In fact, it can be fun to travel with your dog on business trips, site seeing and of course, home for the holidays. Here are some dog travel tips to help make your adventure safe, fun and rewarding.

1) Plan Ahead – Dog Proof Your Travel Destination

Do your research beforehand: Is the place you are visiting prepared for your pet? Not all hotels accept pets, so call ahead to ensure that Fido and Fifi are welcome. Also, make sure that your pet’s destination is 100% dog-proof: dangerous objects should be stowed away, make sure there are no sharp objects out and about. Have the area cleared of small toys or objects that your pet might ingest. Make sure that your dog will be welcomed into a safe, prepared environment.

2) Packing For Your Dog’s Trip – Make A List, Check It Twice

You don’t want to arrive at your guest’s house only to find that you forgot the dog food! Make a list of all of your pet’s essentials a couple days before your travel date. Gather up the items ahead of time just to make sure you have everything you need. Our pets’ essential items include: Dog Food, Dog Treats, Dog Blankets, Dog Bowls, Dog Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Dog Waste Bags and a reliable Dog First Aid Kit.

3) Identification – Keep Those Dog Tags Up To Date

Of course, your pet will need a dog collar and dog ID tag for safety. If you have moved recently, double check your pet’s dog ID tag. Is the information up to date? If your number has changed, order a new dog tag immediately. Consider putting an additional dog tag on the outside of your pet’s Dog Carrier, just in case.

4) Dog Travel By Car – Crates, Barriers & More

If your pooch is traveling with you by car, it is imperative to keep them comfortable, yet contained. Smaller pets can be safely confined in a large sized dog carrier (make sure there is plenty of ventilation) and/or Dog Booster Car Seat with a safety tether attached to a body harness. For big dogs, a large dog travel crate might be the best fit. If your car or SUV is not big enough for a crate, consider using a Vehicle Pet Barrier to keep your pet safely in the back, coupled with a Dog Car Safety Harness. Our Dog Travel Supplies page has a wonderful selection of travel safety products.

A word of caution – never leave your pet unattended in the car. Temperatures can rise dramatically inside automobiles, and dogs are sensitive to this. Each year, thousands of pets die in unattended automobiles. Bring your pet with you when you exit your car, or have a trusted friend or family member watch your dog while you are away.

5) Airline Approved Dog Carriers – A Must For Plane Travel

Not all dog carriers are approved for airline travel, and airlines have different regulations on dog travel. If your small pet can fit comfortably into an Airline Approved Dog Carrier, and they generally travel well, this is a perfect option. Bring treats, a small dog blanket, a Dog Travel Bowl and dog waste bags just in case.

6) Play Time With Your Pet – Keep It Fun

Bring your pet’s favorite Dog Toys and his or her favorite Dog Treats. Reward your pet frequently during the trip, and praise your pet for good behavior during the vacation. Find a safe dog park to play in, or set aside some play time in grandma’s back yard to keep the trip fun.

With a little bit of preparation, common sense and upbeat attitude, traveling with your dog can be a fun, safe and rewarding adventure for all.

Spring brings new opportunities for dog owners, to be sure, but also challenges, and the need for new gear- both for you and your pet. Here is a guide to help dog owners navigate the new season.

April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring muddy paws. Your dog will certainly enjoy his or her time in the yard, but your pup will inevitably return with muddy paws. It is good to keep a handy Dog Towel at both doors, and even one in the trunk of the car.

Speaking of the car, with finer weather upon us you and your four legged friend are bound to travel more; to the dog park, to relatives, and maybe even to the beach! A good Dog Travel Blanket is a great idea. A Vehicle Pet Barrier is also a nice addition for any vehicle. It keeps pets from venturing into the front seat, allowing the driver to focus on the road.

Spring showers often present difficulties of another nature for our pets. Many dogs suffer from thunderstorm anxiety. Incredible flashes of lightning, accompanied by loud thunder claps can frighten dogs to the point of panting, scratching and hiding in a corner. The original Anxiety Wrap is a snug fitting wrap that can help alleviate the fear that many dogs feel. The Anxiety Wrap worked wonders for our dog Daisy, calming her during thunderstorms, allowing her to sleep through many stormy nights.

Dog Grooming becomes even more important in the Spring. After a long winter, your best friend is sure to need a bath and the warmer temperatures bring insects back into our environment. Mosquitoes carry the heart worm virus, so make sure to see your vet for appropriate heart worm prevention. Fleas and ticks can be pesky creatures and they can make life rough for our furry little family members. Natural Flea & Tick Shampoos can be a huge help. Organic bug repellents also help keep insects off dogs and cats, and it is wise to keep a good supply on hand. Inspect your dog nightly for ticks and fleas. Remove all ticks carefully with a pair of tweezers.

On the bright side, the Spring weather brings the opportunity for outdoor fun. Why not reward your pet with some new Dog Toys like Bouncy Rubber Ball Dog Toys or Fetch Toys for fun in the sun. Plus, our wonderful toys are non-toxic and safe for your pooch to toss and fetch.

Last but not least, every dog deserves a new look for Spring. PupLife.com features tons of Designer Dog Collars that can freshen your pooch’s look. With a wide variety of colors and trendy patterns, your pooch will look like a star in his or her new collar and matching leash. Owen & Olivia, Lupine and Mascot make fabulous dog collars that look great on all breeds. A new collar can brighten your dog’s look and put a new spring into their step (no pun intended)!

Spring is a time for change, and a time for renewal. With the right dog supplies and a little extra play time, you can make Spring a wonderful time for you and your dog. Grab your Leash, pack up the dog and head out to the dog park. It’s time for some fun!