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Our pooches play such an integral part in our lives that we want them to join us wherever we go, but what happens when Fido gets sick while you’re traveling? Would you know what to do or where to go?
Preparation is one of the most important ways that you can ensure that your dog will not only receive the best treatment for his sickness or injury – it may even save his life.
Traveling to a different enviroment can always present new dangers to you and your pooch, especially if you aren’t aware of the local wildlife and plant life. By planning ahead for the type of travel you will take, you can help to prevent hassles and uneccesary stress for both of you.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, ”Over 49 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider their pet to be part of the family, and 18 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers usually take their pets with them when they travel.” 
What Dangers Can Arise While Traveling?
Depending on what kind of trip you’re planning with your four-legged friend, there can be many hidden dangers that your dog may run into:
Poisoning – Being bitten by a snake or another venomous animal, or ingesting dangerous plants or products.
Attacked by a wild animal or another dog – Unless the other animal is checked or caught, your dog can be exposed to many diseases, such as rabies, as well as suffer an infection from injuries.
Tick bites – Exploring new wooded areas can expose your pooch to dangerous ticks that can spread disease and sickness.
Electrocution – Not only can loose wiring spell trouble for your four-legged friend, but recent articles warn that your dog could get electrocuted just by urinating or standing in water near a power pole.
Seizures – An allergic reaction to something in the new environoment or ingesting something foreign can trigger a seizure.
Car Accident – If your dog isn’t feeling well, he may try to run away or jump out of the car. So if you are involved in a car accident or your dog is struck by a car, you need to ensure that your pet has the proper harness to keep him safe. You can also purchase a special seatbelt or a crate for your pooch.
What Can I Do to Prepare Before the Trip?
There are a few ways to ensure that if your pet does get sick, you are as prepared as possible. Here are a few tips from USA Today and the American Kennel Club.
Visit your vet before your trip – A check-up will ensure that there are no pre-existing problems, and you can ask for your vet’s recommendation for vets in the area you’ll be visiting.
Health Certificate – Be sure to obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian before you travel. This is an official document that states that your animal is healthy enough to travel and is free of rabies and tapeworms. It also certifies that your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations and shots. Certification of health must be provided no more than 10 days before travel.
Obtain a copy of your dog’s medical file – This will help expedite treatment for your dog by allowing the vet to review your dog’s history in a few minutes rather than the time it would take to ask you or contact your primary vet.
Pack a First-Aid Kit – Depending on the severity of your dog’s illness, you may be able to treat your dog on your own by packing a few items to treat wounds.
Remember to pack your dog’s medications – In the rush of packing, don’t forget to update, refill and pack your dog’s medications. Neglecting to do any of these could endanger your dog, especially if he needs daily medication.
Research the area that you’ll be traveling – There are many doggy dangers that can affect your dog, especially if you head into a new environment that your dog will be eager to explore. Find out what local wildlife you should be wary of, what dangerous plants are around and what types of insects you should try to keep your dog away from.
Pet Allergies – Bring products to treat your dog’s allergies, and pack your his treats and food from home to avoid any complications.
Ask your vet about the safety of specific destinations – Mountain towns, for example, might be dog friendly, but dogs with existing heart problems could have difficulty in high-altitude environments.
Identification – Make sure that your dog’s tags are current and your contact information is on them. Be sure to pack an extra I.D. just in case. You may even want to microchip your dog before the trip. Carrying a photo of your dog is also a good idea.
What Can I Do to Prevent My Dog from Getting Sick Next Time?
Luckily, it’s a lot easier for pet parents to travel with their dogs these days due to all the dog-friendly establishments that are popping up. But despite all the doggie amenities provided, the safety and health of your four-legged friend still falls on you.
Check with your airline or train regarding its policies on pets that are sedated or tranquilized, because some carriers will not allow a pet to travel if they are sedated. In addition, according to USA Today, “The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) cautions against giving tranquilizers to pets when traveling as this may pose several health risks.”
By taking all the neccesary steps to make sure that you and your pooch are travel ready, you can ensure that if your fur-kid gets sick or injured, you can get him the best possible care as soon as possible.
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Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
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