Whether you are travelling with your dog for a weekend getaway, camping, or for moving to a new part of the world, ensuring his health as a responsible pet owner becomes extremely important. If you happen to be traveling with your dog for the first time, you might want to check with your vet and properly discuss your plans with him briefly. He will surely be able to prescribe you with medications for common problems, like anxiety and motion sickness.
Apart from that, you will need to take care of your canine friend on your own so she can also have a healthy and happy trip. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Foods
When travelling with your dog, don’t just stuff him with easy-to-obtain and inexpensive foods as they can mess up his health. Instead, opt for more natural options like cranberries and blueberries, as they are full of antioxidants and fiber. A couple of fresh, frozen, or dried cans of berries can be a healthy treat and it has long been believed that cranberries can help with the health of urinary tract.
Apple cider vinegar is also a great option for balancing PH levels and helps the digestive tract. One teaspoon is sufficient for most dogs. Lastly, pumpkin also makes a great travelling food for your dog as it is high in fiber, minerals and antioxidants. It relaxes an upset stomach, softens hard stool and hardens loose stools.
Additives
Probiotics can be useful during stressful times as they keep the intestinal flora healthy and balanced. Another great additive is spirulina, which has been known to strengthen the immune system, and is full of protein and micronutrients. Add this health supplement to your dog’s diet while on the road and even at home.
Bring the Essentials
It is important to keep your dog calm during the travel or he might be stressed out, creating trouble for everyone. You can do this by ensuring all his favorite things are in place with him, such as his blankie or his favorite stuffed toy, chew bones or any other item that your dog loves and derive comfort from.
If you dog is an emotional support animal, make sure to bring the proper legal documentation along so you dog is able to travel with you on the airplane, stay with you in your hotel, and keep you company on any form of public transportation.
Anti-Allergy Medications
Travel situations can prove unhealthy for your dog, as they are full of pet allergens including foods, like milk and corn, airborne particles like dust, mold spores and pollen, and chemicals like detergents. It is important that you limit your dog’s exposure as much, also carry anti-allergic medications, and other preventative measures like tick brush.
Be Vigilant
Wherever you keep your dog, make sure there aren’t any loose collars, leashes and other similar items around as they can result in a choking hazard and prove to be extremely dangerous. Another important thing to be smart about is the amount of time you leave your dog alone. Whether you are in a plane or a car, don’t leave your dog alone for more than 15 minutes or your dog might freak out due to separation anxiety.
Don’t Be Dramatic
If you are travelling in an airplane and dog isn’t flying with you in the main cabin, don’t make a big deal out of it by creating a dramatic goodbye scene. Avoid using sentences like “Mommy will be back soon!” as this will only make your dog more aware of the temporary farewell and upset him.
Travelling with your dog can be an entertaining experience for both the pet and the owner. Just be sure that you are prepared in all the right ways and smart about your decisions.
