Travel Introduces Risks That Do Not Exist at Home
A dog that is perfectly healthy at home faces a different set of risks the moment it leaves familiar territory. Car travel without proper restraint is the leading cause of travel-related dog injury. Air travel exposes brachycephalic breeds to potentially fatal respiratory distress. Regional travel introduces exposure to diseases the dog has no immunity against. Even the stress of a new environment can suppress immune function and trigger GI upset.
None of these risks are reasons to leave your dog behind. They are reasons to prepare properly.
Car Safety: Crate vs. Harness
An unrestrained dog in a car is a 30 to 80 pound uncontrolled projectile during a crash. The Center for Pet Safety has documented that most pet seat belts and travel harnesses fail in crash simulations, providing a false sense of security.
Crate (recommended):
- A properly sized, crash-tested crate secured to the vehicle is the safest option
- The Gunner Kennel and MIM Variocage are among the few products that have passed independent crash testing (Center for Pet Safety 5-Star rating)
- The crate should be secured to tie-down points in the vehicle’s cargo area. An unsecured crate becomes a projectile itself.
- Size the crate so the dog can stand, turn, and lie down, but not significantly larger (excess space allows the dog to be thrown around during sudden stops)
Crash-tested harness (alternative):
- The Sleepypod Clickit Sport is one of the few harnesses that has passed Center for Pet Safety crash testing
- Connects directly to the vehicle’s seat belt system
- The dog should ride in the back seat, never the front seat (airbag deployment risk)
- Tether-only harnesses (those that clip to a headrest or seat belt with a tether) typically fail in crash tests
What does not work:
- Dog seat belts that clip to a collar (neck injury risk)
- Pet carriers not secured to the vehicle (become projectiles)
- Barrier gates without a crate (prevent distraction but offer no crash protection)
- Allowing the dog to ride in the truck bed (ejection risk in any sudden stop)
General car safety rules:
- Never leave a dog in a parked car in warm weather. Interior temperatures reach 120F within 10 minutes, even with windows cracked.
- Stop every 2 to 3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and leg stretching on long drives
- Keep the car at a comfortable temperature (dogs overheat faster than humans)
- Carry fresh water and a travel bowl
Flying with Dogs
Air travel with dogs has inherent risks that vary dramatically based on how and where the dog flies.
Cabin Travel
Dogs small enough to fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you can fly in the cabin. This is by far the safer option.
Requirements (vary by airline):
- Combined weight of dog and carrier typically under 20 lbs
- Carrier must fit under the seat (approximately 18” x 11” x 11” for most airlines)
- Health certificate from a veterinarian, usually within 10 days of travel
- Current vaccination records
- Airline reservation for the pet (limited spots per flight)
- Fees: $75 to $200 each way for most domestic airlines
Tips:
- Book early. Most airlines limit the number of pets per cabin.
- Acclimate your dog to the carrier weeks before travel (feed meals in it, use it for car rides)
- Use an absorbent pad in the bottom of the carrier
- Avoid sedation unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. Sedation can compromise respiratory and cardiovascular function at altitude.
- Exercise your dog thoroughly before the flight to promote rest during travel
Cargo Travel
Dogs too large for cabin travel must fly in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. While major airlines maintain cargo holds at similar temperature and pressure to the cabin, the experience is significantly more stressful and carries higher risk.
Risks:
- Temperature extremes during loading and unloading (ground-level tarmac temperatures can exceed 130F in summer)
- Noise stress from engines and equipment
- Rough handling during crate loading
- Delayed flights leaving dogs in extreme temperatures
- Respiratory distress in brachycephalic breeds (most airlines ban them from cargo)
Precautions:
- Use a sturdy, IATA-compliant crate with ventilation on all four sides
- Label the crate with “LIVE ANIMAL,” your contact information, and feeding/watering instructions
- Attach a water bottle to the crate door
- Book direct flights to minimize handling
- Avoid summer travel in hot climates and winter travel in cold climates
- Consider alternatives (driving, pet transport services) for long distances
Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions
Most major airlines have banned or restricted brachycephalic breeds from cargo travel due to documented fatality rates:
- French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, and other flat-faced breeds
- These breeds are at elevated risk of respiratory distress under the stress, temperature variation, and reduced oxygen partial pressure of cargo travel
- If you must travel long distances with a brachycephalic breed, drive or use a pet-specific ground transport service
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is common in puppies and some adult dogs. It results from vestibular system sensitivity to movement and is worsened by anxiety.
Signs:
- Drooling and lip licking
- Whining or restlessness
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or inactivity during travel
Management:
- Positioning: Face the dog forward and provide visual access to the horizon (reduces vestibular conflict). Crates in the cargo area should be positioned facing forward.
- Withhold food 4 to 6 hours before travel (an empty stomach reduces vomiting risk)
- Fresh air: Slightly cracked windows provide airflow that reduces nausea
- Desensitization: For dogs with chronic motion sickness, gradual exposure (start with sitting in the car with the engine off, progress to short drives, extend duration over weeks) can reduce sensitivity
- Medication: Cerenia (maropitant) is FDA-approved for motion sickness in dogs and is highly effective. Administer 2 hours before travel. Available by prescription. Meclizine (Bonine) is an over-the-counter option at 25 mg per 25 lbs, given 1 hour before travel. Discuss with your veterinarian.
