6 tips for traveling with your (senior) dog this holiday season

With the holidays approaching, many of us are excited to spend time with our beloved pets. For some of us, we’ll be traveling via car or plane to visit friends or family.

We have many seasoned adventure pups on the Loyal team, so I collected their top travel tips to share with you! Here are our top 6 tips for a happy senior dog-on-the-go, from Koda and Aurora (9 and 3), Charlie (11), and Edgar (12)!

Koda and Aurora (left), Charlie (middle), and Edgar (right). Collectively, these dogs have taken over 50 trips — with a special mention to Edgar’s 30 trips over his lifetime.

#1 Preparation is key

You’re already doing this by reading this blog — great work! My dog Jumbo gets her own bag full of items to prepare for trips. Having extras and ensuring I have items, like chews, to distract her when she’s bored have made our trips smooth and peaceful.

When traveling to airports or a new hotel, scout out relief areas in advance. Dr. Mary Harrison, Loyal’s Director of Vet Education, advises “Allow extra time, and scope out where the ‘dog relief areas’ are ahead of time. And love on your dog the whole way!”

Charlie is prepared for a long road trip, with a full pack of dog supplies and food.

#2 Notice when your dog feels safe and comfortable

Not every dog enjoys traveling, so it’s prudent for owners to understand body language and observe how their dog is doing. As owners, we know our dogs best — as your dog gets older, pay special attention to see if they’re pushing themselves too hard.

When Maria traveled with her dog Edgar, she noticed that Edgar always preferred an enclosed space. He was much more comfortable sitting in his carrier, with a blanket and toys, than on the ground. 

Maria encourages, “Pay attention to when your dog is the calmest, and try to recreate that when you’re traveling! I learned that Edgar loved laying on comfy things. I always had extra blankets for him. Even in the bag on my shoulder, he always had a blanket. Knowing he had something to keep him comfortable also helped him keep calm.”

Edgar showing his calm, relaxed demeanor on a coffee run.

#3 Arrange sleeping accommodations in advance

It’s always good to research options ahead of time. Check if hotels, camping grounds, or BNBs are dog-friendly and if they have a weight limit.

Jessie, Koda and Aurora’s owner, has found that certain hotel networks are willing to make exceptions for her big dogs. Her pro-tip for hotel accommodations is to ask the hotel manager for a ‘report card’ after a successful hotel stay.“Call ahead, and let them know you have big dogs coming. You can ask, ‘My dog is very well-behaved, and we’re thankful you’re letting us stay with you. After our stay is over, would you be willing to write a letter that we can use to show other managers at future hotels?’” You can use these same steps at short-term rentals or BnBs if there’s a weight limit, asking previous hosts to recommend your dogs for upcoming stays.

These pet-friendly BnBs allowed Koda and Aurora happy excursions into nature before turning in for a satisfying sleep — sand in their paws and all.

#4 Find medical care ahead of time

Researching veterinary care ahead of time will help you be prepared in case of emergency. If you’re staying somewhere for a longer period, or have a senior dog that needs special care, it’s also helpful to know which vet to go to for regular medical care.

Laura has found a local vet for 11-year old Charlie in Georgia, Miami, and Tampa who all helped him get through his recent TPLO (knee) surgery. Finding locations ahead of time for follow-ups, physical therapy, and rehabilitation made Charlie’s ongoing recovery smoother. She always has his up-to-date medical records accessible to share with the vet before she travels to a new city.

For dogs who get anxious when in transit, it may make sense to ask a vet to prescribe appropriate medications for anxiety or motion sickness to keep them calm before a trip. Also, make sure you have enough of your dog’s routine medications, such as pain meds, before you go.

#5 Keep an eye on your dog's mobility

Mobility tools can be helpful, especially for senior dogs or dogs recovering from injury.

Orthopedic dog beds are a great idea for older dogs, as it allows them to get a good night’s sleep and not have to lie on hard surfaces. And of course, some dogs are the most cozy in their owner’s bed!

Koda, who is 9 years old and 110 lb, has portable steps to get in and out of the vehicle on road trips. Ramps are another good option to help your dog maneuver up and down. If you’re traveling to or through places with stairs, consider bringing a crossbody bag or dog carrier. For small dogs like 9 lb Edgar, stairs can be hard on your dog’s joints or back.

If your dog tends to get long toe fur, keep their paws clean and trimmed to help them avoid slipping, improve their mobility, and lighten the load on their joints. Some owners put mobility aids on their dogs like ‘toe grips’.

Some owners (like us) like to let our dogs sleep in the human bed.

#6 Pay attention and be flexible

Traveling is stressful, not just for dogs, but humans too. It’s important to keep an open mind. You may find yourself taking more stops with your dog — both to keep a potty schedule and to let your dog stretch their muscles on long drives. These breaks are good. Learn to savor them.

Your dog may not enjoy a particular environment, and that’s ok. By taking a breath and being flexible on this adventure with your dog, the trip will be much more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Be flexible. Soak in the time you have together, no matter how messy it might get.

Happy traveling!

We hope these six tips help you have an enjoyable and safe trip with your (senior) dog. For more canine health and wellness advice:

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