Summer
is here and travel season is upon us. Having
your pet accompany you on vacation may seem like a great idea to you, but be
sure to consider your pet’s personality, too.
Some pets can be distressed traveling and may be much happier staying
home or at a kennel. If travel is right
for you and your pet, before you go, update all vaccinations and take all
necessary health papers with you. Know
where to find a local veterinarian at your destination in case of emergency. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water,
bowls and leashes and pack a small Pet First Aid Kit for your trip. Make sure your pet has identification in case
you get separated in a strange place (collars, tags, microchip, identification
on the kennel/carrier). Harnesses are a
better choice than collars when traveling. Many pets will slip out of their
collars when they are scared. The
harnesses are more secure.
Many pets are used to car rides and
will have no trouble adjusting to a longer car ride. For some, travel is stressful. Proper preparation is the key to a successful
trip. If your pet is not regularly crated, start getting them used to their
travel kennel well before your departure.
(Pets should be securely confined for the safety of all human and animal
passengers. A wide variety of pet safety
belt harnesses and kennels/carriers are available. The carrier should be large enough for your pet
to stand up and turn around freely). Start feeding meals in the kennel so that
there are positive associations. If your
pet is not used to car travel, start by taking them for short, happy trips and
then slowly working up to longer drives. Make the association with the car ride
rewarding by giving a treats or special toys.
Fasting for 6 hours before travel can
help minimize vomiting associated motion-sickness. Other signs of motion
sickness include restlessness, heavy panting and salivation/drooling. Many pets take medication to prevent motion
sickness and travel anxiety. If your dog
or cat is distressed about travel, ask your veterinarian what the best options
are for your family.
Never leave your pet alone
in a car. The temperature can quickly rise to a dangerous level, causing heat
stroke, even on a cool day. Leaving a
window partially open is not an alternative. Have someone stay in the car
with your pet, or see if it’s possible to take them into wherever you’re going. You’d be surprised at the numbers of retail
locations that allow pets inside.
If you have to leave your pet
unattended in a hotel room, make sure that there is no opportunity for escape.
Leave your pet confined in its carrier. Use the "Do Not Disturb" sign
and ask hotel personnel to wait until you return before entering your room.
If you are traveling by air, it’s
important to contact your airline well in
advance of your travel in order to find out what the specific regulations
are. Federal guidelines require pets to be at least 8 weeks old, be current on
rabies vaccination, and have a health certificate obtained within 10 days of
travel. Health certificates are issued by your veterinarian after a complete
physical exam.
It is best to fly with your pet in the
cabin if they are small enough to fit under the seat. Avoid flying your pet as checked cargo when
temperatures on the ground are likely to be below 40ºF or above 80ºF. Some
airlines will not baggage check pets in the summer months because of
potentially dangerous hot conditions in the cargo holds and on the tarmac. Always take direct flights to avoid
connections and layovers. Use airlines that hand carry your pet carrier to and
from the aircraft instead of being placed on a conveyor belt. Avoid the busiest
travel times so airline personnel will have extra time to handle your pet.
With some planning and special
attention, travel with your pet can be a wonderful experience for all!
article written by:
Sheila Newenham, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect
No comments:
Post a Comment