Travelling with any dog, particularly travelling with a Labrador retriever puppy, can be a challenge. The problem is that most dogs don’t like being taken out of their regular environment. Dogs often perceive new places as being the territory of other dogs, and somewhere that’s strictly off-limits.
If you’ve asked yourself how to travel with a big dog, you’re not alone. The issues with large dogs are probably worse than they are with a Labrador puppy. Furthermore, flying with a dog can present its own set of problems. Pet travel can be worry free if you are prepared.
In this article, we’re going to run through some tips for travelling with your Labrador retriever. Hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll be in a much better position to go on holiday.
Avoid Leaving Your Lab in the Car
If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll need to make sure that you stop-off along the route at dog-friendly places, be they service stations, hotels, or anywhere else you might be staying. Even Large cities such as Toronto and Detroit have parks and other places to accommodate your Lab.
You’d be surprised just how dangerous Labrador car travel can be. Even on relatively cool days with outdoor temperatures of 14 degrees, temperatures inside cars in direct sunlight can exceed 30. Dogs can succumb to life-threatening heatstroke within as few as fifteen minutes.
Carry Plenty of Water
When travelling with a lab, you need to think about their refreshment needs. It’s likely that at the end of a long journey they will be thirsty and in need of a drink. Remember to pack plenty of water and a bowl from which your lab can drink. Also, remember to bring travel-friendly food and a waste bag for trips to the bathroom.
Planes and Labs Don’t Mix
Some carriers allow you to transport dogs in the cargo hold. The cargo hold, however, is no place for a Labrador retriever. It’s loud, dangerous and full of clutter. Dogs can become distressed while in the hold, disrupting their behavior once you reach your destination. In addition some airlines do not heat and cool their cargo holds meaning your dog will be subjected to the heat and cold. If you need to fly, consider leaving your dog at a boarding kennel where it can be looked after properly. If you must fly them then look into what your airline requires. Safely travelling by air is not impossible, however you as the pet owner needs to ensure your dog is crate trained so they are as comfortable as possible for the flight.
Check Your Campground Allows Dogs
Can I go camping with my lab? – That’s one of the first questions people ask when they’re looking for lab puppies. The answer is that it depends on the particular camping ground. Some allow dogs with no problem whatsoever, others place restrictions, while still others ban dogs altogether.
You can find lists of dog-friendly campsites on the internet. Check these to see whether you can bring your Labrador retriever with you ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Recreate Your Labrador’s Sleeping Arrangements From Home
One of the most robust methods is to recreate all of the dog’s home comforts in the car. Grab your pup’s usual bedding and toys and arrange them in the car to make it feel like its in its dog bed. If possible, take the bedding to wherever you’re going. Dog-friendly hotels usually allow dog bedding in the bedroom with owners.
Research Your Trips Ahead Of Time
When travelling with a dog, it’s a good idea to have a list of dog-friendly stop-offs in mind before setting off. Not all places along your route will welcome Labrador retrievers with open arms, so check ahead of time to ensure that you can bring your pooch. Remember you should never leave your dog in the car, especially during the summer months.
Bring Treats With You
Your dog could get restless on long journeys. Because of this, you need lots of tools at your disposal to prevent them from misbehaving and getting out of line. Dogs love treats, so bring some all natural dog treats with you for the journey so that you can reward your lab for its good behavior in the car or on any other mode of transportation.
Provide Opportunity For Your Labrador To Release Energy
As any dog owner will tell you, dogs have boundless energy. Being trapped inside a car on a warm day can be a nightmare for a Labrador retriever: they want to be outside, enjoying themselves.
One of the most important travel tips is that Labs need to be able to vent their energy. When they can’t, they get restless and start to misbehave. Sensible owners find stop-offs that allow dogs to stretch their legs and be active. Owners also find opportunities for their Labrador retrievers to burn off energy before they set off. A long walk or a long game of throw and catch will help to reduce their energy levels, making them more docile during the trip.
Limit Food and Water Before You Leave
Whether you’re going in the car or on a plane, it’s a good idea to reduce food and water intake before you travel. This should hopefully negate the need for bathroom trips until you arrive at a stop-off or your destination and may help your Lab not get car sick. Some owners recommend removing food and water two hours before setting off.
Get a Health Check Up
The last thing you want is for your dog to fall ill while you’re travelling. PETA, therefore, recommend that all owners get their Labrador retriever’s health checked first before a long dog ride.
If you’re travelling a long way, then a health checkup is vital. Authorities may want to see evidence that your animal is healthy and has all the correct vaccinations. Your vet should be able to recommend the proper procedures, depending on your travel destination.
Don’t Put Your Lab In The Back Of A Pickup
Putting your lab in the back of a pickup is a bad idea. Slamming on the brakes will cause the dog to fly forward dangerously, potentially killing it. You can protect a dog while its in the car with a canine seat belt. These are special types of belts that you can get from most pet stores.
Provide Plenty of Window Shade
Finally, if you’re keeping your dog in the back of the car, provide plenty of window shade, either with tinted windows or curtains. Dogs in direct sunlight can overheat without you noticing and always make fresh water part of your Labrador road trip first aid kit.
