Whether you are traveling for spring break, summer
vacation, or during a holiday you want to make sure your dog is prepared for
the trip. If your dog is not used to riding in the car, you want them to get
familiar with riding in the car, so start taking them on small car trips around
town, continue making the trips longer and longer until you feel your dog is
ready for the long car ride. If you are
flying and they are not used to being in a carrier, begin putting them in a
carrier for a few minutes a day until they are comfortable and know the carrier
is not a punishment. You want a carrier that will meet the requirements of the
airline, as well as enough room for your dog. Your dog should be able to stand
up and turn around. You do not want the
carrier to be restrictive because then your dog will despise being in it. Make sure your destination is pet-friendly,
whether you are visiting family, friends, or a specific area. The worse you
want to do is go to find your furry friend is not allowed or invited.
When packing for your dog make sure to keep them on their
regular diet, pack a toy or two of their own, a blanket or towel, food/water
bowls, dog treats, and maybe a bed (pending the space you have) so they have a
piece of home. If you are driving, make
sure to pack water so when you stop you can give your dog some water. If it is a long drive, make sure you have
their food accessible to feed them. When driving makes sure to walk them so
they can relieve themselves. Make sure
your dog is secure in your car by a seatbelt or carrier, in the event of a car
accident the carrier, pet car seat, or seatbelt will help keep your Dog safe.
If you are flying, it’s best not to feed or give them
water two hours prior to them flying. Make
sure to let them go to the bathroom before you enter the airport or security
area. There are some airports that have
pet relief areas, but they may be outside the security areas, research the airports
before going to know if your airport has a pet relief area or not. Leave enough
time to allow your pet to relieve themselves before the flight.
If your dog is on a special diet, research your destination
to make sure you can get their food. You do not want to change their diet and
risk any issues while on vacation or visiting. Pack all your dog’s medications,
heartworm prevention (pending the time of the month you give your dog their heartworm
prevention), a recent photo, and a current vaccination record for your Dog. Do
not forget when packing to pack an emergency kit for your dog such things as
gauze bandage, eyewash, tweezers, bandages, muzzle, extra leash/harness, and
gloves.
Take your dog to their veterinarian for a full physical.
You want to verify that your dog is up to date on their vaccinations especially
if they are going to a different region, they are healthy to make the car ride,
and/or if you are flying your dog will need a flight certification. Once you get a clean bill of health from
their veterinarian request a copy of the vaccination record to have on hand
while you travel, in case of emergency. Reminder,
if you are flying call ahead to the airline to let them know you are traveling
with your dog (brachycephalic breeds are not to fly in cargo due to their
breathing issues) and most airlines have restrictions on the number of dogs
allowed on a flight.
If have not done so it is best to get your dog
microchipped. Many rescues, animal
clinics, veterinarians, dog catchers, etc. utilize this method to help get a
beloved dog back to their owners. Make
sure to use a secure harness/collar, leash, and your dog is wearing their dog
tags while you are traveling and while you are at your destination. You may
know the area you are going to but to your dog, you are going to a strange
place with new smells, so be patient while they acclimate to their temporary
surroundings. If the cost of the
microchip is a problem watch in your area, some Humane Societies, veterinarian clinics,
or rescues will offer a microchip at a reduced cost to you.
Be mindful of your dog during your travels and destination.
Be mindful of what your dog gets into such as the different plants, potential
toxins, pets around the area, bodies of water such as pond, lake or pool,
children and etcetera. Make sure you are aware of local emergency veterinarian
clinics around the area, hopefully, you won’t need it, but it is best to know
where one is before you need one.
Traveling is stressful for you and your dog so
consider all options and choose the right options for you and your beloved dog.
Have a happy and safe journey.
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