It’s that time of the year. Family vacation is just around the corner. If you are planning to travel with your 4-legged family members to enjoy the beautiful outdoors this summer, consider these tips to keep them safe. Before you leave, review the check list below to make sure you are ready to travel with your pet.
Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian.
It is very important to make sure your pet is current on important vaccines: Rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella. Your veterinarian may recommend Leptospirosis vaccines if your pet will be exposed to other pets, wildlife or will be swimming in lakes or ponds. For cats, your veterinarian may recommend Rabies, FVRCP and FELV. It is very important that your pet is on heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention before you travel. If your pet gets nauseous during travel, ask your veterinarian for anti-nausea medication. Some pets become very anxious during car or air travel and may require an anti-anxiety medication. Your veterinarian can prescribe a safe medication to reduce your pet’s anxiety. Before you leave, get a copy of your pet’s medical records in case an unforeseen accident happens. If your pet does not have a microchip, make sure one is implanted and registered in case your pet gets lost. If your pet has a microchip, have your veterinarian scan it to make sure it is working and write down the number. Call your microchip company and make sure your street address, phone and email address are correct.
Packing for your pet.
When you are busy packing for your entire family, it is easy to forget your pet’s essentials. Make sure you pack bottled water and water/food bowls. Food and treats should be packed in waterproof containers. Remember to pack all medication that your pet normally takes. Take their bedding and blankets so they can sleep in their own familiar bed to reduce stress. Don’t forget your pet’s collar, name tag, body harness and leash. Lastly, pack plenty of pick up bags for your dog’s waste and litter box and litter for your cats.
My pet is getting larger, what can I do?
Measure the appropriate amount of food and feed on a schedule. Avoid giving too many treats too often. Showing affection does not always have to involve food. Your pet may experience the same level of joy by simply giving praise. Avoid free feeding your pet because it is difficult to now how much your pet is actually eating. Similar to people, they tend to over eat if they have a buffet offering than a set meal.
Bring a first aid kit.
Packing a first aid kit may be useful if your pet has a minor injury. In a waterproof bag or container, include the following: hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic cleanser from your veterinarian, soft roll gauze, non-stick pads, vet wrap (stretch bandage wrap), gauze squares, bandage scissors, butterfly bandages, OTC triple antibiotic ointment and digital thermometer. Pack tweezers in case your pet gets a thorn or burr between the paws. Pack a sterile saline eye solution for sensitive eyes or sterile eye wash in case your pet gets something in their eyes. You can flush the eyes to remove debris.
Pack a nail clipper and styptic powder in case your pet breaks a toe nail.
Find nearest veterinary emergency clinic at your vacation destination.
Find a veterinary emergency hospital before you arrive to your vacation destination. If an unfortunate accident happens or in the event your pet has an allergic reaction to the new environment, you won’t panic and you will know exactly where to go. Once you get there, present your pet’s medical records so the emergency veterinarian can be informed of your pet’s health.
Traveling with your family and pet can be very joyful but if you are not prepared you will add a whole lot more stress to your vacation. At Vetsavers Pet Hospital, your family veterinarian in Carrollton, TX, we wish everyone a fun and safe vacation with your 4 -legged family member.
