Ask Dr. Dave - Summer Travel
Now that summer is officially here, I
thought I’d address traveling with your pets. Whether taking your
pet on vacation or traveling to a new home, taking the time to prepare
your pet for the trip can mean the difference between an enjoyable
experience for all or an absolute disaster. I don’t know how many
times I get calls for pet tranquilizers the day before a client is
preparing to travel with their pet. I try to advise against this
as it can be dangerous if the pet has a reaction. What if you are
in the middle of nowhere, or in a strange town and in need of veterinary
assistance or, if your pet is in the cargo hold of an airplane?
Most pets only travel when they go to the vet. This is usually a
stressful experience for the pet and the owner. Cats get wrestled into
carriers and dogs get dragged to the car on a leash that they are not
used to walking on. They get tossed into the car, dragged into the
veterinarian’s office and then, to top it off, they get vaccines or
other treatments and then the process is repeated to go home.
Sounds like loads of fun to me! Here are a few tips to, hopefully, make
things easier for all involved.
If you know that you are going to be traveling with your pet in the
future, start preparing them now. If you are going to be using a
crate or other carrier, get them used to that by leaving it in the
house, or whatever pet area you may have, with the door propped open.
You can put their favorite blanket or bed in there if you wish.
Don’t make a big deal out of it and they won’t either.
Once your pet starts to hang out in
there, practice shutting the door briefly and then opening it again.
Reward your pet verbally as well as with a treat or a pat. Slowly extend
the time that you leave the crate door closed until your pet becomes
accustomed to it. Remember to be patient as every pet will adjust at
their own speed. If your pet will be traveling loose in the car
with you or in a crate, start by getting him into the car and letting
him just check it out. Again, reward him for good behavior.
When he seems comfortable in the car, try starting it. When he
seems comfortable with that, pull out of the driveway. Remember to
verbally comfort him in the process.
As his comfort zone expands, start
taking him for short trips with you, bearing in mind that you will not
be able to leave him in the car in the heat. Some stores will allow your
pet inside and it isn’t a bad idea to take him in and get him used to
other places. If done right, he’ll enjoy his vacation as much as
you hope to enjoy yours. In fact, vacationing with your pet can be great
fun. There are several books available which provide info on
places to visit and to stay with your pet. The Automobile Club has
an excellent one that provides this info for all 50 states and Canada.
Remember that you will need proof of rabies vaccine and a health
certificate from your veterinarian.
If your pet is traveling by plane, he is going to be in that carrier for
quite awhile. It is a good to feed him the day before you leave
but not the day that you do. Be sure to let him take care of
business before leaving the house as this is where he is most
comfortable. Many pets will not eliminate in a strange area. A
towel, or other light fabric, draped over the top of the crate door
before it is closed will help to provide your pet with a more secure
feeling. Remember to tape a small bag of your pet’s normal food to
the upper rear portion of the crate in case there is a substantial delay
for some reason. Generally, your pet will be given water if there
is a delay and food if the delay is 12 hours or longer.
While traveling, it is best to provide your pet with bottled water, or
water that you have brought from home. Also, remember to bring along
enough of your pet’s food for the duration of the trip as the food that
you normally feed may not be available in other areas. Changing food
and/or water along with the stress of traveling can put a serious damper
on both your pet’s trip and your trip. As always, make sure that your
pet has current identification on his collar or, if he has a microchip,
that info is up to date.
If you still feel that your pet needs to be tranquilized, contact your
veterinarian to discuss which drugs are going to be the safest and most
effective for your situation.
Dr.Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234
Need assistance?