Travelling With A Medium Dog
Travelling should be a fun and enriching experience for you and your dog. However it requires careful planning and lots of preparation to make the journey a smooth and successful one.
Some points to consider when travelling with your medium dog:
General Points To Take Note Of:
- Is your pet strong enough to withstand the rigours of travelling for long distances in a cramped and enclosed space? It is advisable to check with your vet whether your dog is healthy enough to travel first before making any travel plans. Vaccinations should be up to date and your dog should be dewormed and protected from fleas and ticks. Request for a health certificate from your vet stating that your dog is in good health and properly vaccinated.
- Your dog must be disciplined enough to obey your commands under the most strange and unfamiliar surroundings.
- If your pet is not used to travelling, consider bringing him on short 10 to 15 minute trips in your car. Increase the travelling time gradually once he is more familiar with being in the car.
- A sturdy crate such as the one in the picture is a necessity when travelling with your dog. The crate should be clean and large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in.
- Ensure that your dog has with him an up-to-date identification tag stating his name, your name, your contact phone numbers and the name and phone number of the hotel that you will be staying at during the trip. Microchipping your pet before bringing him on any trip is highly recommended.
- Carry a photo of your dog with you at all times in case your dog gets lost accidentally.
- Remember to bring an adequate supply of daily necessities such as
- his leash, toys and a blanket
- dog booties especially if the area you are going to is very hot or cold
- bowls for food and water
- food, drinking water and treats
- can opener (if he is eating canned food)
- first-aid supplies and medication
- towels, brushes and dog shampoo
- extra plastic bags and old newspapers for cleaning up
- Always double confirm that your selected accomodation allows dogs. When you make your booking, obtain a printed confirmation from the accomodation provider that states clearly that dogs are allowed.
- Keep the pet-friendly premises as clean as possible.
- Inform the reception if you are leaving your dog in the room and ensure that the room is well-aired, at a comfortable temperature and that your dog is securely in his crate first before leaving him in the room.
Travelling By Air
- Travelling by air is likely to be a very uncomfortable experience for your pet, so do try to avoid it if possible.
- Check with the airlines on their pet travel policies. Some airline carriers do not allow pets at all. Always follow the airline's safety and feeding regulations for pets and clarify any doubts that you have before the flight.
- Do not subject pug-nosed breeds to air travel as they may have difficulty breathing in the pressurized air cargo hold areas.
- Choose a direct flight if possible and do not travel with your pet during peak holiday seasons or during extreme weather conditions.
Travelling By Car
- Consider using a safety harness or dog safety belt during car trips to keep your dog safe. Other options include travelling with your dog in a crate.
- Do not leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day especially under the sun as temperatures inside a car can easily be more than 20 degrees above the temperature outside the car within just a few minutes. Your dog will be very succeptible to heat stroke under those kind of temperatures and it could even be fatal.
- If your dog is an expensive pedigree breed, he may even be stolen if left unattended in a parked car. So never leave your dog unattended at all times when travelling.