Important travel tips for you to remember when traveling with your pet

June 2012, Dr. Cherie Guidry, DVM

Important travel tips for you to remember when traveling with your pet: 1. Stay calm: your pet will pick up on your anxiety and this will make him/her more anxious 2. Plan your trip ahead of time: Scope out pet friendly hotels and restaurants. Also you may want to find a vet at you final destination, just in case you need one! It’s better to be prepared and not need this info than to be unprepared and need a vet. 3. Make a list: Make sure you have you puppy’s favorite bed, treats, food, and toys. Make a list if you have to so you don’t forget anything! 4. Make sure your dog has some form of identification on him/her. Make sure to include a number you can be reached at. If you have your pet microchipped you may want to make sure the info in their system is correct. 5. If traveling by car, exercise your dog moderately 30 minutes before leaving and make frequent stops to exercise and release some of the tension for you and your dog! 6. If traveling by air, call the airline first to find out the rules and regulations. Not all airlines are alike. Most of them require a health certificate from your vet. Some will allow your pet to be sedated and some will not. They will list specific types of carriers for your pet as well. This is very important information. Note: Bracheocephalic breeds (short nosed breeds) may be at risk when sedated on airlines. I try to avoid sedation if at all possible and recommend more natural calming remedies for traveling. Natural calming remedies and techniques: 1. Exercise your pet just before the trip. 30 minutes of moderate exercise is great. It will release a lot of excess energy and stress. 2. All forms of alternative medicine have their own remedies. Here are a few that I have found that really work. 3. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy: a mixture of 5 flowers that help calm dogs and cats. Just a couple of drops on the tongue. 4. Composure chews: treats with B vitamins and L-Theonine to help calm your pet. I think they work great. 5. Herbal remedies such as Valerian, passionflower. Help calm dogs as well. Note: (if we have time) Aromatherapy using valerian, lavender, chamomile. Place on a cotton ball (in a safe place where your pet will not eat it). Motion Sickness in pets: Anxiety or true motion sickness? Motion sickness is more common than we think! Latest reports show that 1 in 6 dogs show signs of motion sickness when traveling. We also know that anxiety plays a role in nausea in some pets. Signs: drooling, pacing, heavy panting, vocalizing, and of course, vomiting. Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness: Homeopathic remedies: Nux Vomica I also make up my own remedy called grumpy gut for motion sickness and nausea in general. It has nux vomica in it as well as two other common homeopathic remedies for nausea and vomiting. Liquid given on the tongue Herbal remedies: Ginger, Peppermint are both great herbs for the stomach to help control nausea and vomiting in dogs with motion sickness. Can be given in capsule, tincture, or as a tea. Medications: Cerenia is a powerful anti nausea medication made specifically for dogs with motion sickness. Other thoughts: If traveling by car, lower the windows to allow fresh air inside. This can help with nausea. Make your pet as comfortable as possible while traveling. Exercise before the trip can help and make sure to include a favorite chew toy. This may distract them and keep them occupied and calm! Tips for Camping with your pet: 1. Learn of all of the potential dangers in the area you are traveling. Plan accordingly. 2. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations. Diseases like Leptospirosis and Lymes disease are prevalent in some areas. If you know you are traveling in these areas, have your pet vaccinated to prevent disease. Wildlife also can carry diseases like distemper, parvo and rabies. 3. Include a monthly flea and tick prevention. Don’t forget deworming as well. Wildlife can spread ticks, fleas, and roundworms to your pet and other animals. 4. Be prepared for an emergency. Have a doggie first aid kit available. This includes a name to a vet closest to you. 5. Bring at least 1 leash and collar and possibly a travel kennel. You will want to keep your pet safe at night while you sleep. 6. Proper ID for your pet with up to date information. Others: Keep human foods/stuff locked down or tied up so your pet cannot raid your food! Love, Cherie Guidry, DVM