Vacation season is fast approaching and many dog owners face the daunting task of traveling with their beloved pets. To fly or drive? Many dogs accustom quite well to traveling in automobiles. Starting them at a young age will train them to be calm when confined to the small space. Begin with short trips to start, then gradually lengthen them to help Fido adjust and to sit quietly during road trips. Remember to reinforce good behavior with plenty of praise and treats!
Some dogs are prone to motion sickness and can become nauseous when riding in a car. If you see your pet salivating excessively, stop the car if possible and let the dog exercise. Hopefully, the nausea will be alleviated and the trip can continue. If you know that your dog can get motion sickness, try to avoid feeding for eight hours before traveling, stop frequently and make sure there is enough ventilation in the vehicle. In some cases, motion sickness pills or other tranquilizers can be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Other measures should be taken to ensure the safety of your pet. Crating the dog in the car is the safest restraint. Traveling crates can absorb impact from a potential accident and provide a layer of protection. Restraint harnesses that attach to a safety belt are another good method for keeping Fido safe.
For travelers choosing to fly or ship their dogs by plane, the choice can be a little more frightening and stressful. Airlines do require proof of a current rabies vaccination and a health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian. Best to check airline regulations for international travel with your pet prior to booking.
A dog traveling crate should be strong enough and roomy enough for your pet to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Remember to check in with your airline to make sure that your crate meets their requirement for shipping. Your veterinarian can prescribe tranquilizers for your dog to help keep him/her calm while traveling in the baggage compartment. The strange sounds and noises can be stressful for your pet and these sedatives can be quite helpful.
Some tips to keep in mind before flying with your dog:
Make sure there is an identification tag on both the crate and the dog. Information on this tag should state owner's name and address, dog's name, destination, and time and date of the dog's last food and drink.
Exercise the dog before boarding
Do not feed immediately before the trip
Do not give water within two hours of the trip, unless medically necessary or if the pet is aged. Special arrangements for feeding, watering and exercising should be made for pets traveling over 24 hours. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian regarding the safety of airline travel for your pet.
Traveling with your dog need not be stressful nor should it interfere with vacation plans. Proper precautions should be taken beforehand to ensure the safety of your beloved pet, whether by car or plane. Proper planning, knowing the airline's travel regulations, getting the required health documents and a visit to the vet will all ensure a safe trip for Fido.
Nancy Perla is the author of several pet health articles and can be found on http://www.ourlovablepets.com/.
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