Are you going to be traveling over the next few weeks? If so, you’re in good company: December is typically the busiest travel month of the year. And while some pets may stay in kennels or with petsitters, others will accompany their humans on their holiday excursions. A Hendersonville, NC vet discusses traveling with your furry best friend in this article.
Identification
Before heading out on a trip, make sure your furry buddy has been microchipped and is wearing proper ID tags. Your information should also be correct and up to date in the chipmaker’s database. It’s not a bad idea to get GPS-enabled tags, either.
Preventative Care
Fido and Fluffy must be up to date on preventative care, such as vaccines and parasite control. Bring copies of those records with you. If you’re going to an area with a very different environment than your home’s, ask your vet if they recommend any additional vaccines.
Reservations
Confirm that your furry friend is welcome with you. If you’re staying at a hotel, look into their policies and fee schedules, so you don’t have any surprises.
Packing
Fido will need bedding, dishes, towels, pet wipes, food, treats, toys, waste baggies, a first aid kit, and a spare tie line. If you’re going to a cold climate, you may need to pack a jacket or squirrel, especially if your pooch has thin fur. Kitties also require litterboxes. If you aren’t sure if you’ll be able to easily find your pet’s food or medicine at your destination, consider shipping some to yourself in advance.
Travel
Our canine companions love going to new places. Be extra cautious in strange areas. Don’t let Fido run around off-leash, and don’t let him nibble on plants. You will need to stop regularly to let your furry pal stretch his legs and relieve himself. (Tip: download a trailfinder app to find some new pet-friendly spots to check out.)
Crate
Pets should always travel in crates or carriers. This is much safer, both for Fido and Fluffy and for the driver. Add comfy bedding to the crate to make it more appealing. You will also find other alternatives, such as gates or seatbelts. These are better than no protection, but they may not be as safe as they seem. Read reviews before purchasing these, and ask your vet for advice.Happy Holidays from all of us here at Kanuga Animal Clinic, your local Hendersonville, NC animal hospital. Contact us for all your pet’s care needs!
