Tips for Traveling With Your Pet
At the moment I’m driving across the country with my own dogs, so this topic is especially fresh in my mind. With Labor Day travel approaching, I thought I’d take a few minutes to remind all of you of some important pet travel tips.
Pack Everything
Yeah you packed your stuff, but what about your pet's stuff? Of course you remembered the food and water but what about their medicines and even medical records? Yes this may sound a bit excessive, but it comes from experience. You don’t know how many times I’ve had traveling pet owners come in from out-of-state, asking for a refill on a medication they forgot, only they don’t know the name of it and their veterinarian’s office is closed. Avoid the stress--check in with you veterinarian before you leave for a quick health certificate and get copies of your most recent 3 invoices (they will most likely list recent medication refills and health checks you pet has had).
Buckle Up
In most states is the law for you to wear your seat belt, so why wouldn’t you secure your pet also? The easiest way to secure your pet is to travel with them in a crate. Crates come in a variety of sizes and materials, with some more open than others. Whichever one you choose be sure to tie it down, so that if you slam on the brakes the whole thing does not go flying through your car. Another way to secure your pet is with a doggie seatbelt harness. A variety of manufacturers make them and they work with your cars seatbelts to keep your pet secure, in the event that you have to stop suddenly.
Take a Break
Yes, you want to get to you destination as fast as possible (at least I do), however, it’s important to take breaks. Your pet will need to go to the bathroom just as often as you. If you are traveling with dogs, BE SURE to have extra bags to pick up after them. I usually have them in-hand so people can see that you are responsible and ‘ready to scoop’. You don’t want the gas station attendants running after you! If you have a cat, bathroom breaks a little tricky. One tip is to let them out of their crate to walk around. Place their litter box on the floor and give them time. Cats can be picky so be sure to bring their box and litter from home. Make sure the box secure and not on a wobbly seat. Once hey have gone and you’ve cleaned the box they must go in their crate, you don’t want a cat any were near your gas or break pedals.
Keep Hydrated
While pulled over, take the opportunity to refill the water bowls. Many pets will need to drink more than normal when traveling to make up to all the panting they do during this exciting or in some cases stressful time. I keep a bowl in the crate that is anti-spill to prevent their bedding for getting soaked but also bring along a collapsible cloth bowl in case I take a short hike during a rest stop.
Take Them With You
As always, never leave a pet or child unattended in a car. The temperature in the car rises incredibly fast even with the windows cracked open. Heat stroke is a very serious medical emergency and can come on fast when pets overheat. If you even think your pet is getting overheated its best to wet them down (no cold water!) and crank the AC for a while until they stop panting. Play it safe. Better to have a wet pet than a dying dry pet!
Finally, before loading up again take a minute to shake out the dog beds and fluff them up, you’ve probably got a long ride ahead of you.
Safe travels everyone.
--Dr. Hamilton
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Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State's Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
Cyber Monday on August 07, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Thanks for the great tips for my dog to travel with us. I believe they will be very helpful.
Thanks
Jay
http://www.bestcybermondaysales.com