From beaches to Baguio: Vet gives travel tips for dog owners

MANILA, Philippines — The summer months and Holy Week are fast approaching in the Philippines, which means there will be an increase in travel by air, land and sea.

Dog owners in particular can have a lot to look forward to now that one major local airline is allowing small canines on their carriers, but the real worry about one's pet is how to care for them when at the destination.

In a question and answer exchange with Philstar.com, Jads4 Animal Clinic and Dr. Shiba resident veterinarian Dr. Roxanne Ignacio shared some tips on how to look after dogs when travelling.

"Owners tend to think of travel preparation in general terms, but each destination has its own specific things to keep in mind," the vet said. "Being prepared for where you're actually going makes the whole trip smoother for both of you."

For instance, the beach is a popular destination during the hot summer months, and it is not uncommon to bring dogs out by the sand and waves.

Dr. Ignacio notes that dog swimming in the sea will almost always swallow some saltwater, and ingesting them even in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

As such, she advises having fresh water available at all times, offering a drink to dogs even when they're not thirsty.

Dogs will also go sniffing and digging in the sand, again unintentionally ingesting them and causing discomfort, another thing to look out for.

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Being outdoors also means applying flea and tick protection as these pests can be active in places like the beach.

Most families will go home to their provinces for the Holy Week break, and for most city dogs that means new environments — open spaces, unfamiliar animals, chickens and other dogs.

"Most of them adapt quickly, but giving them time to take in the new environment on a leash for the first few hours before letting them roam freely helps them settle in at their own pace," Dr. Ignacio said, adding that it sets everyone up for a much easier remainder of the trip.

Of course, Baguio remains a go-to destination regardless of the season, although during late March, the City of Pines is warm during the day (just not as warm as urban cities).

Baguio's terrain is more varied than what most city dogs are used to, the vet notes. Uneven surfaces and hilly walks can cause minor irritation on paw pads, so it's advisable to check their paws after the first few walks.

The Summer Capital of the Philippines returns to its cool temperatures at night, so be sure that dogs are able to sleep somewhere warm.

"Know what your dog looks like when it is well and when something is off," Dr. Ignacio advised. "Owners who travel with their dogs successfully are usually the ones who can read their dog and notice when behavior, eating, or drinking changes."

She also said it is worth finding out where the nearest vet is since its not easy to get an emergency appointment in beach and mountain areas during peak season, so a little more research helps.

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