How to Travel Stress-Free with Your Dog

On top of that, having your pup as a travel companion has many positives, including: – Dogs encourage outdoor activities like hiking and exploring.- They are great conversation starters and icebreakers.- Their love and joy are guaranteed to improve your mood.- Your pup will make you stay present. – Dogs make you appreciate life’s little things and simple pleasures.- And finally, they can undoubtedly make any adventure or trip way more fun and exciting!

So now that we’ve established this, let’s jump to the 13 things you absolutely need to know before travelling with your dog.

plan ahead

Research pet-friendly accommodations, airlines, and attractions in advance. My absolute favourite is when I look for accommodation and the platform shows 896 results until I add the pet-friendly filter (if there’s one at all), and BAM! The results drop to 40. Although the trend seems to be moving towards the positive direction of pets being welcomed in more hotels, keep in mind that pet policies can vary widely. Some accommodations may only allow pets of a certain size or breed or may charge additional pet fees or deposits. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific accommodation you are interested in to confirm their pet policies before booking and on the day of your arrival. Unless you like being surprised upon arrival with a fee, which usually varies between 10-20 EUR per day.

visit the vet

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and obtain any necessary health certificates for travel. The required vaccinations and pills for a travelling dog depend on the destination and the mode of transportation. In general, there are some common vaccinations and preventive medications that may be required or recommended for dogs travelling internationally or domestically:

• Rabies vaccination
• Bordetella vaccination
• Lyme disease vaccination
• Leptospirosis vaccination
• Heartworm preventive medication
• Flea and tick preventive medication
• Distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHPP) vaccination

Make sure to consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with the destination and travel requirements to determine the specific vaccinations and preventive medications that are needed for a travelling dog. Additionally, some countries may require specific documentation or health certificates, so research and prepare accordingly.

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schedule frequent breaks

Give your dog a chance to stretch its legs, use the bathroom regularly, drink water and get some exercise. The frequency of breaks will depend on the length of your trip, your dog’s age and health, and other factors such as temperature and weather conditions.

In general, we tend to stop every 2-3 hours when travelling with our cocker. She’s quite good at signalling when she needs to move or go to the bathroom, however, sometimes she would do something unusual such as pant, pace, or whine. In such cases when your pup exhibits any signs of distress or discomfort, make sure to take more frequent breaks or adjust your travel plans to better accommodate your dog’s needs.

bring a muzzle

I know, I know. I don’t like constraining my pup either, especially when I’m sure it doesn’t pose any threat to others. I keep it on a leash and look after it responsibly. However, very often, pet-friendly attractions allow dogs only if they have a muzzle on, regardless of size or breed. The same goes for public transport. And honestly, I won’t complain. I’d rather Lexi wears a muzzle for an hour than skip an exciting exhibition or, even worse, have to leave her behind.

keep your dog’s anxiety in mind

Travel anxiety is a common issue for dogs, and it can manifest in a number of ways. Some dogs may become restless and whiny, while others may pant excessively or drool. Some may pace or bark, and some may even become destructive.

Several factors can contribute to travel anxiety in dogs, such as unfamiliar environments, separation from the owner, or not being used to travelling. Some dogs may be more prone to anxiety due to genetics or past experiences.

If your pup experiences travel anxiety, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate its symptoms. Here are a few suggestions:

gradual exposure

Gradually introduce your dog to travelling by starting with short trips around the block and then slowly increasing the length of the trips. This can help your pup acclimate to the sensation of travelling and reduce their anxiety.

create a comfortable environment

Make your dog’s travel space as comfortable as possible. Consider bringing their favourite blanket, toys, and treats. You may also want to cover their crate or carrier with a blanket to create a cosy, den-like space.

take breaks

Make sure to take frequent breaks during long trips, allowing your little friend to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and get some fresh air. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.

consider professional training

If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can help you develop a plan to desensitize your dog to travel and reduce their anxiety over time.

use calming aids

I am not a big supporter of this, but some people use natural calming aids, such as lavender oil or pheromone sprays, to help their dogs relax during travel. In my opinion, travelling should be fun both for you and your pup and if that’s not the case, perhaps you should think of an alternative, like asking a trusted friend or family member to babysit it. However, if you ever decide that there is no other solution and calming aids are the way you’d like to go, please make sure to speak with your veterinarian about prescription medications that can help alleviate anxiety.

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don’t leave your dog unattended

Try not to leave your dog alone in a car or hotel room. Leaving your dog alone in a car or hotel room can be dangerous for several reasons, and it is generally not recommended. Here are some reasons why:

heatstroke

When left alone in a car, a dog can quickly overheat and suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

theft

Leaving your dog alone in a car or hotel room can make them vulnerable to theft. Dogs can be valuable and sought-after, especially purebred or designer breeds.

anxiety and stress

Dogs are social animals and can become anxious and stressed when left alone in an unfamiliar environment, such as a hotel room. This can lead to destructive behaviour, excessive barking, and other problems.

injury

Dogs left alone in a hotel room or car can accidentally injure themselves by jumping from furniture, trying to escape, or chewing on objects that could be harmful to them.

Overall, unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s best not to leave your dog alone in a car or hotel room for their safety and well-being. However, in case you need to leave your pet unattended, consider leaving them with a trusted friend or family member, or use a dog-sitting service or kennel.

In the cases where we have left Lexi alone in a hotel room as a last resort (yeah, we ain’t perfect), there are 4 things I always check:

1. DOES SHE HAVE WATER?

Our cocker is used to having access to water at all times, so I always make sure to leave a full bowl before we leave.

2. DID SHE GET ENOUGH EXERCISE?

We try to make sure Lexi gets enough exercise before we leave her alone in the room. This helps reduce her anxiety and makes her more comfortable and as a bonus, it usually means she’ll spend her alone time napping rather than being mischievous.

3. IS THE ROOM SECURE?

Are there any potential hazards such as exposed wires, loose items that could be chewed or swallowed, or open windows that could pose a danger?

4. DOES SHE HAVE ANYTHING FAMILIAR WITH HER?

We usually bring her bed or at least a blanket so she feels more comfortable. If that’s not the case, we leave some of our laundry out (mostly t-shirts or something we’re not too attached to) so she can snuggle in it and feel less anxious about being left behind while we’re out.

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and finally,

Don’t forget to have fun! Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, so enjoy the journey together and don’t forget to take pictures!