You love your pet, and you want them to go everywhere you go. Taking your best friend with you to see the world sounds like the adventure of a lifetime, but traveling with your dog can be harder than it seems. We’ve outlined common travel hazards for you, so you can focus on enjoying your trip!
Airplane
Airplanes are by far the most difficult way to travel with your dog. If you have a bigger pet, they’ll most likely have to go in the undercarriage of the plane with checked baggage. This can be stressful and dangerous for a dog, as the temperature is not carefully regulated, and your pet’s crate is not always handled with the best care. In previous years, many owners have unfortunately lost their dogs to poor traveling conditions or negligence on a flight.
If you’re dog is less than 20 pounds, most airlines will let you carry them onto the plane in a soft-sided carrier, if you notify them far in advance and pay a hefty pet fee (about $100, depending on the airline). The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, and your dog should be able to sit and stand in this position. If you do carry on your pet, know that they cannot, for any reason, exit their carrier during the flight. If your pet becomes anxious, you and the other passengers will have to tolerate any whining or howling. Most airports have stations where your pet can relieve himself before and after flying, but a long flight can be hard on a dog with a little bladder. Call the airline well in advance to learn the details of flying with your pet, where a relief station might be located, and other rules and fees that might crop up.
Unlike with long car rides, sedatives are not an option for your pet on a flight. They can cause respiratory and temperature regulation problems while your pet is in a small, contained space. Short-snouted breeds like pugs and bulldogs should not fly under any circumstances- it’s too difficult for them to breath and regulate their temperature during long flights in a carrier.
Car
The car is an easier option than a plane, but it’s not without it’s problems. Dogs that do well on shorter car rides may struggle with nausea or anxiety when they’re in the car for several hours at a time. The last thing you want on a long road trip is to clean up after a nervous dog or to hear barking and whining the whole way.
If you can’t avoid a trip in the car, give your dog lots of pre-trip car rides to make them familiar with the process. If he has trouble with anxiety or nausea, a vet might prescribe a sedative for the trip. Make sure your dog is secure for the car ride- the ideal would be a dog harness made for the back seat, that lets him sit comfortably while keeping him contained. Stop every two hours to let your pet relieve himself and get some water and fresh air.
Hotel
It’s difficult to find a hotel or an AirBnB to accommodate your furry friend. Even if you find a place that’s willing, bringing Fido often comes with a hefty fee, plus extra cost if your dog has an accident. A new environment can often confuse or stress a dog, and interfere with house training that you thought was well established.
If you do find a place that will house your pet, ask lots of questions to make sure you don’t end up with hidden costs. Bring a bed or a special blanket so that your dog has a familiar place to relax and fall asleep. Let your dog explore the new surroundings on a leash at first, so they can establish that the same rules apply here as they do at home.
While having your dog with you on a trip is often fun and sometimes unavoidable, the easiest way to keep them happy is often to leave them behind. At Pawderosa Ranch, we keep your dog happy and active while you’re away. Save yourself the money and worry, and let your pet greet you unstressed and refreshed when you come home. Call us today and learn about our special services and amenities for your pet.
Book your dog’s stay today.
Sources:
https://www.southwest.com/html/generated/help/faqs/pets_faq.html
http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/responsible-dog-ownership/travel-tips/
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/travel/cesars-travel-tips
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips
http://www.southwestvacations.com/generalinformation/pets-in-cabin
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/pets.html
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/mcgee/2014/12/10/flying-with-pet-cat-dog/20143169/
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/
