Are you planning a local drive to get out of the house and taking your dog along? Before you head out for some fun in the sun, there are a few things you should do to ensure an easy, breezy, joy-filled trip.
If your dog is a senior or living with a chronic condition, start off by checking in with your pet's health care team. They can help you determine whether your dog is up to the trip.
If it’s decided that your dog is good to go, make sure that they are protected from parasites and diseases that can be picked up when traveling in the great outdoors. Vaccines and preventives are available for the following:
Rabies virus
Rabies is not only deadly to pets and people, it's carried by wildlife all over the United States. Because it's so serious, many states require traveling dogs to carry proof of rabies vaccination. So always be sure to keep a copy of your dog's vaccine record with you or download the myVCA app to access your dog’s vaccine status anytime.
Leptospirosis
Stagnant water harbors all kinds of nasty bacteria, including leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease that affects pets as well as humans. It's important to double-check that your dog’s "lepto" vaccine is up-to-date, especially if they will be spending time in places with lots of water and/or wildlife.
Heartworm, fleas and ticks
Fleas, ticks and heartworm have been reported in all 50 states. Talk to your veterinarian about your vacation destination so you can ensure your dog is on the right parasite prevention.
Lyme disease
Ticks pass Lyme disease through their bites, so protecting your dog from ticks goes a long way to preventing Lyme disease as well. But in areas with lots of ticks, the Lyme vaccine is a good way to give your dog an extra layer of protection from this debilitating disease.
If your getaway happens to cross a nearby state’s border, ask about getting a health certificate, which is required by some states for all dogs who travel across state lines. You can find state-by-state travel information on the USDA website.
A little planning can go a long way to make your trip an enjoyable, worry-free experience for both you and your dog. Book an appointment with your health care team so you’re prepared.