Destination-Specific Health Risks
Different regions expose your dog to diseases that may not be present in your home area.
Leptospirosis
- Risk zones: Warm, humid climates with standing water. Southern and coastal US, tropical destinations.
- Transmission: Contact with water or soil contaminated by infected wildlife urine
- Prevention: Leptospirosis vaccination (2-dose initial series, annual booster). Avoid letting your dog drink from or swim in stagnant water sources.
- Signs: Fever, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure
Heartworm
- Risk zones: The entire United States, but highest prevalence in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Mississippi River valley. Also prevalent in tropical and subtropical international destinations.
- Prevention: Monthly heartworm preventive (should be given year-round regardless of travel)
- Note: If traveling to a high-prevalence area and your dog is not on prevention, start immediately and test 6 months later
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
- Risk zones: Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico, West Texas
- Transmission: Inhalation of fungal spores from disturbed desert soil
- Prevention: No vaccine available. Limit digging and dust exposure in endemic areas. Some owners use protective masks for high-risk activities.
- Signs: Cough, fever, lethargy, lameness (bone involvement)
Altitude Sickness
- Risk zones: Mountain destinations above 8,000 feet (Colorado ski towns, high mountain trails)
- Risk dogs: Brachycephalic breeds, dogs with heart disease or respiratory conditions, obese dogs
- Prevention: Acclimate gradually over 1 to 2 days. Limit strenuous exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours at altitude. Ensure ample water intake.
- Signs: Lethargy, excessive panting, reduced appetite, vomiting
Tick-Borne Diseases by Region
- Northeast/Upper Midwest: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis
- Southeast: ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Southwest: ehrlichiosis
- West Coast: tick paralysis (rare)
- Prevention: Maintain tick prevention. Perform daily tick checks. Consider Lyme vaccination if traveling to high-prevalence areas.
Emergency Vet Planning
Before traveling, identify emergency veterinary hospitals near your destination.
Pre-trip checklist:
- Search “emergency veterinarian near [destination]” and save the address and phone number in your phone
- Verify the facility is open 24/7 or note its hours
- Carry a copy of your dog’s current medications, vaccination records, and known health conditions
- Bring a 2-week supply of any regular medications (plus extra in case of travel delays)
- Know your pet insurance company’s claim process for out-of-network veterinary care
- If traveling internationally, research veterinary care quality and availability at your destination
Medication Travel Checklist
- Bring all regular medications in their original labeled containers
- Pack at least 3 extra days of medication beyond your trip length
- Include a written list of medications, dosages, and administration schedules
- Bring flea, tick, and heartworm preventives for the duration of travel
- Consider packing: Cerenia for motion sickness, diphenhydramine for allergic reactions (dose: 1 mg per lb), and any PRN medications your vet has prescribed
- If your dog is on a prescription diet, bring enough for the entire trip (prescription diets may not be available at your destination)
- Carry prescription labels or a veterinary letter for controlled substances when crossing borders
International Travel
International travel with dogs involves additional requirements that vary by destination country:
- EU Pet Passport: Required for travel within the EU. Requires microchip, rabies vaccination, and in some cases rabies titer testing 30 days after vaccination.
- USDA APHIS health certificate: Required for most international destinations. Must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS, typically within 10 days of travel.
- Quarantine: Some countries (UK historically, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii) require quarantine periods ranging from 5 to 180 days. Research requirements months in advance.
- Breed-specific legislation: Some countries and municipalities ban specific breeds. Verify that your dog’s breed is permitted at your destination.
Start the paperwork process at least 2 to 3 months before international travel. Some requirements (rabies titer testing) have mandatory waiting periods.
FAQ
Should I sedate my dog for travel? Most veterinary organizations recommend against sedation for air travel because sedatives can compromise respiratory and cardiovascular function at altitude. For car travel, mild sedation may be appropriate for extremely anxious dogs. Discuss with your veterinarian. Anti-nausea medication (Cerenia) and anti-anxiety medication (trazodone, gabapentin) at appropriate doses are often preferable to heavy sedation.
Can my dog drink tap water at our destination? In developed countries, tap water is generally safe for dogs. In developing countries or areas with known water quality issues, use bottled water for your dog just as you would for yourself. Bring water from home for the first day or two to ease the transition.
How long can my dog safely ride in a car? With appropriate rest stops every 2 to 3 hours (water, bathroom, brief walk), most dogs tolerate car rides of 8 to 10 hours. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health conditions may need more frequent stops. Monitor for signs of stress, anxiety, or motion sickness.
Should I board my dog or bring it on vacation? Consider your dog’s temperament, health status, and the destination. Dogs with separation anxiety may do better traveling. Dogs with health conditions may do better in the familiar environment of home with a trusted pet sitter. High-stress destinations (crowded cities, extreme climates) may not suit every dog.
What if my dog gets sick while traveling? Go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Carry your dog’s medical records, medication list, and insurance information. Contact your regular veterinarian for record transfer if ongoing care is needed. Most pet insurance companies cover care at any licensed veterinary facility.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian before traveling with your dog, especially if your dog has health conditions or you are traveling to areas with disease risks not present at home.