One of the many things I love about Chihuahuas is their portability! I take my Chihuahuas with me everywhere we go. I can’t imagine going anywhere without them. Especially overnight! But, there are things about traveling with a Chihuahua that I have learned over the years and I want to share them with you so your next trip will be safe and fun for both of you!
Traveling with your Chihuahua can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure their safety and comfort. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or just taking a weekend getaway, here are some essential tips to keep your Chihuahua safe and stress-free during your travels.
1. health always comes first!
Nothing will dampen a vacation or a road trip like an emergency trip to the veterinarian. If you are going to be active on this trip, ie, climbing, extra walking, etc, and your dog is overweight, it could be dangerous to expect him to do things that he normally doesn’t do. So if your dog is overweight, address that before you go.
Ensure that your Chihuahua’s vaccinations are up to date and take a health certificate from your veterinarian to prove he is current. Believe me, this is a necessity! I know from experience. If there is an emergency and you need to take your Chihuahua to a veterinarian out of town or out of state you will need a health certificate and your Chihuahua’s veterinarian’s phone number with you.
If he is not already on flea & tick and heartworm preventatives, make sure that he is before you go anywhere. Different states have different little critters and these can be picked up anywhere, especially at pet rest stops, anywhere you stop for a potty break. Just remember that not all pet parents are as careful about their pet’s vaccinations. Where your Chihuahua pees or poos, you can bet other dogs have too. Many serious diseases can be transmitted by urine and feces.
2. Acclimate Him To Traveling before your trip
If your Chihuahua has never been on a trip with you before, be sure that he is comfortable riding in the car before you go. If you are planning to travel by plane, be sure your Chihuahua is used to and comfortable with being in a crate.
If he gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian. There are medications both conventional and herbal that can help.
If your dog is not used to traveling in the car, take him on short, pleasant trips before you go. Drive to a dog park or a different neighborhood for your daily walk. He will associate car rides with something good.
Feed him about 6 hours before leaving and never feed him while he’s in a moving car.
Please don’t let your dog hang his head out the window. Road debris and flying objects can damage or injure their delicate eyes and ears.
Stop every three to four hours to let him relieve himself, walk a little and have a drink. As a precaution, make sure that he already has his leash on before you open the car door.
NEVER leave him in a parked car, not even if the windows are down. I think we have all heard about the dangers of pets in parked cars, even on cool days it can be very dangerous.
If you stop at a rest stop, don’t go in and leave him in the car, even if the heater or air conditioner is on. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE.
3. Choose the Right Travel Carrier
A well-ventilated, secure travel carrier is a must for any trip. When choosing a carrier:
- Size matters – Your Chihuahua should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Secure closures – Zippers or locks should be sturdy enough to prevent escape.
- Airline-approved – If flying, ensure the carrier meets airline regulations.
Introduce your Chihuahua to the carrier before the trip so they feel comfortable inside. Place a favorite blanket or toy inside to make it feel like home.
4. traveling by car
Road trips can be fun, but, again, safety comes first. Follow these tips when driving with your Chihuahua:
USE A CAR SEAT OR A SECURED CARRIER:
Never allow your dog to roam freely in the car, as it can be dangerous in case of sudden stops. A booster seat or secured carrier is ideal.
Take frequent breaks:
Stop every 2-3 hours to allow your Chihuahua to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water. Even humans need to streach their legs every two hours!
Never leave them alone in the car:
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can become dangerously hot or cold within minutes. I can’t say in words how profoundly important this is!
Never leave them alone in the car:
traveling by airplane:
f you’re flying with your Chihuahua, book a pet-friendly airline and check their specific pet policies. Most airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, but they must remain in an airline-approved carrier under the seat.
book early:
Airlines have limited spots for in-cabin pets.
see your veterinarian first:
Airlines may require a health certificate. Make sure vaccinations are up to date.
prepare for security:
You may need to carry your Chihuahua through the security checkpoint while their carrier is screened.
pack a travel bag for your chihuahua
Whether you travel by car or by plane, having a dedicated travel bag for your Chihuahua ensures you have everything they need. Essential items include:
- Food and water bowls
- Enough food for the entire trip
- Bottled water
- Collar with I.D. tag
- Leash & harness
- Poo bags
- A cozy bed and/or blanket
- Favorite toys for comfort
- All medications (if needed) Be sure you have enough for the entire trip
find pet-friendly accomodations
Not all hotels or rentals welcome pets, so always confirm their pet policy before booking. Look for places that offer pet-friendly amenities, such as dog parks or designated walking areas. Bring a portable crate or pet bed to help your Chihuahua feel at home while in the room.
I’ve found that most hotels require that your Chihuahua be crated when you are not in the room.
It’s for their safety — they can’t run out of the room when staff come in to clean — and for the staff’s safety. Remember, they don’t know your Chihuahua so they don’t know if he or she is friendly or aggressive.
Keep them calm and comfortable
Traveling can be stressful for a Chihuahua. They are in a new environment and in situations that may be new to them, so take steps to keep them calm:
- Stick to their usual feeding and potty schedule.
- Keep their environment as familiar as possible.
- Use calming aids like a pheromone spray or soft music.
Be prepared for emergencies
Locate the nearest vet clinic at your destination in case of an emergency. Carry a copy of your Chihuahua’s medical records, and have emergency contacts saved in your phone. These include: Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) in the US, and your own veterinarian’s office at home. If you travel out of the country, be sure to look up all the pet emergencies contact information in that country.
final thoughts:
With the right preparation, traveling with your Chihuahua can be a fun and stress-free experience. By prioritizing their safety, comfort, and well-being, you’ll create lasting memories together wherever you go!
Do you travel with your Chihuahua? Share your experiences with us in the comments below: 👇🏼
