Summer is here and the heat is on, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide out at home. Whether you’re a beach or a mountain lover, you can bring your dog along if you have the right know-how and gadgets to keep her/him cool and protected.After all, a family vacation isn’t a family vacation unless your best furry friend comes along for the adventure. Yett travel can be stressful for pets and owners alike. Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM offers must-have advice on the ‘have pet, will travel’ revolution!
Do your research: Sites like petswelcome.com and bringfido.com are great resources for locating pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, B&B’s, and even pet sitters all across the United States.
Plan ahead: make sure you get clearance from your vet that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Make sure he is up to date with his shots and that you’ve taken preventative measures against common pests like fleas, ticks, worms, etc. If traveling to another state or by plane, you will need a health certificate from your vet 10-30 days prior to travel. Make sure his ID tags are up to date and legible. Dr. Carol recommends having one tag with your home address and another with your destination address.
Consider your pet’s snout: Snub-nosed animals, like American Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Shar-Peis, and Persian cats (aka Brachycephalic animals) should never fly in the cargo hold, as they are particularly sensitive to respiratory difficulties in flight.
Mind your manners: Basic obedience training is a must. Your dog should know basic commands and be consistent in following directions. Be mindful of excessive barking or aggressive behavior. Be courteous and tip well. The goal is to make sure that you and your pet are welcome back anytime.
Avoiding trouble: If you know that your pet is nervous by nature, traveling can be extremely overwhelming. Bach’s 5 Flower Rescue Remedy is an all-natural way to soothe your pet’s nerves and avoid overly stressful situations. If your pet becomes motion sick, bring along some ginger cookies to help settle the stomach.
Must-have gadgets for traveling with your dog:
Collapsible water bowl
Dog crate fan
Front seat pet barrier
Mud dog travel shower