More Americans are traveling with pets in 2026, as roadside and air travel stay busy through the summer season. That has veterinarians and pet nutrition experts focusing on a familiar problem: feeding mistakes that happen when dogs and cats leave their normal routine.
Vets say sudden diet changes are still the biggest issue
The American Veterinary Medical Association said in its travel guidance that pets do best when owners pack their usual food and feeding tools instead of switching brands mid-trip. Veterinarians say abrupt changes can trigger vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours, especially in dogs that already have sensitive stomachs.
Dr. Lori Teller, a Texas veterinarian and former American Veterinary Medical Association president, has said routine matters during travel because stress already affects digestion. Adding table scraps, gas-station treats, or unfamiliar canned food can stack a second problem on top of that stress, according to AVMA guidance used by clinics nationwide.
Another common mistake is feeding right before a long car ride. VCA Animal Hospitals advises owners to offer a light meal at least 3 hours before travel for pets prone to motion sickness, rather than a full serving just before departure.
Hydration, heat, and portion mistakes can escalate fast
In hot-weather states including Florida, Texas, and Arizona, hydration mistakes can become more serious than missed meals. The American Kennel Club notes that dogs can lose fluids quickly in summer heat, and many owners forget to stop every 2 to 4 hours for water and bathroom breaks on longer drives.
Portion control also slips on vacation. Banfield Pet Hospital advises owners to count treats as part of a pet’s daily calories, a detail that often gets ignored when family members share snacks at hotels, campgrounds, or rest stops.
What is not always known right away is how much a pet has eaten once travel starts. ASPCA Animal Poison Control has warned that unfamiliar foods such as grapes, raisins, onions, xylitol gum, and chocolate can cause emergencies in small amounts, depending on the animal’s size and species.
What travelers should expect when routines are disrupted
The practical fix is simple but specific: bring enough of the regular diet for the full trip plus extra. Many veterinarians recommend packing at least 2 to 3 extra days of food in case flights are delayed, highways close, or a preferred brand is unavailable in a smaller town.
Owners should also expect schedule changes to affect appetite. BluePearl Pet Hospital says some pets eat less for the first 24 to 48 hours in a new place, while others overeat if food is left out all day in a hotel room or rental house.
If a pet vomits repeatedly, refuses water, or has diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, veterinarians say that becomes a medical issue, not just a travel hiccup. The AVMA advises travelers to carry feeding records, medications, and the phone number of a veterinary clinic near their destination before the trip begins.
