Planning on taking your dog or cat with you on your summer vacation? Here are a few tips to make traveling more enjoyable:
- Make sure your pet has some form of ID. A microchip is best as it is a permanent form of ID. A collar and tag should be worn as well with you name and phone numbers.
- Does your furry friend enjoy traveling? Take some time well before a road trip to make sure that they are acclimatized to the car. Take your pal on some short drives first to see how she does. If she seems to get car sick or anxious, there are some medications we can prescribe or recommend that may help. It best to make several short test trips with the medications in their systems to make sure that they are going to have the desired effect.
- How will your pet travel in the car? It is best to have them safely restrained. Cats should be in a carrier. Make sure the crate is secured so that if you stop suddenly it won’t shift. For dogs, there are several options such as booster seats, and various restraint harnesses are available.
- Bring a travel kit. This should include water, dishes, food, poop bags, leash, medication, first aid supplies, and grooming supplies as well as litter and a box for kitty. It is best to bring water from home or bottled water as unfamiliar water can cause an upset stomach.
- Don’t forget to bring a Rabies certificate if you are traveling to the US! It is also a good idea to bring veterinary records, or at least have your vet’s contact information near at hand in case you need to visit a veterinary hospital while traveling.
- Your pet should be currently taking heartworm and flea/tick medication as well as be up to date on vaccines to prevent acquiring any pests or viruses while on vacation. There may be pests you are not accustomed to seeing in the area you are visiting.
- Be mindful of the temperature! Animals should never be left in a hot or cold car.
- Plan ahead! Make sure your destination hotel, campground, (or relative!) will be ok with you bringing your furry friend along.
- Feed your pet a light meal several hours before travel to help prevent motion sickness. Avoid a big meal just before a ride.
- Remember to make frequent stops while traveling to allow your pet to have bathroom breaks.
- Don’t let your dog hang her head out the window! It looks cute and fun but your pet can easily damage their eyes with flying debris.
Enjoy your trip!
Dr. Celeste Forgeron DVM June 2017