Make a vet appointment
At least a few weeks before your scheduled trip, take your dog to the vet for a regular checkup to make sure that they’re healthy enough to go on a trip, and to ensure they’re up to date on all of their vaccinations. If you’re leaving the country, you’ll also want to obtain a copy of their vaccination certificates, specifically those for rabies.
Pack a travel kit
To make it easier on the both of you, pack a travel kit full of everything your dog might need. This includes:
- Food and water
- Leash or harness
- Their favorite toy
- Identification
- Health/vaccination certificates
- First aid kit
- Brush
- Dog waste bags
- Medications
Keep them well-hydrated
As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, English bulldogs are susceptible to heatstroke and/or overheating. As such, you should take extra precautions when traveling with your pet. Have a bowl and bottle of water on-hand so that even when you’re in the car you can give your English bulldog some water.
Take frequent breaks
If you’re traveling by car, be sure to stop frequently to let your dog walk around, go to the bathroom, eat, and get a drink of water. Many rest stops have areas for your pet to walk around, just be wary of the other dogs.
Drive, don’t fly, if you can
Flying is stressful for everyone, whether they walk on four legs or two, but it’s especially so for English bulldogs. This is because, while the cargo hold is air conditioned, it doesn’t have much insulation and it can get too hot for them. Bulldogs also can have a hard time breathing, and this can be exacerbated by the poor ventilation in the cargo hold. So, if you can, drive to your destination instead of flying. If you have to fly, then check out these tips for minimizing the risk and stress for your bulldog.
Still have questions about traveling with your English bulldog? Then feel free to contact us over at Bulldog Angels for help!
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