Are you interested in dog travel and the best vacation ideas that include your pets? Summer is here, and with this time of year comes all of those exciting vacation plans for the warm weather.
But you probably don’t want to have to leave your furry friends behind during your family trip. After all, our pets are our family as well and deserve to be included in the fun.
Here are some examples of the best family trip ideas that your dog can tag along for this summer.
Camping
Every family has preferences when it comes to their desired family vacations. For a lot of people, camping is one of the best options once the weather starts to heat up.
The good news for dog owners is that a camping trip is the perfect idea that includes your pet. Dogs love being outdoors and exploring new areas, and as far as trips go, it is one of the safer options for your pet.
You have a variety of camping locations to choose from, depending on where you live. Some people choose to go to a campground or enjoy camping in a more desolate location for privacy.
No matter the option you choose, this is a perfect opportunity to keep the whole family together for the summer. Just make sure that you prepare beforehand to ensure that your dog has everything they need.
If you are going to a campground, you will need to make sure dogs are allowed.
Hiking
It can be hard to find dog travel options for your summer vacation, but there are some ideal locations. There are a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for pets and help to get them out of the house.
One example of this is taking your dog with the family on a hiking trip for the summer. There are amazing hiking trails all over, allowing the entire family to enjoy some exercise and different views.
A lot of hiking trails also allow dogs as long as they are on a leash throughout the hike. As far as vacations go, this is one of the more affordable options for families.
You can make it a full day of fun or even include hiking in your camping trip. Depending on where the hiking location is, you can get a pet-friendly hotel for a few nights to enjoy the experience fully.
You will want to make sure that your dog is well-trained before taking them on a hiking trip. They should follow basic commands so that you are able to maintain control during the hike.
This is very important since you don’t want your dog running off or scaring anyone else on the trail.
RV Road Trip
A lot of families enjoy going on one or two road trips every summer for an affordable vacation option. The good news is that this is a trip that your dog can also be a part of.
When taking a road trip, it is important that your vehicle is large enough to make this comfortable for everyone. If you don’t have a van, you may want to rent an RV to make it more enjoyable.
This is perfect for the whole family as well as your furry family members. You can take this time to enjoy new sights and explore different outdoor spaces with your dog.
Some dogs can get a bit nervous when they are in a vehicle, creating stress or car sickness. If this is the case for your pet, you may want to bring along some calming dog treats to help them relax.
A great option is CBD Peanut Butter, which is a favorite among most dogs. This will help put your dog at ease and allow them to rest or sleep throughout most of the drive.
Staycation
It is easy to think that you have to go above and beyond every summer when it comes to vacations. But the reality is that you can make a vacation out of just about anything your family does.
One great option when you are on a budget is to enjoy a staycation. A staycation is when you set aside time for a vacation, but you don’t actually leave your home.
This allows you to enjoy time with your family as well as your pets. A lot of families make this work by planning local activities that are either affordable or completely free.
For instance, you could take your dog to some of the local dog parks to see what they prefer. If you live near any outdoor locations, you can visit different parks, trails, or camping sites.
You can even set up a tent in your backyard where everyone can hang out and enjoy each other’s company.
Beach Trip
It is no secret that the majority of dogs love visiting the beach. In fact, just about everyone enjoys going to the beach when the weather is warm and the atmosphere is just right.
A great vacation option that includes your pets is taking a beach trip to a nearby location. You may have a beach locally or just a few hours away that you can access.
Some people spend a few days at the beach or even camp on the beach if the location allows it. This is one of the best vacation options where your dogs can stay with the family and enjoy themselves.
Day at the Lake
The best kind of summer vacation usually includes some kind of water feature to help cool everyone down. If you don’t have access to a beach, you can always enjoy a day at a nearby lake.
In most instances, this is an even better option than going to the beach with your dog. It is a bit safer and allows them to enjoy more time in the water with the rest of the family.
You can hike to a lake or camp at a lake location with your family. There are a lot of activity options depending on where you go and what your family enjoys doing.
Dog Travel Safety Tips
As fun, as dog travel is, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind for these trips. Vacationing with a pet requires certain safety measures to ensure everyone stays safe and stress-free.
Here are some things you need to consider and plan for before taking your dog along on a family vacation.
Know Your Dog
Every dog is very different when it comes to personality and temperament. Some dogs are more easy going while others can be more inclined toward anxiety.
Before taking a trip with your dog, you need to consider their specific needs. One example is dogs who do not do well when traveling in a vehicle.
Maybe your dog gets carsick, or they have extreme car anxiety. In either of these instances, something like a road trip or traveling several hours away would not be ideal.
Or you may have an elderly dog that isn’t as active as they used to be. If that is the case, you will want to choose a less active trip like a staycation or a day at the lake that won’t tire them out too much.
Keep It Dog-Friendly
Before going on a dog travel vacation, you need to do research to make sure the location is dog-friendly. There are different parks and camping sites that may not allow dogs, or they may have restrictions.
You also want to make sure you are only choosing dog-friendly activities everyone can enjoy. If you are going to the lake, you may not want to do rafting or canoeing since those activities aren’t necessarily safe for pets.
Make Sure You’re Prepared
There are a lot of things that go into planning a family vacation or a trip. If you are bringing your dog along, this adds another layer of preparation you have to consider.
The main thing to remember is to bring along water and food for your dog to have access to. These necessities should be easily accessible, and you will want to encourage your dog to drink regularly.
You may also want to bring along some Soft-Baked Pumpkin Dog Treats so that they have something special to enjoy. If your dog takes any medication, make sure you bring that as well as a precautionary measure.
Your dog should have a collar with an up-to-date tag with all your information. It is ideal to keep your dog on a leash, and even better if your dog is chipped, in case they get loose.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Before going on a family trip, make sure you are checking weather updates. This is important when you are enjoying time outside since the weather can impact what everyone can do.
But this is also important for your dog since you don’t want them out in extreme heat. Dogs react to heat differently than humans and can overheat quickly when they are being active.
Do you want to enjoy your summer vacation with your dog? Grab some Soft-Baked Dog Treats and hit the road to enjoy one of these pet-friendly family trip options!
