Traveling with your pooch can be a joyful experience, but it also has its challenges. As a dog parent, you need to ensure that your furry companion is safe and comfortable throughout the journey. It could be a day-long flight or a short road trip. Either way, you should prepare carefully to avoid stress and have a smooth travel experience.
According to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), air travel is one of the safest modes of travel for pets. Millions of pets and live mammals travel by air worldwide annually. Therefore, from planning the trip based on your dog’s needs to adding the right essentials to your luggage, there are many crucial steps to take.
Are you wondering how to go about it? Keep reading this article to learn more.
Keep Your Pet in Mind and Plan the Trip
Think about your furry friend’s needs before you start to plan the trip. Here, you need to consider the trip duration, mode of transportation, and your pet’s security. If you are going for a road trip in a car, schedule regular stops. It will allow your pet to stretch, relax, and stay hydrated.
On the other hand, if you’ve decided to travel by air, check the pet policy of the airline in advance. It’s because different airlines have separate requirements for pet travel, that comprise health documentation, weight limits, and carrier size.
For instance, American Airlines states that you can carry a pet carrier if you pay a carry-on pet fee. It allows your pet to remain under the seat right in front of you throughout the flight. However, if a pet is too big to fly in the cabin, it will be placed at the American Airlines Cargo.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Visiting the veterinarian before you travel is non-negotiable. Make sure that your pet is properly vaccinated. Also, ask for a medical records copy as you may need it while traveling internationally and across state lines.
Additionally, address any concerns related to travel with your vet. For instance, you can seek guidance on motion sickness and anxiety and whether you need to give your dog a sedative for the trip.
According to WebMD, the standard medications for anxiety-related issues include:
- Xanax for panic disorders and fears.
- Amitriptyline for reactivity.
- Valium for situational anxiety.
- Prozac for aggression and compulsive behaviors.
- Paxil for generalized anxiety.
However, you shouldn’t self-medicate, as that may affect your dog’s health while you are traveling.
Get a Pet Travel Kit Ready
Just like us, even your pooch requires a travel kit. This should consist of essentials such as bowls, food, water, grooming supplies, a leash, and necessary medications. Make sure to carry your pet’s favorite blanket or toy, which will provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort in an unknown setting.
You might also want to add a first-aid kit customized for pets and add bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes to it.
Clean Your Home Before Traveling
Dog parents often overlook the crucial task of cleaning their home before traveling. In most cases, it gets addressed as a last-minute to-do task. Pet parents need to take time and plan this ahead of time. By doing that, they ensure they both return to a healthy home environment once they are back from their vacation.
The backyard is where maximum pet waste accumulates, and you need to clean this up before you leave. Otherwise, it will be a breeding ground for harmful parasites and bacteria. Also, when left uncleaned for a prolonged period, pet waste can give out a foul smell that spreads across your house. It affects your living conditions and also creates a poor impression when a guest walks in.
According to Scoop Soldiers, leading companies specializing in pet waste removal and sanitization services ensure that pet owners can maintain a clean yard. They know that other than aesthetics, dog poop also needs to be cleaned regularly to keep the area sanitized. These companies operate with a partnering approach and customize plans that cater to a dog parent’s clean-up requirement.
Update Microchip Information
Before you travel, update your dog’s identification tags with your current contact details. Is your pet microchipped? If so, verify that the data is updated as well. Unfortunately, if your dog gets lost while you are traveling, the precise data can help you to get back your dog safely.
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines a microchip as a tiny, electronic chip that is enclosed in a glass cylinder. A veterinarian implants this chip under the dog’s skin using a hypodermic needle. You can ask your vet to scan the chip annually to ensure it is functioning correctly and is detectable.
FAQs
What should you give your dog before a flight?
A pheromone calming collar, such as Adaptil, can be effective in reducing anxiety. Veterinarians may also prescribe medications like trazodone, gabapentin, or alprazolam to help alleviate travel-related anxiety in dogs. Make sure to try these medications at home before your trip to understand how your dog will respond.
How should you pack dog food for travel?
No matter where you’re flying, pack your dog’s food in clear plastic bags and label them clearly to ensure a hassle-free experience at security checks.
Is traveling stressful for dogs?
Traveling can indeed affect pets psychologically. The shift in environment, routine, and exposure to unfamiliar stimuli can lead to stress and anxiety in some animals. This might manifest as restlessness, increased vocalization, or a reduced appetite in response to the new surroundings.
Undoubtedly, you and your furry companion can be the perfect travel duo when you follow precise planning. It is necessary to arrange your travel schedule beforehand so that everything is under control. From checking with a vet for sedatives to cleaning your backyard of pet waste, you have a list of things to address. The guidelines mentioned above can help you prepare better.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
