Are you thinking of traveling with your dog? If you are worried about leaving your pet at home or just want to take them with you because they are part of the family this post is for you. Once you have finished this post you will be prepared to make the decision to travel with your pet or find a pet sitter.
1. How is the weather
Weather should be a big factor in making your decision. Even if you are just going to the store with your pet you will need to consider this. If the weather is to hot and you leave your pet in the car they could easily overheat in a matter of minutes. Dogs do not have the ability to sweat through their skin as people do to cool themselves off. So, they will pant to bring cool air into their bodies to lower their body temperatures. Which is already higher than your temperature at 100-102.5⁰F.
2. Does your dog travel well
Have you traveled with your pet before? How are they in the car for short trips to the vet or groomer? If your pet easily gets car sick you will want medication on hand for nausea. If they get anxious easily, they may need medication even before you travel to help calm them.
3. Health problems
Even if your dog has traveled with you many times before health problems and age could change how well your pet will do on a long trip away from home. If your pet has a heart condition putting them in a vehicle and traveling especially when it is hot can cause a lot of distress for your beloved pet. It can become your whole vacation very quickly if your pet has a medical crisis and you have to find medical care and carefully monitor your pet for several days or worse you have to have your pet hospitalized.
By now you have probably decided if your pet will make a good travel companion. Traveling with a pet will mean that you will need to plan. Maybe even months in advance if you are planning on traveling outside the country. Next, I have created a short list of things your pet will need before you travel.
1. Vaccines
Your pet’s vaccinations should be updated at least one week prior to your departure. It takes 7-10 days for the body to have a proper immune response to vaccinations. When traveling with your dog you will need to let him out for walks at various stops. That means that he will have the potential to meet other dogs or encounter areas where other dogs have been. Getting your dog vaccinated properly for these social interactions may include having your dog vaccinated with a Bordetella and Flu vaccine. When a health certificate is required for traveling over state lines or to another country you should also be prepared to show a certificate of Rabies vaccination. It is recommended you speak with your veterinarian about what vaccines are best for your pet and lifestyle situation.
2. Family Pets
Are you going to visit relatives? When visiting family members with a pet it is important to remember that if this is the first-time dog family members are meeting, they may not interact with warm hellos. Pets should be introduced slowly and, on a leash, or in a carrier to prevent any injury to either party. Dogs, no matter how sweet, can be protective of their home and owners. If a new dog welcomes himself right on into his territory, he could be considered a threat and soon you could find your family gathering meeting at the veterinary hospital to get wounds treated.
3. Medications and Diet
If your pet requires daily medications or a specialized diet you should have supply enough to last your entire trip. Prescription medications and foods can only be dispensed by your veterinarian or from a prescription your veterinarian provides. You do not want to be three states away and run out of heart medications or insulin for your fur friend, and any change in diet could cause an upset stomach quickly and nobody wants to be cleaning up diarrhea on their vacation.
This is a list of the best tips for traveling with your pet. There are still some other factors for you to consider. Such as where your pet is going to travel in the vehicle and making sure you know where the closest veterinary hospital is.
Safe Travels!
Kim