Traveling with Your Dog

The Denver Dog reports

Are you planning on traveling with your dog this spring? Traveling with your dog can be a great experience for both you and your dog. There are many potential hazards that your dog can run into while traveling. We would like to share with our readers some tips to ensure that your dog stays safe during your trip.

Pack for your pet

Since your dog can’t pack his own suitcase, you will need to do it for him. Make sure to include any medications that your pet is on. You will need to ensure that they are appropriately sealed and stored out of direct light. Other essentials include their food and bowls for water.

Health Certificates

If you are taking your dog on an airplane, you will be required to provide the airline a health certificate. This can be obtained through your veterinarian. Most airlines require the health certificate to be completed 7 days prior to boarding the plane. For exact requirements, you will need to contact your airline. You should also obtain a health certificate if you are traveling with your dog in the car. If you are to be pulled over by a police officer, they may ask for a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination.

Vaccinations

Prior to heading out on your trip, you will want to ensure that your dog has received appropriate vaccines. Rabies is the only vaccine required by law, but there are several other vaccines that can help keep your pet healthy. Bordetella helps protect against kennel cough and Distemper protects against the neurological condition with the same name. Other vaccines you will want to consider include Leptospirosis. Lepto is a bacterial infection that can be spread from contact to wild animal urine. If your dog is going to be hiking and exploring areas where there is wildlife, you should consider getting them this vaccination. You can also vaccinate your dog against Lyme disease if they will be in an area where they will be at a high risk of contracting this illness.

In addition to vaccines, you should also consider putting your dog on a flea/tick prevention as well as heartworm prevention if they aren’t already on it. Most heartworm preventatives also kill parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Contact your veterinarian for more information regarding these preventatives.