Dr. Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP)

Traveling with your dog can be an exciting experience and is a good way to bond and make lifelong memories but do you know how to prepare for a safe dog travel?

 

Generally, you should get all essential travel supplies when traveling with a dog such as food and water bowls, blankets, harnesses, leashes, toys, and others. It is recommended to follow vet tips for safe travel and to avoid travel anxiety and stress in dogs.

 

Read on to learn all about traveling with dogs and how to prepare for the trip. Also, learn to identify travel stress symptoms in dogs and how to cope with them in this comprehensive prepared by a small animal veterinarian.

How To Get Your Dog Ready For Travel

If you are planning to travel with your dog via road you must know what supplies to carry for a safe and comfortable journey.

 

To make you and your dog well-prepared for your journey, here is a list of things that you should prepare for your travel:

 

• Containers for both food and water.

 

• Sufficient amount of dog food and water.

 

• Any ongoing medications that your dog consumes.

 

• Treats that are stored in a compact bag or tote.

 

• Toys to keep your dog content and engaged.

 

• Extra collars and leashes

 

• Basic grooming equipment such as a brush or comb especially during longer journeys.

 

• An up-to-date photograph of your dog, if you become separated.

 

• You should provide your dog with blankets or old towels to lie on.

 

• Collection bags for dog waste

 

• Wipes can be used to keep your dog clean and sanitary.

 

• ID tags with both the number of your dog's microchip and your phone number.

 

• Bed for rest during

 

• If your dog needs a travel crate, you should get one that folds up for easy accessibility.

 

• Tick and flea preventions especially if you have plans to go on hikes through wooded regions during your travel.

 

• A first aid box containing bandages, a tourniquet, tweezers, scissors, antiseptics, and a thermometer.

 

• The harness for the seatbelt.

Top Vet-Approved Tips For Safe Dog Travel:

Following are some of the most important tips and advice from approved veterinarians for secure and comfortable travel with your dog.

Adequate Food And Hydration:

When you pack for your dog, make sure to bring along their regular dog food, plenty of fresh water, and some tasty treats.

 

Also, don't forget to bring a bowl that can be collapsed during stopovers. To prevent an upset stomach, you should also make an effort to avoid making unexpected changes to their food. When it comes to having a great road trip with your pet, consistency is truly the key.

Ventilation:

The vehicle in which your dog will travel must have adequate ventilation and ample space for them to stand, sit, and lie down.

 

Also, ensure that the space in the vehicle isn't so large that they run the risk of being jostled around.

 

Ensure you have proper airflow throughout the vehicle especially if your dog is in the back to avoid respiratory distress. Some of the signs of respiratory distress in dogs are panting, hypersalivation, abdominal breathing, and restlessness.

 

In such situations stop the vehicle on the side and don’t rush your dog out immediately. Rather lower all the windows, open the tailgate, and help make your dog relax.

 

Once the breathing rate is a bit normal bring your dog out of the vehicle, offer some water, and take for a little walk. If the condition doesn't improve, rush to the nearest veterinary care center.

 

Meal Breaks:

Ideally, your pet should not eat while the car is moving, or at least three to four hours before starting the trip to avoid motion sickness.

 

This can be especially challenging when dealing with pups that consume a small amount of food regularly. If you are traveling with puppies, you should think about leaving extremely early in the morning or even overnight, when they would normally be sleeping, to avoid the worst of the traffic.

 

This is something you should consider doing depending on the duration of your journey. This will enable you to maintain their stomachs adequately empty in order to prevent them from throwing up, without interfering with their metabolic requirements to an excessive degree.

Bathroom Breaks:

There is a possibility that puppies or older dogs will want more frequent trips to the potty; therefore, it is important to incorporate breaks into your journey to avoid any last-minute discomfort or accidents.

 

Also, enabling them to sip water and extend their legs which is something elderly dogs need. They should consume water from a shallow drinking bowl but don't let them drink too much because they may throw up throughout your journey.

