Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows just how much happiness these four-legged balls of joy bring to man’s life. In case you never had one, trust us, having a pet around will improve your life greatly. However, it comes with its own set of obstacles and difficulties. One of the main issues people with dogs have is what to do with them when they need to go on a trip. A simple answer is, bring them along! Naturally, there are some things you need to take care of first, and educate yourself on how to make this trip as smooth as possible. Let’s jump right into it. Take baby steps Prior to taking your dogs across the ocean, you might want to take them around the block a couple times first, just to see how they behave. This is especially important if your beloved pet is a bit older, as they have a tougher time getting used to these changes than the younger pups. Gradually increase the distance as time passes, and your pooch will get used to traveling very quickly. Visit a veterinarian, just in case If your pet has a preexisting medical condition, you definitely need to consult with experts before heading on a trip. In case they give you the green light, make sure to pack all the necessary medication way ahead of time, as the last thing you’d want is to be stuck in a foreign land, trying to get everything sorted out. Don’t forget about the toys and treats Much like yourself, your dog is also a creature of habit. However, while people are fairly adaptable to new sights and surroundings, dogs might take a while before getting used to it all. To cut this time in half, and avoid any unnecessary stress that comes with it, pack your furry friend’s favorite toys. It will feel like a home away from home to them. Additionally, do not forget to bring their treats as well, for being such great friends! Get a collar with GPS or microchip your dog Can you imagine a more stressful situation than your best friend getting lost while traveling? Just thinking about it brings chills to our skin. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this from happening. First of all, you can get your dog a collar with GPS, which might come in handy in crisis situations. The other option includes putting a microchip just under their skin with all of your contact information, so that people who find your dog will have an easier time tracking you down. Mind the temperature Certain dogs just aren’t ideally suited for colder climates, while other breeds have a tough time handling the heat. In case you need to take them out of their comfort zone, make sure to pack all of the essentials, such as clothes and plenty of water to make the trip more bearable. Make sure your dog is secured As much as we love dogs, we hate seeing people who allow their pets to ride shotgun, while not having any harness whatsoever. Not only that the risk of serious injury skyrockets here in case of a collision, but this practice is not safe for the person driving the car either. Similarly, in case you’re going on a longer trip by plane, make sure to get a cage of proper dimensions, so that your animal can be comfortable as well. Brush for shedding Some of us learned this the hard way, but dogs can shed a lot if you change climates while on holiday. If you don’t want to see hair flying around everywhere, pack a brush with you, and use it as often as possible. Install one of the smart apps There are more than a few apps created specifically for people traveling with pets. Depending on your location, they will point you to the nearest pet friendly restaurant, hotel or a dog park in your vicinity. Believe us, when you find yourself in an unknown location, this can be a lifesaver.