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 sooth your
pet’s nerves and avoid overly stressful situations. If you pet becomes motion
sick, bring along some ginger cookies to help settle the stomach.
Must Have Gadgets For Traveling With Your Dog:
Bristly Toothbrush (where your dog actually brushes his/her teeth!)
Bristly Toothbrush (where your dog actually brushes his/her teeth!)
Remote feeders and toys: There are several ingenious new
gadgets that will amuse and exercise your pet while you’re away and let owners
feed their pets from afar.
