By Dr. Gail Cutler
Many of us like to travel and bring our dog along. Be sure that it is the right thing to do and that the locations you will be heading to are dog-friendly. Plus, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog has the right vaccinations for where you are going, and whether you need additional protection from fleas, ticks, or heartworm disease.
If you are flying, many airlines require an authorized health certificate within 10 days of travel. They especially require this if your dog will be in the cargo area. Your dog will need a veterinary exam for this certificate, as well as be current on their Rabies vaccination. Foreign travel may have additional requirements.
For car rides, restraint is important so that your dog doesn’t get jostled around. There are many harnesses for dogs that will not only protect them, but make them feel more secure. For smaller animals, a carrier is the best means of safety.
It is a good idea to take your dog for a test drive to see if they get carsick or really anxious. If so, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication and make suggestions to help it be more pleasant for everybody.
Any pet that is travelling needs to have good identification. A microchip implanted by your veterinarian, as well as a collar with a current ID tag can help avoid heartbreak. Have a current picture of your dog with you in case they get lost en route, so that you can make ‘lost pet’ posters.
Bring a pet first aid kit, as well as any medications that your dog normally takes. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about medication to have on hand in case your dog vomits or has diarrhea, because travelling can sometimes be stressful for them.
And don’t forget enough food and water and fun rest stops to keep them healthy during the trip!
Many of us like to travel and bring our dog along. Be sure that it is the right thing to do and that the locations you will be heading to are dog-friendly. Plus, check with your veterinarian to see if your dog has the right vaccinations for where you are going, and whether you need additional protection from fleas, ticks, or heartworm disease.
If you are flying, many airlines require an authorized health certificate within 10 days of travel. They especially require this if your dog will be in the cargo area. Your dog will need a veterinary exam for this certificate, as well as be current on their Rabies vaccination. Foreign travel may have additional requirements.
For car rides, restraint is important so that your dog doesn’t get jostled around. There are many harnesses for dogs that will not only protect them, but make them feel more secure. For smaller animals, a carrier is the best means of safety.
It is a good idea to take your dog for a test drive to see if they get carsick or really anxious. If so, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication and make suggestions to help it be more pleasant for everybody.
Any pet that is travelling needs to have good identification. A microchip implanted by your veterinarian, as well as a collar with a current ID tag can help avoid heartbreak. Have a current picture of your dog with you in case they get lost en route, so that you can make ‘lost pet’ posters.
Bring a pet first aid kit, as well as any medications that your dog normally takes. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about medication to have on hand in case your dog vomits or has diarrhea, because travelling can sometimes be stressful for them.
And don’t forget enough food and water and fun rest stops to keep them healthy during the trip!
