Essential Tips for Traveling with Pets in Summer
Traveling with your pet in the heat can certainly pose some challenges. Therefore, we’ll be discussing our top tips on how to ensure a stress-free experience for both you and your pet this summer.
#1. Making a Plan
Create a travel plan beforehand, and only consider traveling with your pet if it’s absolutely necessary. For some pets, traveling can be a stressful experience. Therefore, before your trip, take your pet on short outings to get them accustomed to traveling. Moreover, ensure that your planned destinations are pet-friendly and can accommodate their needs. Arriving at a location that doesn’t allow pets can lead to unnecessary stress.
#2. Traveling in the Car
Planning a summer road trip? When traveling with a dog by car, it is essential to plan regular stops along your route for walks and bathroom breaks. Remember, heat stroke can be a real danger to dogs during the summer months. Consequently, it’s crucial to bring plenty of fresh water and keep the vehicle cool at all times. Never leave your pet inside a warm car unattended.
If your pet suffers from travel sickness, your veterinarian can provide medications to help mitigate this issue. It’s also imperative that your pet is safely restrained to ensure their protection in the event of an accident. If you’re traveling in a campervan, make sure to have appropriate insurance in place and create a safe space for your pet with familiar items.
#3. Traveling by Plane
Conduct thorough research before taking your pet on a plane, as strict regulations can make the process complex and potentially stressful for your animal. Generally, airlines will allow small pets to travel in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger pets typically need to be checked in separately, which means they will be away from you for the duration of the flight, potentially causing them stress. Since requirements and restrictions vary between airlines, it’s essential to investigate each option to identify what will suit you best.
#4. Staying in Hotels
Regardless of whether you’re stopping off on your road trip or flying out to stay in a hotel, ensure that the accommodation is pet-friendly. Additionally, be considerate of other guests who may appreciate peace and privacy during their stay.
#5. Dealing with Heat
While avoiding overheated cars is critical, outdoor temperatures can also lead to heat stroke in pets. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, especially those with thin coats and fair skin. Therefore, try to avoid walking them on hot pavements during the peak heat of the day, as their paws can sustain burns and blisters. If you plan to take them out, aim for early mornings or late evenings to ensure their comfort.
What are your strategies for traveling with pets during the summer? Share your tips and advice below!
