Traveling with a Disabled Dog

Even when your dog is disabled, they still enjoy life and can be as frisky as ever, despite their disability or special need. Living with a disabled or special needs dog means you have to make changes to both your life and your dog's life, but every moment is worth it. Depending on your dog's disability, the severity of changes you have to make can vary, from simply giving them daily medication to making special modifications to their environment. One area that's often difficult for owners of disabled or special needs dogs is traveling. While traveling with a disabled dog may not be as easy if they didn't have a disability, it is possible with a little extra preparation.

Medications

When traveling with a disabled or special needs dog, it's essential to pack all of their medications and medical equipment to take with you while traveling. Refill any prescriptions before you leave so you know for sure you will have enough to last the trip. Always take a couple of days worth of medication extra just in case an unexpected delay should occur. Make sure their favorite treats are with you, as well as plenty of food and water. Take your veterinarian's phone number along with you, just in case.

Blindness

Growing up with a blind dog was fun, but also difficult because the slightest change to her environment, such as a moved chair, really altered my dog's ability to more around on her own. Blind dogs are easily frightened when placed in environments they aren't accustom to. To make this process easier for your dog, make sure you bring some comforts from home with you. The scents from home will help ease your dog's anxiety, so keep their favorite blanket or toy with them. If traveling in a car, it is much easier for a blind dog to travel on bench seats, not bucket seats. Bucket seats are more difficult for your dog to move around. When you arrive to your destination, give your dog a walk through of the place you will be staying. Help guide them through their new surroundings until they become accustom to them. Make sure you dog's food and water dish are easily accessible.

Physical Disabilities

If your dog has physical disabilities, chances are you will have to make certain accommodations to fit their needs. Again, bench seats are better than bucket seats. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities or walking, a pet stroller will be a good investment to reduce the physical strain for your pet.

References:
"Pets with Disabilities" PetCare
"Special Needs Dogs Hit the Road" DogDaily