Safety While Traveling (Harness, Leash, To Secure Dog)

It's time to start thinking about how you will safely confine your pet moving forward. Would you be willing to utilize a harness and seat belt clip, a crate that is fastened inside the vehicle, or a boot compartment that has a trip divider? Remember to take into consideration the comfort of your pet: are they able to stand, sit, and lie down?

 

It is important to make sure your pet can move around in the location you choose, but they must also be safe in case of an accident. You must also provide proper ventilation; never cover boxes with blankets or towels, since this will hinder airflow.

 

If you are not putting your dog in a crate then make sure it is secured with a leash or harness no matter how trained your dog is.

Ongoing Medications

Existing medical conditions and medications must be considered while traveling with dogs, particularly seniors. Carry your pet's prescriptions as usual and make sure you have enough for the holiday.

 

It's worth searching for local veterinarians beforehand because knowing this information will make handling any awkward situations easier.

Never Leave Dogs Alone In The Parked Car

Even a fast pit stop in a hot automobile can cause your dog to overheat without you recognizing it as heat stroke and death can occur in minutes.

Signs And Symptoms Of Travel Stress And Anxiety:

When a dog is in a car, some of the most typical indicators of anxiety include the following:

 

• Trembling or shaking the body.

 

• The unwillingness to get inside the vehicle.

 

• Excessive yawning.

 

• A whimpering, panting, or barking sound.

 

• Behaving restlessly or pacing around.

 

• Excessive licking

 

• Recurrent drooling

 

The condition known as motion sickness can also be the cause of some of these symptoms. It is possible for a dog who is experiencing vehicle sickness to throw up as well, or they may simply exhibit more subtle signs of distress.

What To Do If My Dog Is Scared Of Traveling

You can try the following strategies to make your dog more comfortable and relaxed during travel:

 

• You can consult a veterinarian regarding your dog's travel or vehicle anxiety. They can recommend products such as CBD oil or other over-the-counter medications to calm your pet during travel.

 

• Your dog's bed or favorite toy as well as any clothing that smells like you are all examples of comfort items that you should bring with you. Select a washable item if your canine companion is prone to experiencing vehicle sickness.

 

• Put on some music that is gentle and calming.

 

• You can use a puzzle feeder stuffed with a unique reward to divert your dog's attention.

 

• If you are going on an extended trip, make sure to have enough supplies (food and water) and stop frequently for bathroom breaks.

 

References:

 

1. America, A. L. (2024, August 20). Tips for Traveling with Your Pet. Animal League. https://www.animalleague.org/blog/tips/life-with-pets/tips-for-traveling-with-pets/

 

1. Cox, J. (2024, February 26). The ultimate dog packing list — What to pack for your pet. Eagle Creek. https://www.eaglecreek.com/blogs/articles/ultimate-dog-packing-list-what-to-pack-for-your-pet

 

1. Dog Behavior and Training - Traveling - Air and car travel | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training-traveling-air-and-car-travel#:~:text=You%20can%20reduce%20stress%20associated,Adaptil%E2%84%A2)%20may%20reduce%20anxiety

 

1. Dog travel anxiety: Prevention, treatment, and more | Bond Vet. (n.d.). Bond Vet. https://bondvet.com/b/dog-car-anxiety#:~:text=Bring%20a%20comfort%20item%2C%20such,filled%20with%20a%20special%20treat

 

1. Escapehatch. (2024, June 24). 6 Tips for Driving with Pets on Vacation. Pet Food Institute. https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/6-tips-driving-pets-vacation/

 

1. Top tips for travelling with pets post-lockdown. (n.d.). TrustedHousesitters. https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/owners/travelling-with-pets-post-lockdown/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleAds_Direct_Search_Brand+Non-Brand_ROW_Asia_Acquisitions&utm_content=Dynamic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8--2BhCHARIsAF_w1gylry_6c_SOEoU297lQxwqb7Vw6Y8OVOrWAMMxbzATxfpqQFtOaiH8aAsz2EALw_wcB

 

1. Travel safety tips. (n.d.). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips