Pug-Friendly Travel: How to Save Money and Keep Your Pug Safe on Vacation
Half the fun of owning a dog is going on adventures together. From walks around the neighborhood to cross-country road trips, your pug is the best travel companion you could ask for. However, as a pug owner, you have travel considerations that other dog owners don’t have to worry about. Use these budget-friendly tips to enjoy a problem-free vacation with your pug.
Flying vs. Driving: What’s Best for Pugs?
Road trips are less stressful than flying for most dogs, but especially pugs. As a brachycephalic breed, pugs are at risk of breathing problems when traveling in the cargo hold of an airplane.
If you have to fly, remember to keep your pug in the cabin to avoid life-threatening respiratory problems. However, flying a pet in the cabin is costly — most airlines charge $100 or more per flight segment — and your pet has to stay in a carrier by your feet, which is often uncomfortable for you and very stressful for your pug.
Driving is cheaper and easier on your pug. However, pugs are still vulnerable to respiratory problems when they get stressed, so ease your dog into a long road trip by going on shorter drives until your dog is comfortable in the car.
Keeping your Pug Safe on Vacation
A veterinary emergency is expensive no matter where you are, but if your pug experiences health problems while you’re traveling, you’ll have no choice but to go to an emergency clinic that’s even more costly. The right gear keeps your pet safe while traveling, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot either. These are the essentials you’ll need on vacation:
Harness: Walking pugs with a collar can cause breathing and eye problems. Look for a harness with multiple adjustment points for a comfortable, snug fit.
Vehicle safety restraint: As much as your pug wants to ride up front with you, it’s not safe. A vehicle restraint keeps your dog safely out of the way while driving. Restraint options for small dogs include dog car seats or crates secured to the vehicle.
Collapsible bowls: It’s important to keep your pet hydrated on the road, but you don’t want bulky bowls cluttering up your luggage. Collapsible bowls pack small so you can carry them anywhere you go.
Crate: A crate gives your pug a home away from home and prevents escapes from cars and hotel rooms. Choose a collapsible crate to save space and crate train your pug so the crate is a comforting space, not a scary one.
If you shop smart, you can buy all these supplies for less than the price of airfare for your pug. To save money shopping, compare prices at different retailers like Kohls and check for coupons and promo codes that allow you to earn cash back on your purchases.
Pug-Friendly Travel Destinations
Your pug wants to go everywhere you go, but that doesn’t mean every destination is right for your pet. Pugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so avoid travel destinations with very hot or very cold weather. If you’re craving a beach getaway, travel in the shoulder season when temperatures are milder, and limit the time your pug spends outdoors. Shoulder season travel is also cheaper, so you’ll save money compared to the peak vacation season. If you’re not sure what qualifies as “shoulder season” in your destination, use Fare Detective to find when flights prices drop, then look for vacation packages in that timeframe to score a deal.
Keep in mind that air conditioning isn’t standard everywhere. If booking a vacation rental, confirm whether the home has temperature control so you can maintain a comfortable environment for your pug. Or, stay in a hotel, where air conditioning is guaranteed. If you book lodging at Red Roof Inn, Kimpton Hotels, or another pet-friendly chain, you’ll skip the expensive pet fees and have more money to spend on activities.
Pugs are a sensitive breed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a good adventure too! Instead of leaving your dog behind on your next vacation, invite your pug along. With these tips, you can avoid the biggest pet-friendly travel problems and stick to your travel budget.
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