Pugs make great companions. Their adaptable nature makes them the perfect pet for many people. As a relatively small breed, pugs make for practical travel partners. However, their unique nature and certain common health conditions mean that any journey with a pug needs a little planning. Here’s what to consider…
Travelling with a pug checklist – the essentials
There are certain essentials that you’ll need to pack when planning any trip be it by plane, train or automobile:
- A water bottle – dehydration is a common problem for travelling dogs, especially in warm weather.
- A selection of snacks – both for snacking on and as a reward for being a good boy/girl.
- Food and a bowl – especially if you’re travelling a long distance.
- A suitably sized pet carrier or even better a specially designed car seat with restraint for safety – particularly if your pug enjoys watching the scenery pass by.
- Leash or harness.
- A favourite toy or two.
- Poop bags.
- Any medication that will be needed for the duration of the trip.
- Ensure your pug is microchipped and that they have id tags securely in place.
Specifics for flying with a pug
As a brachycephalic breed, pugs like their boxer, shih tzu and bulldog cousins, to name just a few, require some specific considerations when it comes to flying. Your snub-nosed pal may not be permitted to travel on certain airlines. British Airways will not carry pugs, for example, while KLM and TUI will, though it’s always best to check as policies change from time to time.
Some airlines won’t allow pugs because of the increased risk of breathing difficulties that the breed suffers and because they’re particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
That also means even if your chosen airline will accommodate a pug on board, travelling in the cargo hold is a no-no. As long as you have a sturdy pet carrier that your pug is happy to spend time in and your canine companion is not especially anxious and comfortable with new people and places, they should be fine to fly.
Consider your pug’s health and pre-existing conditions before travelling
If you’re travelling abroad, your pug will require a pet passport or health certificate. The rules vary depending on where you’re coming from and going to, so check the latest government advice on taking pets overseas.
It’s always a good idea to travel with your pug’s health information. This should include vaccination status. If you’re going to be travelling far or taking a vacation with your pug, it’s also a good idea to have a vet check-up before you go.
You should also pack any information relating to pet insurance. You’ll want to have a note of the insurance provider’s contact details and details of the policy should anything untoward happen.
Check your policy, as pet insurance to cover existing conditions for pugs will require you to declare common problems for the breed. This often includes Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS), Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome, corneal ulcers (pugs have big eyes which makes them more prone to this), a history of seizures and skin disorders.
Travelling with a pug need not be stressful in any way. In fact, it’s a joy so long as you’ve done a little bit of planning in advance. Enjoy the trip!
