Protect Your Pet Against Travel-Related Diseases

Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience—but it also comes with important health considerations. Different destinations present different risks, from regional parasites to environmental hazards and contagious diseases.

At Westerville Veterinary Clinic in Westerville, Ohio, we’re here to help you plan ahead and travel with confidence. By understanding potential health threats and taking the right preventive steps, you can ensure your pet stays safe, healthy, and comfortable—no matter where your journey takes you.

Essential Pre-Travel Considerations for Pet Owners

Before embarking on any trip, a pre-travel veterinary check-up is essential. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure your pet is physically ready to travel. During this visit, we’ll discuss any necessary vaccinations, provide required health certificates, and help assess if your pet is fit for the journey—especially if they are senior, chronically ill, or prone to anxiety.

We’ll also help prepare for issues like motion sickness, heat stress, or dietary disruptions that can occur during travel. For international or air travel, check official health and documentation requirements via USDA APHIS Pet Travel.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

  • Acclimate Your Pet: Take short drives or practice using travel carriers to reduce stress and get your pet comfortable with travel.
  • Use a Secure, Comfortable Carrier: Ensure your pet’s crate is the proper size and ventilation, especially for air travel.
  • Update Identification: Confirm your pet’s ID tags and microchip registration are current and accurate.
  • Travel Kits Are a Must: Include medications, a first aid kit, waste bags, food, bottled water, and comfort items.

For added peace of mind, consider enrolling in a Cat and Dog First Aid Class – American Red Cross.

Common Diseases and Risks Pets May Encounter While Traveling

1. Parasitic Diseases: Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms

New regions may expose your pet to parasites not found in your home environment. Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause lasting heart and lung damage. Fleas and ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

2. Infectious Diseases: Rabies, Parvovirus, Bordetella

Increased exposure to new animals or wildlife elevates the risk of encountering contagious viruses and bacteria.

  • Symptoms: Coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological changes, or lethargy.
  • Action: Keep vaccinations up to date and avoid high-risk areas like unregulated boarding or dog parks.

3. Leptospirosis: Waterborne Bacterial Infection

Leptospirosis is spread through contaminated water, often in puddles, lakes, or muddy areas. It’s more common in warm, humid regions and can cause liver and kidney failure. It’s also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans through contact with certain bodily fluids like urine.

4. Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Exposure

Found in stagnant or slow-moving bodies of water, blue-green algae can be extremely toxic if ingested or contacted by pets.

5. Heatstroke and Temperature-Related Illness

Many travel destinations expose pets to high heat and humidity. Dogs, especially short-nosed breeds (brachycephalics), are prone to overheating.

6. Exposure to Wildlife and Toxic Plants

New environments often come with unfamiliar wildlife and vegetation. Snakes, porcupines, or even raccoons can pose a threat. Many popular plants and flowers are also toxic to pets.

Geographical Health Risks to Consider

Every destination presents its own set of environmental and biological threats. Consider:

  • Coastal areas: Sand fleas, salt toxicity, seaweed ingestion
  • Forests or high grass: Ticks, wild mushrooms, snake bites, foxtails (grass awns)
  • Urban centers: Leptospirosis, extreme pavement heat, crowd-related stress
  • Midwest and South: Higher risk of heartworm disease, fungal diseases like blastomycosis, ticks, leptospirosis, heat stroke
  • Southwest/West: Risk of fungal diseases like Valley Fever, foxtails, heat stroke

For more advice on avoiding critical situations, visit Preventing Pet Emergencies – UW-Madison Vet Med.

What to Do If Your Pet Falls Ill While Traveling

If your pet shows signs of illness while on the road:

  • Contact a local veterinarian immediately.
  • Keep digital and physical copies of your pet’s medical records.
  • Note symptoms, exposure history, and time of onset.

Knowing where the nearest veterinary hospital is in advance can help avoid delays in emergency situations. Be sure to share your travel history with your veterinarian.

FAQs: Traveling with Pets

What documents do I need for pet travel?
 Check destination-specific requirements and carry vaccination records, health certificates, and ID tags.

How can I reduce my pet’s anxiety?
 Bring familiar toys or bedding, consider calming pheromones or supplements, and gradually acclimate them to travel.

What should I include in a pet travel kit?
 Include food, bottled water, bowls, medications, first aid items, poop bags, towels, and contact info for your vet.

Should I be concerned about plant toxicity?
 Yes. New landscapes may include plants that are toxic to dogs or cats. Always supervise outdoor activity and refer to ASPCA’s toxic plant list.

Keep Travel Safe and Stress-Free

Planning ahead is the best way to prevent health issues while traveling with your pet. At Westerville Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to provide the guidance, preventive care, and resources you need to travel with confidence.

Contact us or schedule a pre-travel consultation today to make sure your trip is safe,