you two.
The Mental, Emotional, and Physical Toll of Traveling on a Dog
Give your furry friend the treat of a lifetime - surprise them with an exciting day at doggy daycare to tire them out before embarking on any lengthy adventure together! Not only will this be beneficial for pup's health, but you'll also have plenty of peace and quiet around the house while they play with their pals. After all, there’s nothing better than reuniting after some time apart when both parties are feeling relaxed and ready to hit the road.
Once you hit the road, take regular bathroom breaks so your dog can stretch its legs and sniff a new state. Treats should be a regular reward for being a good car pal. Keep things fun to make sure that your four-legged companion will always want to hop in the car for the next leg of the adventure.
