Taking Care Of My Animals

Posted on: 31 January 2023

Taking your dog with you on a trip can be easier than leaving them at home or in a kennel. However, if you plan on traveling a long distance with your dog, it is a good idea to schedule a vet appointment in the weeks leading up to the trip. Here are a few of the things your vet will generally do at a pre-travel appointment.

Bring your dog up-to-date on vaccines

Chances are, your dog will come into direct or indirect contact with other dogs during your trip. For instance, if you stop and let them go potty at a rest stop, they will be smelling and licking areas where other dogs have been. They could be exposed to pathogens, such as those that cause kennel cough, at this time. Your vet will make sure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccines, which helps keep them healthy during travel.

Prescribe calming medications

Even if your dog is used to being in the car for shorter drives, such as to the vet's office, riding in the car for longer periods may be emotionally challenging for them. You don't want to be 5 hours from home with your pup panicking and shaking in the backseat. So, at your pre-travel vet appointment, the vet can prescribe or recommend a calming medication. They'll also tell you how to use this medication. Some should be given as preventatives prior to travel, and others are best given only if your dog seems to be nervous.

Issue a health certificate

Some states require that dogs coming into the state have been recently seen by the vet and issued a health certificate. This is just a certificate that says the dog is in good health and does not present any health risk to other dogs or humans. Tell your vet where you are traveling, and they can tell you whether a health certificate will be required. There is usually a small fee associated with having one issued, but paying this fee is better than paying for a ticket if you are pulled over and don't have the required certificate.

If you are taking your dog on a long-distance trip, it is wise to take them to the vet beforehand. One simple visit can ensure your dog is properly vaccinated, has the right calming medications, and has been approved for any health certificate required by the states you're visiting. 

To learn more about traveling with your pet, reach out to your local vet services clinic.