Essential Health Risks for Traveling Pets: Austin, Texas Guide

Traveling with pets offers exciting adventures, but it also comes with unique health risks. Whether you’re planning a road trip or relocating to a new environment, it’s important to protect your pet from diseases, environmental hazards, and travel-related stress.

At Oliver Animal Hospital, we help pet owners prepare for safe, healthy travel with expert veterinary care and preventive strategies.

Common Diseases Your Pet Can Encounter While Traveling

Parasitic Diseases: Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms

Parasites thrive in different climates, and pets traveling to new locations may encounter fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes carrying heartworm larvae.

  • Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and can cause heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage. Symptoms include coughing, lethargy, and weight loss. Preventative medications are critical when traveling to areas where heartworm is common. Check heartworm prevalence in your destination.
  • Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Protect your pet with year-round flea and tick prevention.

Infectious Diseases: Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease

Leptospirosis and Lyme disease are both regional threats that pets may encounter while traveling.

  • Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, soil, or wildlife urine. It can cause liver and kidney failure and is transmissible to humans. Vaccination is recommended for pets traveling to high-risk areas.
  • Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, leads to joint swelling, fever, and lameness. If traveling to tick-prone areas, keep pets on tick preventatives and check them regularly after outdoor activities.

Respiratory Infections: Bordetella & Canine Influenza

Dogs traveling to boarding facilities, dog parks, or pet-friendly events face a higher risk of kennel cough (Bordetella) and canine influenza. These highly contagious diseases spread through airborne droplets and shared water bowls.

Preventative vaccines are available and recommended before travel.

Preventing Disease While Traveling With Your Pet

1. Smart Hygiene Practices

Pets explore the world through sniffing, licking, and chewing—habits that can expose them to harmful bacteria and parasites.

Avoid:

  • Letting your pet drink from communal water bowls at parks, rest stops, or airports. Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl
  • Allowing pets to sniff or lick communal urination spots where bacteria and viruses may linger.
  • Eating food, dirt, or feces from the ground, which can carry parasites and toxins.

Do:

  • Rinse your pet’s paws and mouth after outdoor activities.
  • Use sanitary wipes after visiting public areas.
  • Carry disposable pee pads for bathroom breaks in new locations.

2. Be Aware of Regional Wildlife Hazards

Different travel destinations come with unique wildlife risks. You’ll face very different animals in Florida vs Colorado; Research before you go to avoid dangerous encounters.

  • In Austin, Texas: Watch for rattlesnakes, coyotes, and fire ants when hiking.
  • Mountainous regions: Bears, mountain lions, and porcupines pose risks—keep pets leashed.
  • Forested areas: Skunks (rabies risk), venomous snakes, and ticks are common threats.
  • Near water sources: Blue-green algae, alligators, and toxic amphibians can be deadly to pets.

Check local wildlife advisories before exploring outdoor areas.

3. Protect Against Regional Diseases

Certain locations pose greater risks for fungal infections and toxic exposures:

  • Histoplasmosis & Blastomycosis: Found in moist soil and bird/bat droppings in the Midwest and Southern U.S. These fungal infections can cause respiratory illness in dogs.
  • Snail Poisoning (Lungworm Infection): Common in the Pacific Northwest, dogs that eat infected snails or slugs are at risk.
  • Foxtails & Grass Awns: These sharp seed heads embed in skin, ears, and paws, leading to serious infections. Found in California, Texas, and dry grasslands.
  • Poison Ivy & Oak: While not toxic to dogs, the oils can transfer to human skin. Rinse your pet after exposure.

Hiking and Adventure Safety Tips

If your pet enjoys hiking, swimming, or camping, take extra precautions:

  • Use protective gear (dog boots, cooling vests, life jackets) in rough terrain.
  • Check for ticks after outdoor adventures.
  • Avoid stagnant water where bacteria and parasites thrive.
  • Leash your pet to prevent wildlife encounters.

Keep emergency vet contact info on hand in case of injury.

Managing Travel Stress and Immune Health

Traveling can weaken your pet’s immune system due to stress and environmental changes. Reduce stress by:

  • Maintaining their normal routine—stick to regular feeding and sleep schedules.
  • Bringing familiar bedding and toys to reduce anxiety.
  • Providing a consistent diet—avoid sudden food changes to prevent digestive upset.

For car travel:

  • Use a secure carrier or pet seatbelt harness.
  • Take frequent breaks for bathroom and water stops.
  • Keep the car cool and well-ventilated to prevent heat stress.

Do You Need a Health Certificate?

Travel regulations for pets vary significantly between domestic and international travel. Some states and countries require official health certificates issued by a veterinarian, proving your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious diseases.

  • International Travel: Many countries have strict entry requirements, including rabies titer tests, quarantine periods, and specific vaccines. Some destinations, like Australia or Japan, require months or even years of preparation to meet their health regulations.
  • Hawaii: You cannot simply book a flight with your dog—Hawaii has strict quarantine laws due to its rabies-free status. Advance testing and paperwork are required.
  • Canada & Mexico: Crossing the border requires proof of rabies vaccination, and some additional requirements may apply.
  • S. State Travel: While rarely enforced, some states technically require health certificates or proof of vaccinations for entry.

Before traveling, check requirements well in advance to avoid unexpected delays, quarantine, or denied entry.

FAQs About Traveling with Pets

1. How do I find a vet while traveling?

Research veterinary clinics along your route before departure. Keep emergency contacts saved in case of illness or injury.

2. Can my pet drink water from streams or lakes?

No—natural water sources may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Bring fresh, clean water for your pet.

3. How do I reduce the risk of tick bites?

Use year-round flea and tick prevention, avoid tall grass, and check your pet’s fur after outdoor activities.

4. Should I change my pet’s diet while traveling?

No—keep their usual food to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Bring enough food for the trip to avoid last-minute diet changes.

Find more pet travel safety tips from AAHA.

Plan a Safe Trip with Oliver Animal Hospital

Before your next adventure, schedule a pre-travel checkup at Oliver Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians will:

  • Ensure your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date
  • Provide region-specific health advice
  • Recommend travel medications for anxiety or motion sickness

Schedule an appointment today and keep your pet protected on the road!