Dr. Joel Conn’s segment “Pet Tips” aired Monday on 95.3 The Beach! The topic was “Traveling with a Pet.” Tune in every Friday morning at 10:40am to hear more Pet Tips!
This week on Pet Tips We’re going to talk about Traveling with a Pet
Just like you wouldn’t throw your 2 year old in the car without some forethought, traveling with a pet should also involve a bit of planning. Traveling can be stressful for pets, and if you are not careful, dangerous as well.
First of all, it’s best to work up to the first trip gradually. Introduce your pet to a parked car several times initially and give them lots of encouragement and treats to create a positive experience. For pets that are persistently anxious, mild anti-anxiety medications can make the experience much less stressful.
Does your pet suffer from motion sickness? This doesn’t have to be a problem as there are a number of really effective and safe products that can entirely prevent nausea. Also, it’s best to feed a smaller meal the day of travel and not offer any additional food until you have reached your destination. Water, preferably brought from home, should be provided in small amounts at any stops.
Pets should be secured in the vehicle to avoid being injured in the event of an accident and so as not to create a distraction for the driver.
It’s not only illegal, but extremely unsafe, for dogs to travel loose in the back of truck and even those on a short tether can be seriously hurt in the event of a sudden stop. Instead, use a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle, as they can get into trouble and also quickly overheat even in moderate weather.
Finally, put together a travel kit that includes food, water, motion-sickness medications, travel documents such as health and vaccination certificates, and other essentials. Make sure your pet has an ID tag on its collar and a registered microchip in case they should wander off.
Travel across state or country lines may require some additional documentation – check the state website or national consulate for the current requirements.
With a little planning, traveling with your pet can be much safer and less stressful for everyone involved.
This is Dr. Joel Conn from Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic. I’ll be back next week with more pet tips. For more information, visit us online at pismobeachvet.com or come see us at 990 Price Street, Pismo Beach. We are open 7 days a week
