What You Need to Know About Dog Travel! Travel Safely with Your Dog!

It seems as if more and more people are taking their dog with them on vacation these days. The good news is more and more hotels are welcoming Fido and allowing him to join in the vacation fun! If you want your vacation with your dog to go smoothly, here's what you need to remember about vacation dog travel:

1. Choose a pet friendly hotel and book your hotel room well ahead of time.

One site with a huge database of pet friendly lodging is http://www.pettravel.com . You can search for pet friendly rooms by location in over 150 countries. Make sure you understand the requirements as far as number of pets allowed, size restrictions, and any additional fees that may be charged for your dog.

2. Before traveling with your dog, make sure he's up-to-date on vaccinations

If you'll be traveling out of the country, your dog will require a rabies vaccine at least 30 days prior to crossing a border. If you should need to board your dog for any reason, he'll also need the bordatella vaccine to protect against kennel cough. He should also be up-to-date on distemper, leptospirosis, and lyme disease. Pay a visit to your dog's vet before traveling to make sure all of his vaccines are up-to-date. If you're traveling outside the country, make sure you understand the country's quarantine requirements and any documentation you'll need.

3. Make sure your dog has proper identification at all times.

Be sure the tags on his collar are all up-to-date with your current address and phone number. Even better, have your dog microchiped for identification. I would recommend having two collars with identification on your dog in the event that one collar should fall off. When your dog is in a strange environment, he could become frightened and bolt. Make sure he can be easily identified.

4. Be prepared in the event of hot weather.

A dog left in a hot car will develop symptoms of heat stroke very rapidly which can result in death. Plan on someone being in the car with your dog at all times with the air conditioner running. Dogs are more sensitive to heat than humans since they can't release it through sweating, only through panting. Have plenty of water available at all times.
5. Bring along your dog's veterinary records.

If your dog should experience a health problem while on vacation, you will want to present your dog's medical records to the vet hospital. If you're leaving the country, you'll also want to show proof your dog is free of disease.

6. Make sure your dog is safely restrained during dog travel.

There are a variety of comfortable harnesses for dogs to wear during car travel that can protect them in the event of an accident. Don't take a chance with your dog's life by having him travel unrestrained.

7. Bring along extra food for your dog.

It's important to have a good supply of your dog's standard food. If you should be detained and need dog food for a few extra days, you don't want to have to give your dog a brand he's not accustomed to. This can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

8. Plan for frequent stops.

Plan to stop frequently to allow your dog to exercise and relieve his bowels and bladder.

9. Carry a current photo of your dog on your trip.

If your dog should escape, you want to be able to show others what your dog looks like so he can be more easily located.

9. Have adequate supplies with you.

It's helpful to bring along first aid supplies for your dog, a spare leash, extra water bottles, and a familiar toy to reduce his stress level during travel. You want Fido to feel comfortable and at home in his new environment!

By planning ahead, you and your best friend should have a smooth dog travel experience!



By Kristie Leong M.D