The holiday season has started! Are you planning to travel over the next few weeks? If so, you may decide to take your canine companion with you. Fido does make a great travel buddy. However, there are some things for you to keep in mind. An Aurora, CO vet offers some advice on traveling with your four-legged friend in this article.
Preparations
Keeping up with your pup’s preventative care is very important. Fido should be microchipped, wearing ID tags, and current on vaccines and parasite control. Take copies of his records with you. (Tip: upload digital copies to a cloud-based storage system.) You may also want to get a collar with GPS monitoring. If your furry buddy does slip away in a strange area, this may prove invaluable!
Car Rides
Always keep your pooch crated for travel. Your canine pal may love sniffing the wind, but it’s just not safe for dogs to ride with their heads out the window. Fido could get dust, dirt, pebbles, or even cigarette butts in his face. He could also step on the power window control, which could be very dangerous. Make his crate comfy by adding bedding and a few toys, and remember to stop frequently.
Plane Rides
Before bringing Fido on a plane, ask yourself if it really is best to take him with you. A small dog may be able to travel in the cabin with you, but larger pups—with the exception of service animals—often need to travel in cargo. This can be extremely scary for pets! Unexpected delays can also be uncomfortable or even dangerous at this time of year, as many cargo holds are unheated. That said, if you do decide to fly with your furry friend, look carefully into the airline’s policies and records when booking. Try to get a direct flight, or at least one with short layovers.
Packing
You’ll need to pack a bag for your canine buddy. Fido will need food, toys, treats, bedding, dishes, a leash or collar, and a tie-line. If you’re going to a cold climate, your pooch may need a jacket as well.
Altitude
Changes in altitude can and does affect dogs. Keep a close eye on Fido when going to different elevations and back. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Do you have any questions about traveling with dogs? Contact us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, today!
