On The Road With Rover

For many Americans, dogs and cats are a part of the family. For some pet parents no road trip is complete without their furry companions. If you are planning a road trip, no matter the distance, there are a few traveling tips that will make your pet comfortable and safe while in route.

The first step before driving off on a new family adventure is to make sure your pet is in a well-ventilated pet carrier or crate. The crate must have enough space for your four-legged friend to have room for standing and stretching. Also, it's easier if your pet is familiar with the carrier beforehand. You can introduce the crate a few weeks prior to the trip, and start familiarizing your pet by placing treats inside it. Make sure that the carrier is secure and stable inside your vehicle. For bigger dogs a special seatbelt or safety harness may be an option. It is especially important to restrain your dog if you are planning to keep car windows open.

The key things to remember are:

• Feed your pet minimally and keep them well hydrated while traveling. 
• Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. Not only it is unlawful, but with summer temperatures in the triple digits it is too hot and dangerous for pets to be left in cars. Temperatures in cars can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. 
• Bring a pet emergency kit on the trip. The kit should be basic items such as paper towels, food and water dishes, a leash, food, plastic bags, waste scoop, any medication your pet is on, and a toy from home for comfort. 

Another tip for traveling with pets is to have an ID tag with the pets picture and your information just in case you and your pet get separated. Getting a microchip implanted can also help to reunite you and your pet if you become separated. All animal shelters, veterinary clinics and city pounds are equipped with microchip scanners. There are also pet collars with GPS tracking devices. If you and your family plan on staying in hotels, always check if your hotel has pet accommodations or restrictions.

A veterinarian could evaluate your pet's current health and fitness level, and advice on such issues as car sickness, extensive exercise, exposure to tick/mosquito borne diseases, and general travel safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable and trusted veterinarians at Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic.

Pet Friendly Skies

Flying with your pet can be very stressful for you and your pet but with some preparation you can make your trip go a little bit more smoothly.

Whenever it is possible to avoid flying with your pet in the cargo area, do so. Unless your animal is small enough to fit in the cabin under your seat, try to leave your pet with a qualified sitter. If you must fly with your pet as cargo, there are some tips so making your transport a little safer for your four legged friend.

• Have your pet checked out by your Vet and be sure to have all of her vaccinations up to date. In the instance you are traveling outside of the United States, additional planning will be necessary. Get in touch with the foreign country you are traveling to for more detailed information. 
• Having a microchip in your pet is best along with wearing a collar and ID tag. The collar should have destination information on it in case your pet escapes. 
• Fly direct if possible. It will reduce the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather or mishandled by baggage personal. 
• Fly your pet in a USDA approved shipping crate that is big enough for your pet to sit, stand and turn around easily in. 
• Write the words “Live Animal” on the top and sides of the crate. Use arrows to unmistakably indicate the upright position of the crate. Also write the name, address and phone number of your pet’s destination point. 
• Make sure the door of the crate is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of emergency. 
• Attach a current photo of your pet to the crate for identification purposes incase your pet escapes its carrier. 
• Freeze a small tray of water for your pet the night before you leave. This way it can’t spill during loading and will melt by the time he’s thirsty. 
• Giving your pet a pill to sedate them is not generally recommended as it could hinder your pets breathing. Always check with your Veterinarian first. 
• If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever possible. 

Have a safe and comfortable trip with your pet!