Paws and Reflect
May 2010

In This Issue:
Travel Tips

It's that time again. Vacations are coming. Maybe it's a trip to Florida to sponge off your relatives or a nice mountain trip to the Rockies. It doesn't matter, many of us travel with our dogs and cats. So here are a few tips.

Air Travel

Always check with your airline. Not all airlines have the same rules. Make sure you know their requirements or restrictions.
Visit your veterinarian before flying; that would be us. We will check your pet's physical condition and make sure vaccinations are current. We will also issue a health certificate which is good for 30 days in most cases.
If you are able, choose non-stop flights. It is much easier on your pet and avoids the possibility of long delays.
Leave puppies and kittens at home. Most airlines have rules against flying younger pets. Puppies and kittens should not be put through that much stress anyway.
Allow extra time at the airport to exercise your pet and allow for potty time. Nowadays at airports, Murphy's law seems more common. Something will go wrong.
Finally, if you have a pet who is a bad traveler, we can prescribe drugs to help calm your pet.

Auto Travel

Make sure your pet has adjusted to the car long before a trip. Take frequent short drives to acclimate your pet to the car. Car sickness is common in dogs and cats and not a lot of fun on longer trips.
Pets should be secured some how in the car. Seat belt harnesses are available for dogs, especially larger breeds. Cats and smaller dogs will adapt to being in a kennel. The kennel should be secured by a seat belt.
Stop every 2-3 hours to allow your pet a stretch and a potty break. Offer water and perhaps a small amount of food, but don't be surprised if they are not interested. Save the big meal of the day for the night in a motel room.
Always carry waste bags and pick up after your pet. That's true everywhere anyway.
And for all travel, it is a good idea to have your pet's medical records, medications, health certificate, veterinarian's phone number and perhaps phone numbers for veterinarian services in the area you are visiting. We actually have a travel bag for Midge and Lola with all that and more in it.

With a little preparation and forethought, traveling with your pet can be rewarding for everyone involved. Have fun!

To make an appointment for your pet today, give use a call at: (515) 727-5757, or email us at: dreberle@eberlenanimalhospital.com.

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