Cold Weather Safety Tips for Traveling with Dogs
Traveling with your furry friend can sometimes be a mission all on its own – add in some cold weather, and that mission can become a lot harder to handle. To help make traveling with your pup in frigid cold temperatures easier and safer, here are some tips to follow.
Ensure Fido is Fit to Travel
For any type of trip, big or small, you need first to ensure your canine companion is fit for traveling before your departure. If your four-legged friend is a puppy, senior dog, or currently ill, you may want to think twice about a road trip. You’ll want to consult with your pooch’s vet if any of these characteristics fit your dog’s current state. If the vet recommends leaving Fido at home or you have second thoughts about their current health, always play it safe by contacting a pet sitter or a boarding service.
If your furry friend is fit for traveling, ensure they’re adequately groomed before departure. Having a freshly washed and trimmed coat with clipped nails will make a long trip far more comfortable for Fido.
The Proper Steps to Take Beforehand
If you’re planning on booking a hotel, you’ll want to do some extensive research on the pet policies offered. Staying at a pet-friendly hotel is obviously a must, but reading reviews from past pet owners will help you determine if it’s the type of place right for you and your canine companion. Once you know where you’re staying, look up some of the emergency veterinary hospitals nearby as well as any on your route there. Having this information beforehand will make things a lot less stressful if any type of emergency involving Fido arrises.
It’s also essential that you check if your dog’s collar and tags are up to date. You don’t want an old collar on its last leg to break or fall off when you’re far from. Similarly, you don’t want your pooch wearing tags with an outdated address or phone number in case they happen to get loose. On top of this, you should bring an updated photo of you and your dog in case you get separated somehow.
Keeping Your Pup Warm
If the weather is especially brutal, you may want to pack a few extra items to ensure your four-legged companion is comfortable. Even the most luscious dog coat may not be enough during some harsh winter nights, which is where a doggy coat or sweater will come in handy. Some dogs who get anxious easily, especially when in new places, may find an extra layer comforting as well. Your pet’s comfort and safety always come first, though, so if you’ve tried numerous times yet your pooch still absolutely despises an extra layer, you may want to reconsider it.
For canine companions like that, a blanket is your next best option when it comes to added warmth. There are also items like self-warming pet peds and heating pads that may also do the trick. Another thing to consider, especially if you’re traveling somewhere icy or snowy, are some doggy booties. It may take some time for your dog to acclimate to these shoes, but they can be a lifesaver for your pooch’s poor paws, protecting them from ice, sharp salt thrown on the ground, and toxic antifreeze being sprayed.
Cold Weather Illnesses
If you think you’ll be spending some extended time outside, it’s essential you know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and in canines. Your furry friend faces the highest risk of frostbite in their ears, nose, paws, and tip of their tail. If your dog is suffering from frostbite, the affected area will first turn red and then transition to a grayish color. Symptoms of hypothermia will be an increased paleness accompanied by intense shivering that can be followed up with severe lethargicness. Getting your dog out of the cold and into a warm bath or wrapped in a heated towel is the best thing you can do during either of these situations. If you suspect the circumstances are severe, though, play it safe by visiting an emergency vet.
Traveling can take a lot of both you and your dog, especially with severely cold weather in the mix. Being correctly prepared, though with the right knowledge and proper items, will make things run a lot smoother.