Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
A Retiree
Nomad's Guide to Traveling Long-Term with a Dog
Bridget Kiregaard
![](Traveling-long-term-dog1.jpg)
The
median age of retirement across the US is 62. After this age, retirement is seen
as a time to enjoy, relax, and explore. However, most Americans today are
choosing to retire earlier.
A
study found that 6 out of 10 retirees stepped out of the workforce before they
reached 62. If you can, then why not? Post-retirement, many decide to adopt pets
and even travel with them.
Are
you planning to do the same? Whether you're going to buy a pooch or already have
one, you know the benefits of having a fur baby around. To adopt the nomadic
lifestyle, indeed, you cannot leave them behind.
However, is it possible to have them accompany you on your adventures?
Absolutely and this article will act as your guide. Find out all that is needed
to travel long-term with a dog.
Adopt a Slower Travel Pace
Have you and your spouse loved exploring the outdoors till now? An early
retirement must mean that your travel wings can soar higher. You should be
excited to gather as many experiences as you can.
However, with a pooch in the picture, you may have to adopt a slower pace. Dogs
tend to get tired more easily compared to humans. Moreover, they relax and sleep
much more than us.
Studies have found that dogs may sleep around 12 to 14 hours each day. Can you
imagine doing that? If anything, we humans have mastered the art of ignoring our
internal clocks. This is most true when exciting travel plans call out our
names.
Your pooch is unlikely to do that. Dogs respond to the cues their bodies give,
which helps them recover from daily activities. Furthermore, dogs are extremely
sensitive to their surroundings and require a lot of routine and structure to
their days to feel comfortable.
So,
when you spend an extended time in a destination, slow down your traveling pace.
There are no hard and fast rules here; choose a pace that works best for you and
your pet. From a couple of weeks to a few months, allow your pooch the time it
needs to adjust to a new routine and neighborhood.
Choose Pet-Friendly Accommodations Wisely
If
you're planning to become a post-retirement nomad with a dog, it’s a given that
you will need to look for pet-friendly accommodations. We would recommend
starting with a pet-friendly destination itself, like Austin, Portland, or
Denver.
In
these cities, it is easier to find amenities that cater specifically to your
pooch. Across others, you may find options but it would require digging a little
deeper. After zeroing in on a couple of favorable options, contact the
accommodation to inquire about its facilities.
Besides the basics of pet beds, doggy daycare, and outdoor play areas, the
accommodation must practice impeccable hygiene. Take, for instance, the pet play
areas and parks. In general, pet parents must pick up after their pets.
That's fine as a rule but in itself is not a solid hygiene practice. This is
because pet waste contains harmful nasties like E.coli bacteria. They can linger
on the ground long after the waste has been picked up.
Ideally, the accommodation should collaborate with a dog
poop pickup
service. The experts will not only remove the waste collected across pet
waste stations but they will also sanitize the areas.
According to Scoop Soldiers, periodic sanitization will keep enemies like
parvovirus and listeria at bay. This process will be followed by deodorization
to remove any traces of unpleasant odors. Your stay will be the most comfortable
when the living conditions are safe, hygienic, and suitable for your pet’s
needs.
Always Carry All Essentials
Essentials is a largely broad term that would include all things that your pet
would require. This will also depend on the mode of transport you choose to
travel. Let's see a general list of items that may come under essentials for
dogs.
For Days of Travel
When you and your dog are on the move to a new destination, you may require the
following -
• A
soft-sided carrier that easily fits within the airline’s specifications
•
Dog food for a couple of days along with a plan to prepare or buy food depending
on the destination
• A
collapsible water bowl
For Daily Use
While you're exploring and enjoying the destination with your pooch, you will
require the following essentials -
• A
harness and leash along with a jacket for cold weather
•
Toothpaste or teeth cleaning strips
• A
few toys and treats
•
Dog bed to ensure your pet understands that the new place is to be their home
• A
grooming kit with shears and clippers. This depends on your dog’s grooming
needs.
• A
dog camera for days when you must leave your pooch back at home. It will help
you keep an eye on their activities while you’re out exploring.
For Excursions
Certain days will be different than the others, involving a lot of seatbelt
strapping and fun adventures. For those days, you will need these -
• A
doggie backpack if your dog is small. They may get tired on long hikes and will
appreciate a lift.
• A
doggie seatbelt for car rides
Keep in mind that the list will vary depending on your pooch's needs. If
anything, don't obsess about traveling light because that will seldom happen
with a fur buddy around.
Consider Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
The
truth is not all dog breeds suffer from separation anxiety. Even among those who
do, some may experience it more than others. The breeds that most commonly
experience
separation anxiety include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds,
and Toy Poodles.
According to the American Kennel Club, such dogs feel extremely stressed from
the time you leave them alone to the time you reunite. Here are some
unmistakable signs of separation anxiety -
•
Excessive barking or howling
•
Urinating or defecating inside the house
•
Whining, pacing, or trembling
•
Excessive drooling, panting, or salivation
•
Prolonged desperate attempts to escape confinement
While you're out traveling, there may be places you cannot take your pooch
along. If they are left behind, they may experience separation anxiety. Let's
look at some ways to calm them down -
•
At first, your dog may follow you everywhere to keep you in sight. Let them do
so. This will help them get familiar with the new surroundings.
•
Try to stay at a destination for a couple of days to help your dog get used to
it. Also, for a day or two, take them along everywhere you go. Let them enjoy
fun activities with you.
•
Gradually, you can leave them behind but not more than a few hours.
•
If you can find a reliable pet sitter to provide a homey environment, that would
be the best.
Secure Pet Insurance
This point is especially important for those adopting a nomadic lifestyle with a
senior dog. Pet insurance will offer you much-needed support with any unforeseen
veterinary expenses that may arise during your travels.
You
can have peace of mind and reassurance that your pooch will receive the best
possible care without compromising on budget. Depending on the policy, your dog
may receive additional aging benefits over health expenses.
Just choose a policy that aligns well with your budget and use a flexible mode
of payment. It's a strategic move as should be any other when you're traveling
with a
senior dog. A nomadic lifestyle with them, although possible, requires a lot
more planning and foresight.
We
hope this article has shed light on how to become a retiree nomad with a pooch.
This lifestyle is exciting, adventurous, and a little challenging in itself.
Complexities may intensify when a four-legged buddy tags along. However, there's
nothing that a little planning and foresight cannot overcome.
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