Traveling With Fido

Summer is here, and many people are thrilled to be picking back up with all the plans and reunions the pandemic derailed. For lots of people, that means travel! Fido loves going to new places with his human buddies. A Huntersville, NC vet offers some tips on traveling with your pup below.

Preparation

Before going anywhere with your canine buddy, make sure that he is microchipped, wearing ID tags, and up to date on his vaccines and parasite control. Better safe than sorry!

Packing

You’ll need to pack a doggy bag for your canine buddy. Some things to put on that packing checklist would be food, toys, water, paw balm, treats, dishes, a spare tie-line, an extra leash and collar, towels, pet wipes, a pet first-aid kit, bedding, and toys, as well as any medication Fido takes. If you’re going to be near water, include a pet lifejacket.

Paperwork

Be sure to bring copies of Fido’s registration and vaccination records. You may be asked to provide this at hotels or other areas. (Tip: take pictures of these, or email copies to yourself, so you can access them from anywhere.) You might also want to include a pet first-aid brochure.

Local Hazards

If you’re going to a completely new area, you’ll want to take time to learn about potential hazards in that area. That could be anything from dangerous plants, such as foxtails; poisonous snakes; or ponds and lakes that have been contaminated by blue-green algae.

Travel Accommodations

We know, Fido looks cute sticking his head out the window. Unfortunately, this really isn’t safe for him. He could get dust, rocks, or even pebbles in his eye. Plus if there is an accident, your pooch could be thrown out of the vehicle. Your four-legged buddy will be much safer in a comfy crate.

The Trip

Once you’re on the road, you’ll need to stop every few hours to let your pooch stretch his legs. Take care not to leave Fido in the car: closed vehicles can reach deadly levels in just minutes at this time of year. This is a great way to explore new parks and trails. In fact, there are lots of apps made just for finding fun spots to take your dog. Try a few out and see!

As your local Huntersville, NC animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care. Contact us anytime!