Now that the world has become a lot more pet-friendly, it’s no longer a novelty to see someone traveling with their dog. A survey of 10,000 American dog owners conducted by Forbes Advisor found that up to 82 percent of dog owners sometimes travel with their pooch by car. Another 33 percent have traveled with their dogs on a plane. Man’s best friend has quickly become man’s best travel buddy, and as someone who’s both a travel aficionado and dog lover, you may be looking forward to going on an adventure with your pup in tow.
But while traveling with your dog will bring about a lot of incredible benefits, it can also be twice as challenging as traveling with only humans in the party—particularly when you’re watching out for dangers, hazards, or other calls for precaution. Be sure to keep these in mind when traveling with your dog:
1) Illness or Injury
The very first thing you should prepare to observe closely is your dog’s health. Before hitting the road, get the sitch on your dog’s health condition and schedule a pre-travel vet visit. During your visit, you can confirm that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and discuss any specific health concerns related to your destination with your vet.
Meanwhile, if you’re flying outside the country, you can expect further requirements to be asked of you from travel authorities and establishments you’ll be visiting. This includes the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate, microchip, and more.
Your dog is also at risk of getting injured anytime during your travels, so pack a pet first aid kit to address minor issues as promptly as possible. You should also familiarize yourself with emergency veterinary services at your destination, ensuring that you can contact them swiftly if the need arises.
2) Aggression, Fear, or Anxiety
New surroundings may trigger aggressive or fearful behavior in some dogs. If you have a dog that responds like this even when you’re in transit to a nearby location, like the vet, then you may have to leave them behind until you’re sure that they can be calm.
Remember, too, that even dogs with happy and outgoing personalities may experience fear or anxiety during travels and may need extra comfort and healthy outlets for their feelings. Be extra sensitive to signs of fear or aggression, such as excessive barking or body language changes, and be prepared to calm your dog down, for example with their favorite toy.
If you’re worried about them being ill at ease in your hotel or bed-and-breakfast, and if you have the space or luggage allowance to do so, you may also want to consider packing familiar items from home, such as their favorite custom dog beds.
3) Sunburn
Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to sunburn, particularly those with short fur or light skin. If you’re headed somewhere sunny with your dog, you should protect your furry friend by bringing pet-friendly sunscreens and putting on customizable branded dog bandanas on their neck. The latter will not only serve as great skin protection for your dog, but also provide them with a stylish touch that will get them noticed by both people and fellow dogs.
To ensure that your pup gets adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays, focus on applying sunscreen on exposed areas like the nose and ears. Moreover, take them to shaded areas during outdoor activities and let them rest from both the heat and from tiring activities.
Lastly, be vigilant for signs of sunburn, such as redness and discomfort. Taking these precautions will help keep your dog safe while allowing them to fully enjoy the sunshine.
4) Dehydration
Proper hydration is crucial for dogs, especially during active travel. You’re in charge of your dog’s water intake, and you should make it a point to let them take regular water breaks and keep a fresh supply on hand.
What’s more, be mindful of factors that may contribute to dehydration in your dog, such as hot weather or increased activity levels. If you see your dog panting excessively and getting sluggish from the excitement, let them have a fresh drink of water and some rest. A well-hydrated pup is a happy and healthy travel companion, and you’d of course want to keep it that way.
5) Hazards on Moving Vehicles
If you’re on a road trip or riding a vehicle like a van or bus, remember that your dog shouldn’t be able to roam or jump around freely, as this could put everyone in the vehicle at risk of an accident. You’ll want to invest in a suitable travel crate, carrier, or harness to secure your furry friend.
Consider the mode of transportation and choose the appropriate restraint method accordingly. You’ll be able to avoid potential injuries and distractions on the road by prioritizing your dog’s safety during travel.
6) Leash Laws
Responsible pet ownership includes adhering to local leash laws and regulations. As a dog owner, you should keep your dog on a leash in public spaces to prevent accidents, conflicts with other animals, or unwanted interactions with strangers.
While the violation of any local leash laws may result in minor fines, this fine can increase depending on the number of times you’ve violated this law. Demonstrate consideration for your fellow travelers and ensure a safe and harmonious experience for everyone by keeping your dog securely on a leash.
With careful planning and consideration, traveling with your dog can be a delightful and enriching experience. Just make sure to keep a vigilant eye on your pup and to prioritize their health, safety, and comfort throughout the journey. Pack your bags, leash up your pup, and be ready to give them your full attention as soon as you both say bon voyage!
