Are you going on holiday? We'll explain how to travel with your dog.
Traveling with your dog, going on vacation with your dog is pure bliss. But only if you're prepared for stressful situations. Disorientation for the dog, fear of the unknown, vet visits—how can you anticipate stressful situations during travel?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling with your dog?
Traveling with your dog can be a fantastic adventure, or a disaster if you're not prepared. To make a good decision for everyone, it's helpful to list the pros and cons of traveling with your dog. Here's a non-exhaustive list:
Advantages of traveling with your canine companion:
- allows you not to travel alone
- to discover new horizons together
- learning to adapt
- feel safer
- rediscover your dog
- This avoids having to keep him
Disadvantages of travelling with your dog:
- less ease in finding housing or transportation
- certain countries or places will not be accessible (the beach, reserves, Easter Island or Bali)
- will complicate the organization of the trip
- plan for a larger budget
- health risks for the dog (diseases, rabies, bites from exotic insects, etc.)
- Depending on the country, your dog may have difficulty adapting (heat, cold, etc.).
Destination and transport: how to travel with your dog ?
The first thing to do to travel safely with your dog is to respect the regulations in force in the city or country you are visiting, and even those of the transport company you choose. Therefore, you will need to:- Place the dog in an approved transport crate or muzzle it, as appropriate. Note that some public transport services do not allow dogs.
- Prepare your dog's identification papers . It is mandatory that the dog be identified by microchip or tattoo. Remember to keep them regularly updated. This proves that your dog belongs to you, and it also guarantees that you can be contacted in case of loss or theft.
- Vaccinate your dog out of necessity, but also out of obligation. The most important vaccine is the rabies vaccine. It is required for entry into most countries. However, other vaccines are sometimes required, such as those for leptospirosis, distemper, or kennel cough. For some destinations, your dog must be treated against parasites such as worms, ticks, and fleas.
- An international health certificate of good health may also be required to cross certain borders.
- You must hold an import permit for certain breeds (e.g., pit bull) or for certain destinations (e.g., French Guiana).
Packing the dog's luggage
To avoid additional stress, it's essential to bring certain items from your dog when traveling. You will therefore need to pack:- His basket, his blanket, or a cushion will allow him to rest with his own scent. A carrier may suffice if the dog is used to it.
- Its diet. Indeed, you can't be sure you'll find enough to feed your dog properly once you arrive. Avoid buying meat locally. Not all countries have the same health protocols, and this could lead to your dog's death. Biofood offers complete food in the form of sausages that are very easy to transport.
- his favorite toy or an occupational toy for travel such as BF Petfood Chew Bones.
- his identity papers
- his leash/long line and his collar/harness for more safety, but also because it is mandatory in some countries at the risk of having his dog seized and also risking its euthanasia.
Traveling with your stressed dog in the car: the BF Petfood tip
If your dog is stressed by travel, you can give them a dietary supplement made with natural ingredients to help them feel less stressed. The RELAX range from BIOFOOD consists of tablets and biscuits containing valerian and passionflower in tablet form, which will calm dogs, and also cats, during stressful situations such as:- motion sickness
- the move
- the arrival of a new member in the family
When we travel, we often go to village festivals, concerts, and even fireworks displays. We advise against taking your dog to these places. Dogs don't celebrate like we do and often become inhibited in these situations, sometimes panicking so much that they run away. Every year, thousands of dogs get lost and die because their owners took them there.
Finally, if your dog is chronically stressed, it's better to have him looked after than to subject him to a trip he'll find distressing. If you absolutely must take him with you, don't hesitate to call on a professional dog trainer/behaviorist in addition to calming medication; they will provide targeted and personalized training to help your dog.
