The Pet Connection: On the Road Again
As vacation plans are in the works, car rentals are being made, hotels are being booked, it's also time to think about plans for that four-legged member of the family.
Decisions need to be made with the family on bringing Fido or Miss Kitty with you on vacation, finding a reputable pet sitter or boarding facility for that fluffy fur member.
Things to think about when deciding to travel with the fur baby, first and foremost is, “Do they like to ride in the car?” Nothing can take the joy out of traveling like when you have a dog throwing up in the back seat or slobbering and shaking uncontrollably, or a cat that meows the full eight hours to Grandma's place.
If you're not sure if your pet likes to ride, just a few short trips around town will let you know soon enough. Remember, always restrain your pet while in the car. A hard-sided crate is the safest; a seat belt harness or tethering with a leash will keep both them and you safe while driving. One of my tricks when picking up a stray: I'll use any leash that I have available, put a large knot toward the end of the leash, with the other end securely around the dog's head and leaving enough wiggle room, slam the leash in the car door. This gives the dog a way to move around, yet controlling them from ending up in the front seat with you while you're driving. When traveling with a kitty cat, I most always recommend having them secured in a cat crate large enough that you can put in a small litter box. Most cats do not like being in a vehicle and will have a tendency to cry out or slobber at the mouth. Hopefully yours will settle right in and enjoy the ride.
I don't recommend feeding or watering them right before you are about to travel; nerves do funny things to them and us.
I would not feed or water after midnight if you're leaving out early in the morning.
Carrying along ice cubes or ice chips when traveling and placing them in their travel bowl works great for me; it eliminates water spills in the back of my car. Feeding my dog a smaller portion of their food when stopping for the night works best and don't be alarmed if they don't eat much while traveling.
If your pet does show signs of car sickness, contact your family vet and they have some medication that will help. You can also look for a Thunder Jacket/shirt that will hug your dog and help relieve anxiety. This is a wearable, snug jacket or shirt that makes your pet feel secure as if you were holding and hugging them. You can find these online and sometimes I've found them at Sam's Club or Walmart. You can also look online for homeopathic remedies and even talk to your vet about using Benadryl to relieve the anxiety.
Remember that you will probably have to use one medication for your dog and a different one for your cat; always consult your veterinarian. Make sure that before leaving, your dog or cat is current on their vaccinations and it might be best to have a health certificate to carry along with you. Knowing what your vacation plans hold when you reach your final destination, if staying at a friend's or relative's or at a pet-friendly hotel, or even at a boarding facility, find out what requirements they have.