Karingal Vet Hospital

328 Cranbourne Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199

P: (03) 9789 3444

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Top 6 tips for travelling with dogs

Posted on: Jul 19 2019

Taking your dog on holidays with you is the perfect way to bond, keep the kids entertained, and travel as a family. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to travelling with dogs.

Hydration is important when travelling with dogs

Keep windows down and stop regularly to let your dog have a run, some water, and go to the toilet. It’s important that you never leave your dog alone in the car. They can dehydrate very quickly, especially in the peak of summer.

Keep your dog restrained in the car

A dog crate is the best way to travel with your pet. However, if they have not previously travelled in one it’s best to use a harness. This stops your dog from jumping out, moving around in the car, and helps to protect them if there is an accident.

Don’t feed your dog something new on the trip

Adding new food into your dog’s diet during a holiday can bring on constipation, or worse, diarrhoea. This may require an expensive and inconvenient trip to the emergency vet.

Keep your dog on a lead at all times

Dogs can run onto the road causing an accident, eat pest baits, or possibly attack someone. To avoid this, tie your dog to a fence or tree when you are setting up camp or unloading the car and ensure they’re always next to you.

When travelling with dogs, keep a doggy first aid kit

Ensure you have a doggy first aid kit in the car at all times. This can potentially save your dog’s life if there is an incident. So, what’s in a doggy first aid kit?

  • Pet first aid book
  • Phone numbers for the closest vet/emergency vet
  • Paperwork incl. vaccination status and medical history
  • Current photo
  • Nylon leash
  • Self-cling bandage
  • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting
  • Sterile saline for cleaning wounds
  • Gauze swabs

Watch out for ‘no dog’ signs on beaches

Many Australian beaches, especially in National parks are protected. This means dogs are not allowed in these areas, and the local rangers are very black and white when it comes to this rule. If you’re caught with a dog in a protected area, you will be heavily fined.

It’s a great idea to take your dog on holidays with you and your family. Just ensure you follow the rules and keep your best friend out of harm’s way.

Feel free to contact Karingal Veterinary Hospital if you have any questions regarding travelling with dogs or any questions regarding your dogs health.

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328 Cranbourne Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199

P: (03) 9789 3444

The Karingal Veterinary Hospital is open 6 days a week.

Our hours are

- 8am-6pm Monday-Friday,
- 9am-5pm Saturday,
- Closed on Sundays,

* We are closed on public holidays.