Dog Travel & Diet: Vacations, Road Trips, Kennels

NEVER switch food before or during travel — stress + new food = digestive problems.

• Bring their regular food (pre-portion it)
• Don't rely on local availability
• International travel: check availability beforehand

Health:

• Probiotic course
• Deworming up-to-date
• Vaccinations current
• Passport/microchip

Mental Preparation:

• Short practice trips
• Familiarize them with the carrier/crate
• Ensure it's not a place of punishment

Morning of Travel:

• DO NOT feed immediately before departure (can cause vomiting)
• Small meal 2 hours before departure OR just water before leaving

During the Trip:

• Stop every 2-3 hours for a break (water + potty)
• Fresh water in a bottle
• Limit treats in the car

Upon Arrival:

• Wait for them to calm down
• Offer half a portion of light food
• Plenty of water

• Vet's approval/health certificate
• Last meal 4-6 hours before flight
• Plenty of water before check-in
• Crate: attachable water dispenser

Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs) are often NOT allowed to fly with many airlines due to heatstroke risk.

New environments cause stress. Dogs may experience:

• Reduced eating (20-40%) for 1-2 days
• Possible diarrhea or vomiting
• Open to new situations, but tired

What to do: stick to usual feeding times, use their familiar bowl, provide a quiet space, no new treats.

Stress + car + new climate = frequent dehydration.

• Own portable bowl
• Own water (gradual mixing if using local water)
• Bone broth ice cubes as a snack
• 50% wet food mixed with dry kibble

1. Bring their own food for 1 week (portioned into bags, labeled)
2. Their own bowl, blanket (familiar scent)
3. Written feeding instructions
4. Health background (allergies, medications, vet contact)

Symptoms: drooling, nausea, vomiting, restlessness.

What to do?

• Empty stomach at departure (last meal 2 hours prior)
• Plenty of fresh air (windows, AC)
• Frequent breaks
• Maropitant (Cerenia) — vet prescribed
• Small amounts of ginger
• Lavender oil in the crate

Heat: avoid midday walks, keep food cool. Beach: saltwater = vomiting, sand = stomach cramps, 1-hour rest after eating (to prevent GDV). Mountains: 2000m+ (approx. 6500ft+) appetite may decrease, more water, +10% calories (due to cold).

• For the first 24 hours: normal food, half portion
• Plenty of water, rest
• Diarrhea: rice + boiled chicken for 2-3 days

1. "Homemade food is fine here" — sudden diet change
2. "Extra treats for stress" — upset stomach
3. "Buying new food from a local store" — never
4. "Withholding water to prevent vomiting" — dehydration
5. "Skipping probiotics" — diarrhea upon return

🚨 See a vet after travel if: diarrhea for 2+ days, vomiting for more than 1 day, loss of appetite for 3+ days, lethargy, blood in stool/vomit.

Food & Feeding: 1+ week of usual food, own bowl, water bottle, familiar treats, bone broth ice cubes. Health & Safety: medications, probiotics, anti-emetic, first-aid kit, vet contact info. Comfort & Essentials: blanket, pillow, toys, passport/microchip info, leash.

• Diabetic: fixed feeding times + insulin
• Allergic: ONLY their own food + treats
• Kidney/Liver disease: MUST bring their specialized food