Passport to Protection: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Travel-Related Diseases in Pets

Traveling with your pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience—whether you’re road-tripping to the mountains, visiting family across state lines, or heading abroad. But as you plan your pet-friendly itinerary, it’s just as important to prepare for your pet’s health and safety on the go.

New environments come with new risks: unfamiliar parasites, diseases, plants, wildlife, and climates. Fortunately, most travel-related health issues are preventable with proper preparation and a proactive veterinary plan.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care in Reno, Nevada, we’re here to help you understand the potential risks your pet may face while traveling and how to prevent them effectively—so you can focus on making memories, not managing emergencies.

Traveling Pets Face Different Health Risks—Here’s What to Know

1. Heartworm Disease

  • How It Spreads: Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is a potentially fatal condition that affects dogs and, more rarely, cats.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, and labored breathing.
  • Prevention: Use year-round heartworm preventatives and schedule regular testing. Risk can vary by region—check the prevalence map from CAPC.

2. Tick-Borne Diseases

  • Examples: Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.
  • Symptoms: Lethargy, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or loss of appetite.

Prevention: Use veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives, especially when hiking or visiting wooded or grassy areas. Check your pet daily for ticks.

3.  Toxic Plants and Wildlife Hazards

  • Common Toxic Plants: Sago palm, lilies, oleander, azaleas, mushrooms.
  • Wildlife Concerns: Snakes, raccoons, coyotes, porcupines, and venomous insects.
  • Symptoms of Poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or swelling.

Prevention: Supervise your pet outdoors and avoid unfamiliar plants or trails.
Toxic plants reference – ASPCA

4. Leptospirosis

  • What It Is: A zoonotic bacterial infection (transmissible to humans) spread via urine-contaminated water or soil.
  • Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, muscle pain, dehydration, and potential liver/kidney damage.

Prevention: Vaccinate before travel and avoid letting pets drink from lakes, puddles, or slow-moving water.
 More about Leptospirosis – AAHA

5. Intestinal Parasites

  • Common Culprits: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia.
  • How They Spread: Through contaminated soil, standing water, or exposure to infected animals.
  • Prevention: Regular deworming, clean drinking water, and avoiding shared or unclean water bowls at rest stops or parks.

6. Heat-Related Illnesses

  • What to Watch For: Pets can suffer from heatstroke or dehydration when exposed to high temperatures or confined spaces.
  • High-Risk Pets: Flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs or Persians), older animals, and pets with underlying health issues.
  • Symptoms: Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse.
  • Prevention: Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Provide access to fresh water and shade at all times.
    Pet heat safety tips – AAHA

7. Blue-Green Algae Toxicity

  • Where It’s Found: Stagnant ponds, lakes, or reservoirs—especially in warm weather.
  • Why It’s Dangerous: Ingesting even a small amount can cause liver failure, seizures, or death.
  • Symptoms: Vomiting, muscle tremors, breathing difficulty, or unresponsiveness.
  • Prevention: Avoid letting pets swim in or drink from any water with visible algae or foul odors.
    More on blue-green algae dangers – AAHA

8. Rabies

  • How Pets Get It: Rabies is contracted through bites or scratches from infected wildlife or unvaccinated animals.
  • Symptoms: Aggression, confusion, excessive drooling, paralysis.

Prevention: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for travel to most destinations—especially internationally.
 Travel vaccination requirements – USDA APHIS

Travel-Ready Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

1. Schedule a Pre-Travel Veterinary Visit

Before any trip—especially if you’re crossing state lines or flying internationally—schedule a health check:

  • Update vaccinations and confirm destination-specific health requirements.
  • Discuss parasite control, motion sickness, or anxiety medications if needed.
  • Health certificates may be required for travel (especially flights and border crossings).
    Travel FAQ – AVMA

2. Practice Safe Travel Habits

  • Secure Transport: Use well-ventilated crates, carriers, or pet seatbelt harnesses.
  • Limit Exposure: Don’t let pets drink from standing water or roam off-leash in unfamiliar environments.
  • Prepare for Emergencies: Carry a pet first-aid kit, along with your pet’s vaccine and medication records.
    Comprehensive travel safety – AAHA

3. Know What to Do in an Emergency

  • Locate Veterinary Clinics at your destination before you arrive.
  • Save Emergency Numbers: Have poison control and your home vet’s number saved in your phone.
  • Consider First Aid Training: Classes like those from the Red Cross can help you act fast in case of an emergency.

Safe Travels Start With Smart Planning

Traveling with pets can be incredibly fulfilling—but only when you’re fully prepared to protect their health along the way. By understanding region-specific risks and committing to preventive care, you’ll not only reduce the chances of illness but also enjoy a more relaxed, enjoyable experience with your pet by your side.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we’re here to support your pet’s health before, during, and after your travels. Whether you need a pre-travel health certificate, vaccine updates, or help building a custom travel care plan, our team is ready to help.

 Schedule your travel consultation today and let’s make your next pet-friendly adventure a safe and healthy one!