Taking your dog away is great, but if they are older can be more to think about. Here are some things to think about when travelling with a senior dog…
Taking your dog away with you can be a fun experience for you all. Your pup will get the opportunity to explore a brand-new place, meet new dogs and people, and spend quality time with their family. While you get to make unforgettable memories with your best friend. As your dog grows older, you may need to make some changes to your plans when it comes to taking them away with you. Whether you have booked a destination within the UK or you are choosing to go abroad, in order to keep your senior pet happy and comfortable, so here are seven things you need to consider when travelling with a senior dog.
Make Time for Breaks
Making time for breaks is important when you are travelling with a senior pet, especially if you are taking them on a long journey. The breaks will stop their joint seizing up during the journey and will allow them to go to the toilet, reducing the risk of any potty accidents in the car. You may also need to take breaks to give your elderly pup medication and to give them food and water. Whatever the reasons may be, planning your journey ahead of time is essential and will make it better for your pet.
Provide Plenty of Bedding
Keeping your dog comfortable during their time in the car is important, especially if they are older. Car seats or the floor of your boot can be uncomfortable for your dog’s stiff joints and fragile bones, so providing your pooch with plenty of bedding will provide comfort and reduce stiffness and pain during the car ride. They will also be more likely to relax and take a nap. To reduce strain on their joints ever further, you should bring a portable ramp or stairs to get them in and out of the car.
Support Their Joint Health
Many senior pets tend to experience joint discomfort. This could be mild or extreme, depending on their overall health. Whether or not your dog has a joint issue, you should make an effort to support their joint health during long journeys. As well as taking breaks and providing them with comfortable bedding, you should consider joint aids for dogs from YuMOVE. Their joint aid for dogs contains quality ingredients that support joints and can reduce stiffness in senior pets, which may offer extra comfort.
Pack Items for Comfort
Some dogs love to travel, but others can find a new unfamiliar destination and the journey a little unsettling. If your dog experiences high levels of stress and anxiety when travelling, then you should consider taking them away to more local destinations. Whether the journey is short or long, packing items of comfort for your furry friend is highly advisable. Having familiar items will help any dog settle during the car ride and in their temporary home, as it makes them feel relaxed in new environments.
Research the Holiday Destination
Researching the holiday destination is vital before you travel with a senior pet. It gives you the opportunity to make plans within the area while taking your pet’s needs into consideration. You should look at the surroundings of your accommodation and check what floor you will be staying on. Older dogs should avoid going up or down the stairs, so elevators are important for the heavier breeds. You should also research local vets, temperatures, check local pet laws, and have backups in place.
Stock Up on Supplies
Stocking up on supplies that you will need throughout your holiday with your pet is something you need to plan in advance. Nothing is worse than doing a last-minute shop and finding out the pet store doesn’t have the food your dog is used to. Making a list of all of the supplies you will need throughout your holiday is a great way to stay on top of things and keep yourself organised. If your dog takes daily medication, you must make sure you have enough of it for the entire length of your stay.
Don’t Rush the Journey
As mentioned previously, you should plan your journey ahead of time, so you can make time for vital breaks for your senior pet. Planning your journey will also stop you from rushing, which could put you and your pet in danger. If you are driving is too fast and unsafe, then your pet will experience high levels of stress and anxiety during the journey, especially if you don’t have time to take those essential breaks. This could lead to vomiting and accidents, so leaving with time to spare is absolutely necessary.
Travelling with your senior dog can be made easier by following the steps above, but if they don’t enjoy long journeys or have shown obvious signs of stress during previous holidays, then it may be best to leave them at home with someone. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your vet.
