How to Travel With a Dog That Has Congestive Heart Failure

Being prepared when traveling with a dog that has congestive heart failure can make the difference between an uneventful trip and one to the veterinary emergency hospital. It is always risky to travel with a sick animal, especially if the condition is severe. With congestive heart failure, it usually is. However, if you gain the approval of your veterinarian and take the essential precautions, you can ensure the comfort---and safety---of your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog medications
  • Dog crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pack all medications that your dog takes, and be sure to bring them with you. Bring the phone number of your veterinarian in case you need to reach her.

    • 2

      Drive instead of fly, if possible. Four Paws Veterinary Hospital in San Marcos, Texas, says that flying may be too risky for an animal with heart problems. If your dog is large, it will need to fly unsupervised in the luggage area. If something happens to your dog, it will go unnoticed. In addition, the climate of the baggage department could be different than the cabin, and that might may pose a health threat to your dog. Flying may be too stressful for a nervous dog or a dog that has never flown because of the different movements and sensations. on a plane.

    • 3

      Decide whether your dog would feel more comfortable in or out of a crate when in the car. Some dogs prefer the confines of a crate, especially if they are used to spending time in them. However, if you have never placed your dog in a crate, now is probably not the time to do so. If you are concerned that your dog will walk around the car and potentially crawl under the pedals, consider using a safety restraint device, which is available at most pet stores.

    • 4

      Stop for frequent potty breaks. Most dogs who have congestive heart failure take medication that causes them to urinate often. That's because the drug helps prevent fluids from accumulating in their bodies.

    • 5

      Obtain the phone numbers of local veterinarians near your destination and on your travel route in case your dog takes a turn for the worse. Be sure to have numbers and locations for veterinary emergency clinics, so that if a problem occurs in the middle of the night, you know where to take your dog.