Traveling With Your Pet

June 2012, Aubrey, LVT

Summer is right around the corner and it’s a good time to get prepared for traveling with your pets! There are a lot of things to consider when planning a family trip with the pooch in tow. Safety, pet friendly accommodations, and laws and regulations. Safety when traveling with a pet is a must and is easy to do as long as you plan ahead! When talking safety I mean first and foremost if your pet is on a lifelong medication, making sure you have enough for the trip, and incase of an emergency you know where a veterinary clinic is in the area you will be traveling. When traveling with your pet it is also extremely important that your pet is up to date on its monthly flea and heartworm prevention. Some pets get carsick when traveling but Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic offers a variety of treatment for those nauseous dogs. One option is Cerenia. Cerenia is a non-sedating, safe and effective, once daily dosing tablet specifically formulated for dogs to treat and prevent vomiting due to motion sickness. This can be filled prior to your trip as long as your pet has a current exam with one of our veterinarians. Another option from the holistic side of our pharmacy is Intestinal Support Formula, for those dogs who get nauseas and drool the whole car ride this might be helpful to them. It is dispensed as a liquid and just a few drops of this either in the drinking water or by mouth is sure to curb that upset stomach! When traveling with your pet preparedness is key. Plan ahead to get those vaccines current, some hotels require a rabies vaccine certificate so call and make sure you have everything you need before you go. Another thing that is important is to make sure your pet's microchip information is current and registered! I recommend a separate bag that has a current photo of your pet, vaccine history, extra food, water and dishes, a pet first aid kit, and an extra leash just in case. Plan Plan Plan ahead and happy travels! Aubrey Gabbard, LVT