Top 5 Pet Issues When Traveling

by Boyd Harrell, DVM

For many of us summer is a travel season, a time when the entire family finally has some precious time together for recreation. And of course if you are a pet owner and lover like me, your pet is likely to be traveling with you. So don’t let poor planning for your pet’s travel turn into a disaster story. Here are some pet travel basics to follow and pitfalls to avoid.

Essential pet travel items

• Leash – A lost pet far from home can be a disaster; never allow your pet off leash unless they are within a secure enclosed area.
• ID tag – Be sure it has your pet’s name, your name and a phone where you can be reached. A mobile phone number is best so you can always be in touch.
• Pet health records and health certificate - These are important should your pet need medical attention while away from home or if you are crossing state or national borders.
• Your pet’s own food along with food and water bowls – This will lessen the likelihood of digestive upset and make your pet feel more ‘at home”.
• Blankets or bed – Having a comfortable familiar bed lessens the stress of travel
• Crate/kennel – A pet crate makes travel in the car safer for both you and your pet and is required by some hotels/motels.
• First aid kit – Be sure to include items to protect both pets and their people.

Top 5 Pet Travel Concerns

Anxiety
Travel can be both fun and stressful for your pet. Pets pick up on the excitement of their people and become anxious themselves. Changes in their routine like different feeding times, different bed, long car rides, lots of people activity can all be stressors for your pet.

Proper Hydration
Summer travel can increase your pet’s water needs . Dehydration can occur quickly as a lot of moisture is lost when pets pant from either anxiety or summer heat. Plenty of fresh cool water is essential to maintain proper hydration and organ function and avoid possible heat stroke.

Pet Odor Control
Traveling in the close confines of an automobile exaggerates odors from pets, crates/kennels and blankets. Dogs often find unpleasant things to roll in at parks and rest stops and a soiled crate quickly diminishes the air quality.

Digestive Upset
Changes in your pet’s routine, chewing on found prizes and different food or water can all contribute to digestive upset including loss of appetite, vomiting , diarrhea or constipation.

Emergencies
Medical problems and injuries can be even more difficult to deal with when you are on the road. Be sure to have a pet first aid kit, medical records, your veterinarian’s number and a pet poison control phone number with you at all times. Next be sure every family member knows where these things are at and that they are readily accessible.

Small efforts in organizing and preparation can pay large dividends for both you and your pet during your next travel. Plan ahead for pet friendly locations and if one of your destinations does not allow pets be sure to have scouted out a nearby boarding facility you are comfortable with and make reservations well in advance. Now that you are ready, let’s go have fun!

You can contact Dr Harrell by sending an email to boyd@petprosbusinesscoaching.com or to boydharrell@myoxyfresh.net .