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Traveling with Pets
Becomes a Growing Trend
Health and Safety Should Be a Top Priority When Traveling
with Pets
Traveling with your pet has become more accepted and
feasible for pet owners as an increasing number of hotels
and airlines are accommodating pet-friendly policies to meet
the needs of today’s traveler. According to the Travel
Industry Association of America, Fido and Fluffy are popular
travel companions with 29 million of all U.S. adults saying
they have traveled with a pet in the last three years.
When pets join the family’s spring or summer vacation or for
holiday travel, pet parents need to plan ahead and know some
essential tips to ensure their pet’s health. According to
the American Humane Association:
Pet-perations
Research pet-friendly hotels in advance and be aware of
restrictions before making reservations.
Consider the destinations’ weather and climate. Hot, humid
or rainy areas provide a breeding ground for parasites that
can cause discomfort and serious illness, so protect pets
with products such as Advantage® flea control for cats and
dogs or K9 Advantix® flea, tick and mosquito control for
dogs. Cold climates make for dangerous travel by air.
Visit a veterinarian to verify all vaccinations and discuss
any unique risks pets might face in various locations such
as Lyme disease or heartworm.
Veterinarians may be able to prescribe a mild sedative or
tranquilizer to counteract motion sickness or anxiety if a
pet suffers from it.
Bring copies of health records and a current photograph of
the pet in case it is lost.
Trim nails and claws to minimize any damage that can be done
to a car’s interior, hotel room, or guest house.
Always make sure your pet is properly identified and tag the
owner’s cell phone number to their collar in case they are
lost.
Never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle. Even 10
minutes can be too long for a pet left in a car on a hot
day.
Bring a familiar blanket or toy from home and create a “home
away from home” to help pets feel more secure.
The Incredible Journey
If a pet requires a kennel, make sure it’s large enough for
the pet to stand and turn around, and always label the
kennel with “This end up” and “Live animal” stickers if
traveling by plane.
Pets need to be secured safely in a car in case of accidents
or sudden stops. Crates and harnesses are available to help
pets travel comfortably.
To avoid digestive problems, bring a supply of a pets
regular food and gradually adjust pets to a new water
supply. Leave home with a gallon of water and at various
stops, gradually mix equal parts of the new water to the
old.
Stick to the same potty “schedule” as home.
For more information on pet health, visit
www.PetParents.com
Article courtesy of Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division.
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