Tips for Traveling with your Pet

Some good ideas and reminders if you are taking to the road or air for a summer trip with your dog or cat.

You may think you are an expert at traveling with your pet, but it can't hurt to review...and you might even learn something new with these great ideas and calming products for your dogs AND cats!

The Chief Medical Officer for BluePearl Veterinary has issued the following tips:

-- Always make sure you have plenty of your pet's medication packed. Take extra to be on the safe side.

-- Pack a first aid kit for your pet: tweezers to remove ticks, bandaging material for any cuts, hydrogen peroxide, etc.

-- If your pets have any ongoing medical conditions, take a copy of their medical records with you.

-- Search for the nearest animal emergency hospital to where you are staying so you can keep the phone number handy.

-- Make sure your pet's heartworm and flea prevention medications are current.

-- Don't feed your pet a large meal before leaving; instead, allow periodic snacking.

-- Carry collapsible bowls for food and water.

-- Make sure that dog tags are clearly visible because people are more likely to catch pets if they can return them to the owner. Having your pet get a microchip for identification is a good step, too.

-- If your pet has implants (like plates or screws from orthopedic surgery) and he or she will be flying, you should bring a note from your veterinarian.

-- When flying, be sure to have wheels for your carrier. Even a 10-pound animal can get heavy when carried in a shoulder carrier walking through a long airport terminal.

-- If your dog is on of the 17% who get sick when traveling, ask your veterinarian about an anti-vomiting medication called Cerenia. Dogs get motion sickness either because they are anxious while traveling or because their balance is affected by movement. In either case, Cerenia blocks vomiting signals, which prevents dogs from getting sick.

-- Never leave your pet unattended in a car, even with the windows cracked. If it's 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can rocket to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

And special considerations for your cat:

-- Try spraying 'Feliway', a synthetic feline facial pheromone, in the carrier about 30 minutes before leaving to help calm your kitty traveler. Placing some catnip in the carrier may also serve the same purpose.

-- Don't use tranquilizers or sedatives in cats for travel due to potential complications such as hypotension or paradoxical hyper-excitability.

-- Always keep your cat confined in a carrier while traveling. A frightened feline can easily escape through an open car window or door without anyone noticing.

-- Be sure to carry some moistened and dry paper towels and plastic bags for potential carrier accidents.