When you need to travel with your dog, it’s important to be prepared and take the necessary steps to make it as safe and easy as possible.
During the holiday season, a lot of people are going to travel—some of them are going to bring their dogs. Traveling with your dog can be very enjoyable, and a great memory for both you and your pup. It is important to take some steps to keep your dog comfortable and safe during any travel, whether you’re going on vacation or heading home to visit family for the holidays.
Make a Plan
For any trip, the first step is the planning phase. Think about the logistics of bringing your dog.
For vacations where you plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb, you will need to find dog-friendly lodging in the area where you plan to stay. You will also need to have some sort of itinerary to ensure that there is plenty of time to spend with your dog, even when you have plans to do some things without them.
For traveling to see family, such as during the holiday season, some of the planning might be a little easier. However, there are still things that should be considered before you go. While you are staying with family, where will your dog sleep? Do they have pets that could pose issues? How will you handle feeding times and walks? Is your dog afraid of small children? Consider any and all potential risks, hazards, and obstacles for your dog before you commit to bringing them. This will help you form a plan of action if you do decide to bring them along.
Get Them Vaccinated
Even if you’re just going home, get your dog up-to-date on their vaccines before you travel with your dog. This ensures their safety around strange places and new dogs, especially if you meet up with other dogs that are not vaccinated. It’s a good idea to keep a proof of rabies vaccination on you as well, just in case.
In addition, have your dog microchipped so that it’s easy to be reunited in case you get separated. Shelters and vets are capable of scanning for the microchip and pulling up your information so you can be alerted if your companion is found.
Pack Their Stuff
Make sure you have everything your dog may need during your trip. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Collar/harness and leash
- Bowls for food and water
- Waste bags
- Food
- Blankets
- Paper towels
- Crate/carrier
- Medications
Consider the possibility of needing other important items. If you’re going on a tropical beach vacation with your dog, you should bring a life vest for them and dog sunscreen. Also, it doesn’t hurt to bring any comfort items they are attached to, as this can help manage their stress level during the trip.
Keep Them Safe
When traveling by car, keeping your dog safe is a major concern. Keep them safe by buckling them up or having them travel in a kennel or carrier. Dogs in kennels and carriers are safer than dogs that are not, and they can’t run away after an accident. Dogs often get lost this way, so it’s best to take steps to avoid it.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.