TRAVEL WITH FIDO: PROS + CONS

As a much-anticipated vacation approaches and we look forward to some much-needed relaxation, we often face the dilemma of what to do with our pets when we travel. It’s a decision that I’ve personally struggled with for the past twenty years. If you decide on a “stay-cation,” there’s no problem, but if, instead, you’re planning a trip, you have two main choices: taking them with you or leaving them at home. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to consider how the various factors affect us and our dogs. We must carefully weigh all the possibilities, ensuring safety and fairness. Let’s examine some of the pros and cons.

THE ADVANTAGES OF BRINGING YOUR DOG ALONG

Our pet dog companions become more than travel buddies when we embark on a journey, whether a solo adventure or a romantic getaway. They become our partners in exploration, encouraging us to stay active and maintain a routine even while on the move. Their presence ensures we don’t worry about them being left behind, allowing us to enjoy our journey fully. Their natural ability to understand our emotions and unwavering loyalty significantly enhance our emotional well-being while traveling.

Physical and Mental Stimulation. While on vacation, we may indulge and imbibe a bit more, but being responsible for taking our dogs for walks ensures we get our daily exercise, burning calories while exploring and investigating together. Traveling with a dog also provides companionship and reduces stress, contributing to our overall well-being.

Learning is always occurring. While together we can work on improving our dogs’ emotions about the changing surroundings. Our nervous system is designed to be transformed by our experiences, a principle that applies to all mammals, including humans and dogs. Positive new experiences can reshape our and our dog’s emotional well-being, fostering personal growth and emotional resilience. If we are happy, our dogs smell it!  They look to us for guidance, and being on vacation is when we are most relaxed. Dr. Rick Hanson, a renowned neuropsychologist (for humans), advocates that the best way to change emotion is through exposure to a new experience. Of course, we seek to help our dogs make positive associations with experiences and modify the exposure - not too much, too close, too fast. Dr. Hanson is the author of Resilient, a book I highly recommend reading while on vacation, as it can inspire and motivate you to embrace new strategies for learning and improving your life. As we know, living with our dogs, they mirror our emotions. My motto is, “happy person, happy dog”.

A Dog’s Personality Dictates Destination. There are diverse options when bringing our dog along on trips. We can choose a peaceful retreat in natural surroundings, including glam camping near a lake or roughing it in the mountains or forest. If the heat of the beach is more your vibe, just be mindful of exposing your pup to heat, which causes dehydration. A dog’s core temperature is 102°F, and as they are constantly wearing a fur coat, it can easily elevate their temperature, which could cause overheating and the need for medical help. Dogs release heat by panting through their mouth and sweating through their paws. Avoiding heat is always best, as overheating leads to seizures and other health problems.

Other options for excursions include exploring new cities. If your dog is accustomed to city life and thrives being “seen” and petted by strangers in social settings, exploring a new city could be a thrilling adventure for both of you. Many cafés now offer outdoor seating to people and dog-watching. And exploring dog-friendly retailers to shop is always a fun option. The possibilities are endless, and each new destination promises a unique and enriching experience for you and your four-legged friend to learn from.

DISADVANTAGES OF TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET

Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to consider the best mode of transportation. Unlike Ken Fulk (one of my favorite interior designers), who can quickly bring his three handsome dogs on private jets, most of us need to consider the practicalities and expense of traveling with our pet dogs. If you plan to fly, remember that airlines have specific rules about the size and weight of dogs allowed in the cabin. Driving to your destination may offer more comfort, flexibility, and the option of stopping for a quick stretch and potty break. If your dog experiences motion sickness, ginger is known to settle the tummy, or consult your veterinarian about medication. If your dog cannot tolerate the medication, planning a stay-cation or leaving them home with someone you trust or a professional sitter in your home may be best.

Staying in a Hotel vs B+B. When searching for accommodations, you’ll find that many hotels welcome dogs, making finding a place to stay convenient. Another alternative is to opt for a cozy bed and breakfast. Both options typically require an additional fee for accommodating dogs. If your dog tends to feel distressed when left alone at home, it’s essential to be mindful that booking a hotel room and going out for a meal could trigger these feelings. In such cases, your veterinarian could prescribe something to reduce their anxiety so you may go to dinner without them. Alternatively, you could choose to rent a bed and breakfast instead where you can have your meals on the premises, which might be more suitable.

Can we truly relax and rejuvenate while ensuring our canine companions’ well-being during our travels? The reality is that our dogs rely on us for all their basic needs, just as they do at home.  Traveling to a new environment doesn’t give us a break from our responsibilities, and worse, traveling may even cause added distress for some dogs.

LEAVING DOGS AT HOME

“There’s no place like home.” Remember how Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” repeated that phrase while holding Toto? And she was right. There is no place like the comfort of home for our dogs. If our dogs must remain behind, try not to fret, as many thrive in familiar environments and routines surrounded by their scents and sounds. And leaving your odor may be the thing that reduces their distress further. Studies have shown that dogs’ stress levels, indicated by increased cortisol levels, are reduced when they smell or hear their person. So, the next time you plan to be away or if your dog is being cared for by a friend or family member, leave an unwashed tee shirt or other article of clothing to help put them at ease, remembering you and informing them you are close by in spirit. Regardless of whether they can’t see you, they will be comforted.

It’s crucial to prioritize their well-being while you’re away and, when possible, arrange to have your dog stay home. You can find reliable, certified professionals at FearFreePets.com or through a trusted friend or your veterinarian’s recommendations. Ask questions about experience, talk with references, and ensure insurance coverage for peace of mind. Having operated a pet services business many years ago with a staff of 15 and hundreds of clients, I am all about trust but verify first and foremost.

To Board Or Not To Board. While boarding facilities may seem convenient, knowing the potential risks is necessary. Many of these facilities operate without health and safety regulations, and there are no mandated guidelines for reporting injuries. Incidents involving staff in boarding or kennel spaces often go unreported. However, hope where I live is on the horizon with the introduction of “Ollies Law” #1309, known as the Act to Increase Kennel Safety, expected to be heard by the Massachusetts legislature on June 24, 2024. If passed, this bill will establish much-needed safe and fair business regulations for boarding and doggie daycare, ensuring the safety of our beloved pets. This legislation, a beacon of hope for responsible pet care, was crafted by experienced professionals and has been in the works for a few years. It is finally expected to be heard early this summer. Let’s remain hopeful this bill will be passed, ensuring the safety of our dogs and community. It’s a crucial step towards preventing further harm to our pets at Massachusetts-run boarding and daycare facilities. This bill won’t pass without your voice. If you’d like to ensure it gets passed, learn more information at the MSPCA, through Boston Dog Lawyers, attorney Jeremy Cohen.

We choose to live with dogs because they are amazing, unconditional, loving companions, and we are responsible for ensuring we provide them with the best care. There are pros and cons to traveling with our pet companions, and for the most part, it can be gratifying. Still, while we may get all caught up in the excitement, it’s easy to overlook their needs. Traveling is not beneficial for all dogs. Before making plans, take a few minutes to consider the dog’s history, age, and comfort level with travel. Consider all options, and most importantly, consider yourself. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and take breaks when needed. You’ll only be a better guardian for having done so. Remember the adage we can’t care for others - our two and four-legged loves- if we don’t care for ourselves first. ■

Vivian Zottola, MSc, CBCC, is a Human Dog Relationship Therapist and Writer specializing in reducing challenging behaviors between people and their pet dogs. For more information and links to her Podcast, website, publications, and contact information, see @vivianzottoladogbehavior on Instagram.