Traveling with a dog is not easy, but leaving your pet alone at home isn't cool either. So the solution is to take your furry friend with you on a trip, right? No doubt.
Just the way dogs make your home more fun for you, they can also make your journey more fun too.
However, traveling with a dog can be very stressful for both you and your dog. While some dogs like the teacup Goldendoodle can travel without developing any health issues on the road or at the destination, others find traveling an unpleasant experience.
For that reason, if you plan a trip with your four-legged pet, there are certain things to consider, especially when it comes to safety.
Here you will find some tips on travel precautions to have a trip with your dog without problems.
Updated identification tags.
Regardless of the way you decide to travel, make sure your dog has proper and up-to-date identification tags at all times.
Pet tags must have current information, including name, address, and vaccinations.
Don't forget the medications.
If your dog is medicated, do not forget to bring their medications during the trip! It is also essential that you carry preventive medicines, including some for fleas or ticks.
Don't give your dog tranquilizers.
Some people think that giving their dogs tranquilizers before the flight will help them stay calm and avoid panic or anxiety attacks. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends not giving pets tranquilizers when traveling by air.
Experts argue that tranquilizers can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems during flight, claiming that short-nosed cats and dogs are more prone to respiratory problems on flights.
Make a list of vets.
A preventative tip for traveling with dogs is to make a list of emergency pet hospitals and veterinarians before traveling. You must make a list of those hospitals that work 24 hours a day and are close to the hotel where you will be staying.
Having that information can help you resolve any sudden problems or emergencies with your pet immediately. Hopefully, your beloved dog will be fine, and you won't need to use that list, but being cautious can save you from experiencing stressful situations!
Bring water from home.
Your pet needs to drink water during the trip. However, we recommend bringing bottled water, as drinking water from an area that your pet is not used to can cause an upset stomach. That would be very uncomfortable for your little furry friend!
Consider microchipping your dog.
Another tip that you can follow when traveling with pets is to implant a microchip in your dog before traveling.
With a microchip, you will have a better chance of finding your pet again if it gets lost on the trip, especially if it is a small dog like a teacup Goldendoodle.
You should also make sure the chip is programmed with the most recent contact information if your pet is microchipped. Such information must include a cell phone number.
Train your pet to stay in a crate
Many people believe that using crates for dogs is cruel and unpleasant, but it is actually very useful.
On travel, pets spend more time inside crates than they are used to. Therefore, it is recommended that you make your pet spend some time in the crate some days before the trip.
In this way, your dog will get used to being inside it, feeling less anxiety.
Limit your dog's meals before the trip.
Have you felt bad on a trip after eating? Dogs feel the same! For that reason, we recommend limiting your dog's meals before trips, especially if they are long.
Experts say that pets should travel on an almost empty stomach to avoid an upset stomach or accidents.
If you have questions about this, you can talk to your vet and ask for advice.
Obtain a health certificate.
If you plan to travel with your dog, you should also pay close attention to the legal requirements involved in traveling with pets.
To cross state borders, some authorities require a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or health certificate.
You should investigate the process to obtain a health certificate in your area. The law usually requires the form to be completed by a veterinarian within ten days before the trip.
Board the plane last.
Another of the most useful tips for dog owners who want to travel with their four-legged friends is to wait until the last moment to board if possible. It is beneficial if your doggy will stay in a cab during the trip.
The reason? Tackling at the last minute reduces the amount of time your pet will be alone!
Choose a pet-friendly hotel.
If you are traveling with your dog, you must ensure that the hotel where you will be staying accepts pets. Some only accept small breeds - a teacup Goldendoodle is perfect in these cases - or dogs with a specific weight limit.
Once at the hotel, minimize the time you will leave your pet in the room unattended if it is necessary to leave it alone.
Also, when you leave the hotel, inform the reception that your dog is in the room. You can also leave a "do not disturb" sign on the door and let the front desk staff know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
BONUS: More tips to travel with pets.
- If you travel by car, make frequent stops to go to the bathroom and exercise.
- Never leave your pet alone in the car if you will make a stop, even if it is a quick stop.
- Make an appointment with your pet's vet for a checkup before traveling.
- Choose a direct flight whenever possible.
- Make sure your pet's crate is correctly identified.
- Prepare a travel kit with the things your pet needs.
To sum up.
Traveling with your pet can be a beautiful experience. However, you must be very careful and pay attention to essential aspects for their health, safety, and comfort.
As we mentioned, each dog is unique, and each one will react to the travel experience differently. While some breeds may be better adapted to long trips, especially small ones like the teacup Goldendoodle, some dogs can feel very stressed on both vehicle and airplane travel.
For that reason, in addition to following advice like the ones in this post, you must meet your furry friend and know what you have to do to make the trip pleasant!
