Throughout more recent years, there has been an increase in owners wanting to take their animals abroad with them, even if they are older than some other dogs. Whether that is for relocating and taking them with you while you travel for a couple of months.
With senior dogs being more particular about things, this can make relocating/travelling seem more difficult; however, with the right preparation and planning you can have a smoother experience.
Talking to your vet
Before travelling internationally with your senior dog, you should ensure that you have completed all of your pet checkups. This will include a geriatric exam to assess your pet’s health and liveliness. Completing a detailed veterinary examination will give your vet a reliable resource for your dog’s health and whether it is okay to travel abroad.
In most cases, older dogs are more likely to develop kidney disease and diabetes. When this is the case, your dog will need some extra care while travelling. Your vet can support you further if your pet suffers from any chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and arthritis.
If you notice your dog becoming tired more often than usual or refusing to climb the stairs, you should also mention it to your vet before travelling to ensure there are no underlying medical issues.
Consulting your vet before your travels can help you plan a suitable holiday and keep you up to date with your dog’s health if anything changes. If this becomes the case while you are travelling, then be sure to locate the nearest vet, keeping their contact details with you in case of any emergency before you leave.
Comfort of your pet while travelling
Before you go away travelling, a good thing to consider for your dog is starting crate training so your pet will be comfortable in its crate and able to be on the flight without any distress.
When getting a crate, it is important that it is IATA approved and also the right size for your dog, which you can find the measurement for depending on the size and weight of your dog.
It is good to purchase your crate before your travels and keep it in your house so that you can use positive reinforcement while getting used to it. This will ensure that your dog associates the crate with happier memories when it comes to having to be in it for a long period of travelling.
Things to consider adding to their crate for their flight:
- A blanket
- An item of clothing
Both are a great option as they will have a familiar scent for their comfort while flying. However, avoid adding any of their toys, which can be seen as a choking hazard.
Activities for your pet while on holiday
There are many places abroad where there are animal/dog-friendly environments some of these are:
- Parks
There are plenty of dog-friendly parks in almost every country. They have a large open space with lots of room for your dog to run around, play, and explore. It is a great environment for a walk or a chilled afternoon with your pet. - Hiking trails
A key factor to remember when owning senior dogs, if you plan to hike, is to ensure you take loads of breaks throughout your hikes, as they get tired easily. Also, make sure you have water for regular stops. - Beaches
In resort countries you will definitely find beaches where you can relax and have fun with your pet. For example, in Spain these are the beaches of Playa del Castillo, Fuengirola or Playa Del La Sal, Caseras.
Animal-friendly accommodation
When travelling abroad with your senior dog, not only do you want to make sure that the area you will be staying in has dog friendly qualities, but you will also want to ensure that where you will be staying will be animal-friendly. There are many different styles of accommodation when going abroad with your pet. Some of your options may include:
- Guesthouses and hostels: You can find this specific accommodation type on websites by filtering your search. Rural and countryside houses are a great choice if you like being outdoors and exploring.
- Airbnb: they are great options for finding pet-friendly accommodation. Sometimes Airbnb offers more space than hostels and guesthouses depending on the size of your senior dog, wanting to provide enough living space for them in a safe environment.
- Pet-friendly hotels: There are many different pet-friendly hotels around the world when travelling with a senior dog. You want to ensure that everything you will need is accessible and fits the needs of you and your dog. However, a thing to remember is to check the hotel’s dog policy, as they may only have facilities and guidelines that suit a certain dog size and the number of animals allowed in each room.
If you would like to find out more information on making travelling with your dogs a smoother experience, get in contact with the Tailwings team.