It is recommended to have our pet examined by a veterinary specialist to ensure that it is in optimal health before embarking on any trip, regardless of length, by car, train, coach, boat, or airplane. Furthermore, certain health issues associated with travel, such as motion sickness or separation anxiety, could surface. To make our pets’ journey more enjoyable, the veterinarian may, if necessary, recommend certain treatments and/or provide us with advice.
Having our pet’s vaccination and deworming records up to date is crucial, depending on the destination. This is an extremely vital thing to remember. Remember that there are infectious vector diseases (carried by ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes) in specific geographic areas that need to be avoided.
If we travel overseas, we also need to research ahead of time what legal requirements there may be for papers and processes, depending on our location.
We’ll chat with you about how to plan the journey so that our pet’s well-being is ensured in this brief post today. These are 5 must-have suggestions to get ready for a few days of family vacation with the four-legged members.
1. A trip to the veterinarian
To make sure our dog is healthy and has received all required vaccinations, a previous veterinary examination is required.
To prevent issues at our destination, we must make sure we have the required medication for the days we will be away if we are receiving treatment for a disease or other condition before the trip.
If we are traveling overseas, the veterinarian will advise us on any necessary or unique immunizations. Depending on the location, it can also offer a health certificate for cats or dogs if necessary.
2. First aid package
It is advisable to put together a special first aid bag for our pets in the days leading up to the trip or transfer and the vacation. We will be able to handle any small setbacks with the aid of bandages, disinfectants, or antiseptics like chlorhexidine, blunt scissors, thermometer, tweezers, veterinarian-prescribed drugs, and any other materials that we may require throughout the trip.
3. The significance of identity
Our pet must have the correct identification. We have to remember that when they are in an unfamiliar place, they can get upset, confused, run away, and get lost. A tag on the collar with our contact information is necessary and will be useful if our pet gets lost on the way or at the destination. The identification must be current and readable.
The microchip, which automatically updates our information in the register, is an essential security measure that is required in many countries and greatly improves our pet’s chances of being reunited with us in the event of a loss.
4. Comfortable and safe transportation
Whatever transportation we are going to use during our vacation, there is legal regulation for each one. In public transport, such as train, coach, boat, or plane, there are specific regulations for the transportation of our pet, depending on the size and weight. We recommend direct consultation with the companies to avoid last-minute problems.
If our pets can travel with us, one way to entertain them is by bringing some treats or their favorite toys with us to keep our pets distracted and relaxed during the trip. Car travel is the most popular kind of transportation, and it is subject to rules as well. Approved harnesses and belts, along with enclosed components like carriers, ensure our pet’s safety and our own. For our pets to be content, they need to be comfortable and have access to air. It’s best to acclimate him to the carrier ahead of time. How? You can explore it and link it to a happy memory by leaving it open in the days leading up to the trip and placing cookies or candies inside as prizes.
5. Stop the plan
It is practical to schedule stops so that our pets can more easily relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch their legs. To the greatest extent feasible, we will restrict your food intake during the journey because there’s a chance you’ll experience nausea and vertigo when you return.
All passengers can take advantage of stops or breaks to enjoy a much-needed break. We must be vigilant during these periods and avoid getting lost, as our pets may become frightened by unfamiliar sounds or situations, increasing the risk of escape, mishap, or injury.
Remember that we will NEVER leave our pet unattended in the car during pauses and that the leash must always be correctly positioned and attached.
Even with the windows open, the temperature inside a car rises swiftly, which puts both humans and our pets at grave risk. As our dogs and cats have far lesser thermoregulation capacities than we do, we must always take our furry friend with us when we leave the car to prevent heat stroke, which can be fatal to them.
With these five suggestions, we hope to have helped you avoid unanticipated situations during your travels. As animal lovers, we know you want to spend as much free time as possible with your dogs.
