Summer travel tips for furbies 

By NSPCA

Summer is often the period when we venture out for holiday breaks. If you’re anything like us, you refuse to venture from your home for longer than a day without your furry friend at your side. Luckily, South Africa is a pet-friendly country with plenty of options for accommodation, restaurants, and leisure activities that welcome pets.

We have several tips and tricks for making your summer holiday enjoyable and stress-free for you and your pup.

Pawesome pointers

No cats, please.

Don’t worry, we love all four-pawed companions! However, most cats don’t enjoy travelling, and car rides can be very stressful for them. Obviously, if your cat is a feline globetrotter and is used to travelling, feel free to take her along for the ride.

The same goes for some dogs. If your dog is not comfortable travelling for long distances in a car, it may be best for him to stay at home where he feels safe and secure. There are many reputable pet-sitters that you can employ to look after your pets while you are away. 

Summer holidays are all about fun in the sun! Whether you’re heading to the beach or hiking up your favourite trail, consider the heat and how it affects your pup. Different dogs handle heat differently, and some breeds are more prone to overheating and heatstroke. Never leave your dog in the car, even for a short time, as temperatures in isolated vehicles can soar above 50°C within minutes. Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke (see “Beat the Heat”).

Day-tripping

If your dog is a reluctant road-tripper, start slowly. Consider taking him on a day trip to the local park or pet-friendly beach. Always use a comfortable and secure harness and keep him on a leash at all times, for his safety as well as others. Pack a “doggy bag” with travel essentials like dog treats, water bottles and bowls, a towel, a spare harness and lead, poop bags, a pet first aid kit, and familiar bedding. 

In the car, keep your pup safely secured. A crate is ideal for crate-trained dogs but there is a variety of travel harnesses available that act as doggy safety belts.

Let’s go the distance

For long car rides, make your dog as comfortable as possible. Bring their favourite blanket or bed, and give them a safe chew toy to keep them occupied. Talk to your vet about safe calming remedies, if necessary. Keep the car cool, and check in with your pup regularly to ensure they’re enjoying the ride. Plan your breaks and research pet-friendly stops along your route. Many service stations offer water points and “pee-stops” for pets. Be considerate of other travellers by keeping your dog on a leash and cleaning up after them.

Keeping safe

Walking on hot tar is painful for your dog’s paws. Remember that tarmac can get much hotter than the air temperature. If it’s 25°C outside, the tar can reach over 50°C, and at 31°C, it can exceed 62°C! Use the “seven-second-paw-rule” to check if the ground is too hot for your dog’s paws: if you can’t hold the back of your hand against the tar for a full seven seconds, it is too hot for your pup’s paws. 

If you think your pup is getting too hot, stop any physical activity, encourage them to rest in a shady spot, and give them some cool water. If your dog is okay with it, gently spray them with room temperature water and use a fan or breeze to help cool them down. 

Keep your dog’s vaccinations and parasite treatments up to date, especially if you’re visiting an area prone to ticks. Pet-friendly establishments may ask for a copy of your pet’s vaccination booklet. 

Above all, make sure your four-legged friend is microchipped and has a well-fitted collar and tag with your current contact details. Before you leave, check that the chip is registered with your current phone number and physical address. Consider uploading your dog onto YapScan, an innovative AI-based app that uses your dog’s unique nose print to identify him if they get lost. Plus, YapScan will donate R1 to the NSPCA for every dog registered on the app!

Beat the heat

Keep your best friend comfortable in hot weather by making sure they always have access to fresh, cool water, and make sure your pup has easy access to shelter from the sun at all times.

Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs. These include excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, bright pink gums, difficulty breathing, uncoordinated movements and even seizures.  

Don’t exercise your dog in the heat of the day. 

The most important part of travelling with your best bud is to make sure they are safe, comfortable, and happy. If you need help with your pet while on holiday, get in touch with the local SPCA. You can find a list of all the SPCAs across South Africa on our website: www.nspca.com.