Diseases Your Pet Could Pick Up While Traveling: Common Travel-Related Illnesses in Pets & How to Avoid Them

Planning a trip with your pet? Whether you’re hitting the road, boarding a plane, or traveling internationally, your pet could be at risk for various illnesses. Just like humans, pets can encounter unfamiliar bacteria, parasites, allergens, and stressors in new environments. Some of these issues can be serious—or even life-threatening—without proper prevention.

At Providence Vet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we want to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy throughout their travels. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common travel-related illnesses in pets, how they’re transmitted, and what you can do to keep your pet safe.

1. Heartworm Disease

What is it?

Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition caused by worms that live in the heart and lungs of pets. It’s transmitted through mosquito bites, making warm and humid destinations particularly risky.

How to prevent it:

  • Keep your pet on year-round heartworm prevention (prescribed by your vet).
  • Avoid areas with high mosquito populations, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use pet-safe mosquito repellents.

Canine Heartworm Prevalence Map – CAPC

2. Tick-Borne Diseases (Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, etc.)

What are they?

Ticks can transmit dangerous bacteria and parasites that cause illnesses like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. Some symptoms include fever, joint pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

How to prevent it:

  • Use vet-recommended flea and tick prevention (collars, topical treatments, or oral medications).
  • Perform a tick check on your pet after outdoor activities.
  • Stick to well-maintained trails and avoid tall grasses or wooded areas.

3. Leptospirosis

What is it?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected animals (wildlife, rodents, livestock). It’s common in tropical and rural areas.

How to prevent it:

  • Get your pet vaccinated—Leptospirosis vaccines are available for dogs.
  • Avoid letting pets drink from puddles, lakes, or standing water.
  • Keep pet areas clean and free of rodent activity.

4. Fungal Diseases (Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, etc.)

What are they?

Fungal infections such as blastomycosis and histoplasmosis are caused by spores found in soil, particularly in areas with moist conditions and decaying wood or bird droppings. These diseases can affect the lungs, eyes, and other organs.

How to prevent it:

  • Avoid allowing pets to dig in soil or explore caves, wooded areas, or construction sites in regions where these fungi are common.
  • Keep pets indoors when visiting areas known for fungal exposure.
  • Recognize symptoms early, including coughing, weight loss, and eye inflammation.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues (Diarrhea, Stress-Related GI Distress, Motion Sickness)

What are they?

New environments, changes in diet, and travel stress can trigger digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Long car rides may cause motion sickness, while unfamiliar foods and water sources can disrupt gut health.

How to prevent it:

  • Stick to your pet’s regular diet while traveling.
  • Carry bottled or filtered water to avoid contaminated water sources.
  • For car sickness, ask your vet about motion sickness medications.
  • Bring a pet first-aid kit with anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications.

AAHA’s Ultimate Guide to Traveling Safely with Your Pet

6. Respiratory Infections (Kennel Cough, Canine Influenza, Feline Upper Respiratory Disease)

What are they?

Pets in boarding facilities, dog parks, or airplanes are at a higher risk of contracting respiratory infections. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever.

How to prevent it:

  • Ensure your pet is vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough) and Canine Influenza before travel.
  • Avoid crowded pet areas if your pet is unvaccinated or immunocompromised.
  • Keep their immune system strong with a healthy diet and regular vet visits.

7. Exposure to New Allergens

What is it?

Traveling exposes pets to new pollens, grasses, molds, and environmental allergens, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some pets may develop reactions to new foods or air pollutants.

How to prevent it:

  • Pack hypoallergenic wipes to clean your pet’s paws and coat after outdoor activities.
  • Avoid walking your pet in high-pollen areas, especially in spring and summer.
  • Bring your pet’s usual food to prevent food-related allergic reactions.

8. Zoonotic Diseases (Rabies, Ringworm, Brucellosis, etc.)

What are they?

Zoonotic diseases are those that can spread between animals and humans. Rabies is a major concern, especially in international travel. Some countries have strict quarantine and vaccination requirements for pets.

How to prevent it:

  • Ensure your pet is up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
  • Avoid contact with wild animals and stray pets while traveling.
  • Check USDA APHIS Pet Travel Guidelines for destination-specific requirements.

U.S. Department of State – Pets and International Travel

9. Behavioral Issues Due to Stress

What is it?

Traveling can be overwhelming for pets, leading to increased anxiety, aggression, or destructive behaviors. New environments, unfamiliar sounds, and changes in routine may worsen existing behavior problems.

How to prevent it:

  • Use calming supplements or pheromone sprays to reduce stress.
  • Stick to a consistent routine with feeding and exercise.
  • Provide a safe space (crate or carrier) for your pet to retreat to.
  • Consider anti-anxiety medications if your pet struggles with travel stress.

Pre-Travel Checklist: How to Keep Your Pet Healthy

  • Schedule a veterinary check-up to ensure your pet is fit for travel.
  • Update all vaccinations, especially for diseases common in your destination.
  • Pack enough flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for the entire trip.
  • Bring a pet first-aid kit with medications for diarrhea, motion sickness, and minor wounds.
  • Research local vets or emergency clinics at your destination.

Travel Smart, Stay Healthy!

Traveling with your pet can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to take precautions against potential health risks. By staying up-to-date on vaccinations, using parasite prevention, and practicing good hygiene, you can ensure a safe and stress-free adventure for both you and your pet.

If you’re planning a trip, schedule a pre-travel consultation with our team at Providence Vet in Virginia Beach. We’ll help you prepare for a smooth and worry-free journey!

Safe travels!