5 Special Considerations for Senior Pets During Travel 

Your older pet friend needs some special help

As you age, your needs evolve. Your body is usually more prone to injury and less adaptable to change. The same rule applies to your pets. The exact age at which they become senior differs between species, but the extra attention they deserve remains the same. Their joints can wear out, leading to reduced mobility, and their digestion slows down causing weight gain. They may also become clingier as they age, making it harder to leave them alone for too long.

Just like your 80-year-old grandpa, traveling with your senior pet can be a challenge. Start off with a trip to the vet to ensure they are strong enough to travel. Once you get the green light, plan the journey meticulously. Here are five tips you can follow so that your pet enjoys the trip just as much as you do.

1. Choose the Best Route

Whether you’re going by bus, train, or plane, double check the pet policies. Many planes allow smaller pets onboard in pet carriers while larger pets are checked in as cargo. Either way, try to select direct flights to minimize the stress for your furry friend. You could also consider hiring a professional pet transport service to handle the complex logistics for you. You’ll have one less thing to worry about, as your pet is transported door-to-door by a reliable driver. 

Senior pets may get more agitated in closed spaces. Have some practice sessions with them in their carrier, before you travel. Pets may also urinate more as they grow older, so this is something to consider. Car rides may be longer, but they have the advantage of frequent breaks. Your pet can do its business and run around to prevent stiff joints. Make sure to pack some pet toys for them to play with during travel.

2. Pack Smart

Your pet is another family member, so plan for their luggage space too. Although pet food may be available in lots of places, senior pets often don’t like trying new brands. Pack their favorite treats and food. Buy a collapsible water bowl, which won’t take much space but will allow your pet to drink water comfortably. Keep in mind, the more they drink, the more they pee. So keep extra cleaning supplies on hand too, just in case there’s an accident.

To be on the safe side, keep your pet’s health records with you. Consult with your vet and pack some medications in case your senior pet gets motion sick or anxious. With age, pets become more vulnerable to temperature changes. A blanket should be available in case they’re cold and a cooling mat helps if the weather gets too hot. Keep checking on your pet throughout the trip. Just being there for them may help keep them calm.

3. Maintain Their Routine

Senior pets thrive on routine, so try to stick to their regular feeding and sleeping schedule as closely as possible. Even play sessions and snuggles should be scheduled timely to overcome separation anxiety. Familiar items like toys and treats help strengthen the consistency in their surroundings. They are also much more likely to sleep on time if they have their own bedding.

Maintaining their routine is helpful, but if your pet isn’t eating or starts throwing up, don’t force it. Let them laze around and relax. When you do get to your final location, help them settle in by keeping their routine the same. 

4. Don’t Compromise on Safety

While their comfort is a priority, so is their safety. Older pets may have mobility problems, so keep a ramp or foldable steps to help them climb stairs if needed. Prevent falls or accidents by keeping them in their crate while the vehicle is moving. Larger dogs can be harnessed with a dog seat belt, which may be more comfortable.

Even while they’re stretching their legs during a flight lay-over or a pit stop along your drive, your pet’s safety is paramount. Keep them on a leash as senior pets often get lost in new places. Ensure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date with your contact information. You can also consider microchipping your pet, so that you are able to locate them if they accidentally wander off.

5. Give them Extra Attention

Travel anxiety is a common phenomenon, and you can’t help but worry about your luggage and travel documents. Keep in mind that your pets sense your vibes. Even if you’re stressed, keep talking to your pet so that they remain calm. Senior pets can react worse to stress. Some older dogs develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which leads to degenerative age-related changes in the brain. Often, this can mean your dog may bark, use the bathroom, or go places it shouldn’t, and it may not mind very well. In such cases, control your own behavior. They’ll often calm down if you do.

If you notice signs of distress, such as excessive panting or restlessness, stop and check on your pet. Give them plenty of water. If they’re adequately hydrated, try to make the environment more comfortable. Open the window, if possible, or put on some music to soothe them. Like blinders help horses, calming caps can block stressful visual stimuli for dogs. The dog can still see, but it dulls their vision and helps them relax.

Ease Into the New Place

Even when you reach your destination, keep up with the familiar objects and routine. Your senior pet may take longer to get over any travel anxiety. Even with their familiar bedding and food, they may still be confused. You may have a busy itinerary, but don’t immediately go off without them.

Traveling with your senior pet requires you to be much more alert and attentive, but it can be worth it. Your pet has been with you for so long, take the time to make special memories with them. Once you’re back home, help them transition again. Once you do, you can continue making memories with your faithful, furry friend.

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