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| Most dogs love adventures and
their natural hunter’s instinct makes them want to explore
new places. Dog lovers hate leaving their pets behind. So
the best option is to take dogs along while on holiday. Dog
road travel or dog air travel can pose problems though. The
tips given here will help you make your holiday a success.
General tips:
- Before letting your dog travel, ensure your dog is healthy.
Check with your vet at least a week prior to travel to make
sure all vaccinations are completed and that there are no
health problems. If necessary get a health certificate from
your vet.
- Carry all the necessary paperwork e.g. current health
certificate, license, vaccination proof. Carry your vet's
phone number.
- Have your dog wear his dog identification at all times
which should include your name, address, and phone number,
and also any local contact number where you can be reached.
- Your dog should be accustomed to travel so it is important
to get them to travel at a young age.
- Plan ahead with regard to all travel accommodation. Many
hotels do not accept dogs and those that do, have limited
accommodation for dog owners.
- Your dog should be well trained to follow basic obedience
commands.
- Use a dog travel harness at all times. This is a requirement
at most places and it will help you manage him and prevent
him from running away.
- Clean up after your dog.
- While traveling with your dog, try to create an environment
as close to what he is familiar with by feeding him his
usual food, at the same intervals, by using a blanket or
rug that he sleeps on, etc.
Special Tips if your dog is traveling by car:
- While planning the trip, take into account that your
dog should not get sick or stressed out by long drives.
Get your pet used to car drives by starting with short tips
to the grocer, the playground etc.
- Consult your vet to find out if your dog needs medication
to keep it calm while traveling.
- Dogs need well-ventilated cars to keep them cool. If
the car is not air-conditioned, keep a window open so that
your dog has fresh air.
- Don't let your dog stick his head out of the window while
the car is moving as this can be very dangerous.
- Stop at least every 2-3 hours to allow your dog to relieve
himself and offer him water.
- Do not leave the dog in a parked car unattended as they
risk being stolen or kidnapped.
- Always park in the shade to protect your dog from heat
strokes.
- Symptoms like rapid panting, fast pulse, excessive dribbling,
red eyes and gums, feverish temperature or vomiting, mean
that your dog needs attention immediately. Place cool towels
on his head and take him to the nearest veterinarian immediately.
- Always carry a first aid kit for your dog. It may come
in handy at some point.
- Getting a dog travel harness or a dog seat belt for riding
in the car is a good idea. This is also required by law
in certain places.
- Carry your dog's favorite food and toys with you besides
his dog’s dishes, brush, towels and a dog travel harness.
- Carry bags to clean up after your dog.
Special Tips for dog air travel:
- Each country has its own specific rules regarding dog
air travel. Follow them carefully.
- Get a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an official
health certificate notarized at the local consulate.
- Make airline reservations at least 3 months in advance
since most airlines usually limit the number of pets that
can be carried on a flight.
- Find out in advance whether the airline that you are
flying on has any specific guidelines with regard to dog
air travel emphasizing on the following
- Will the airline allow you to take your dog in the
cabin with you?
- If option 1 is not available, does the airline have
any restrictions on transporting your dog in the cargo
hold?
- Does the airline have any special pet health and
immunization requirements?
- What are the airlines stipulation and requirements
for dog carriers?
- Try not to fly during peak seasons as your dog is
more likely to undergo stress during hectic travel periods
due to the heavy rush. If possible take direct flights.
- Travel on the same flight as your pet.
- Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded
and unloaded.
- For dog air travel, air travel dog crates or dog
carriers are compulsory. Some airlines sell air travel
dog crates but they are quite expensive. Choose a comfortable
one and give your pet at least a month to become familiar
with the air travel dog crate to minimize his or her
stress during travel. Try using it for short periods,
at home or when you go visiting friends or family.
- Fit your pet with a dog collar that does not get
caught in the door of the air travel dog crate.
- Affix a travel label to the air travel dog crate
with your name, permanent address and telephone number
and the final destination.
- Make sure that your dog's nails have been clipped
to prevent them getting caught in the crate's door.
- Some airlines allow your dog to remain with you in
the passenger compartment; others prefer to keep them
in the luggage compartment.
- Make sure your dog’s health is not at risk
when traveling in the cargo hold. Some breeds have short
nasal passages that leave them ineligible for dog air
travel as they will vulnerable to lack of sufficient
oxygen causing heat strokes in cargo holds.
- Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior
to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before
the trip.
- Do not tranquilize your dog unless it has been prescribed
by your vet. Make sure your veterinarian understands
that the prescription is for air travel.
- Always carry a dog travel harness, so that you can
walk your dog to the check-in area and after arrival.
- When you arrive at your destination, open the air
travel dog crate as soon as possible and make sure your
dog is alright. Take it to the nearest vet immediately,
if you sense anything wrong.
Armed with these tips we hope your holiday with your
dog is an enjoyable and a memorable experience for you
and your dog.
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