Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian
Winter is the perfect time of year to go on vacation and bring your pet or pets along. However, make sure you have prepared for their needs when you are planning your trip.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Some pets are not good passengers in a car or plane. Other pets are not used to being in new places. It is important to address this issue before you embark on your journey. Here are a few helpful hints:
- Expose your pet to car rides in small doses before the trip. This gets them accustomed to the sounds and motions of being in a car.
- Make use of a carrier before travel for your pet to use as a safe place. You can then use this carrier as a way to transport your pet and also as a portable safe haven for them.
- If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket, bring it with you. This will help them feel secure in a foreign environment.
- Do not change anything else at the time of the trip. For example, if you just bought a different kind of food to try, save it for when you get back. Some pets are susceptible to gastrointestinal upsets while traveling so it is best to keep their food and treats the same.
- Ensure that the heat/air conditioning systems are working in your car. Pets can overheat very easily. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.
- Be sure you have adequate leashes and collars. You will need to take your pet on walks at rest stops for potty breaks. Their collar must be very secure to prevent loss of your pet.
- It is a great idea to pack pet food in air-tight containers both to keep it fresh and to preplan how much you will need while away.
Veterinary advice
Apart from preparations you can make yourself, be sure to discuss a trip with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is ready for the trip.
- Be sure your pet is completely up to date on vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm prevention. Traveling can stress an animal and compromise their immune system. Exposing them to areas where unvaccinated animals may have been can put them at serious risk. In addition, there are some diseases that are more prevalent in some areas and your pet may require additional vaccinations. Some territories require a certificate of vaccination to travel with a pet.
- Your veterinarian can help make suggestions if your pet is susceptible to stress on the road. This may manifest as not eating, changes in behavior, diarrhea or vomiting, and even fur loss. There are natural remedies as well as prescription drugs that may help control these issues to ensure both you and your pet have a great time.
- If your pet has not been microchipped, it is an excellent idea to do before you travel. This is a small (size of a grain of rice) chip that is implanted in between your pet's shoulder blades. Should your pet get lost away from home, the chip will help ensure that you are contacted for their return.
- Sometimes letting your vet know that you are planning a trip can help them be aware in case of an emergency. Getting a copy of your pet's health records if they are being treated for something is a great idea. Also, it may be that your pet is not safe to travel if they have a serious illness or you may need to make special arrangements for them when you are traveling.
Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian
Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C.
2047 N Broadway Ave
Salem, IL 62881
Phone: 618-548-6755
Fax : 618-548-6855
deuelveterinaryservices.com
Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com
This article originally appeared in the January 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.