tIPS FOR tRAVEL

Summer travel with your pet can be a lot of fun, but there are a few steps you should take before heading out.

1. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and bring the necessary paperwork to prove it.
   
   
2. Look into hotels, motels and inns that accept pets.  
   
   
3. Pack your own water and pet food.  Don't assume water will be available at every stop.  Changing a pet's food is stressful and can induce diarrhea. Take stainless steel, easy-to-wash bowls.
   
   
4. Pack a first aid kit.  This applies to those of you planning to hike or camp with your pet.  Most Family Veterinarians will be open to dispensing ear, eye and skin ointments and drops or creams for this purpose.  Take along some oral antibiotic pills, at least enough for 1-2 days until you can get to a veterinary clinic en route.  Include gauze, bandages and tape for covering wounds or applying pressure to bleeding injuries.  Take along a pair of tweezers for removing thorns from feet or skin. Carry disinfectant iodine or alcohol.
   
   
5. Pre-treat your pet against ticks and fleas.  Products such as Advantage drops and Tick collars, placed on the pet a few days before the trip. Take along a "flea and tick spray" as well. The spray and a pair of tweezers may come in handy to remove any ticks.
   
   
6. Don't forget to have your pet wear a collar with identification tags, and a leash.
   
   
7. NEVER leave your pet in the car alone without fully open windows. Park in the shade.  If it's hot and sunny, take your pet out and tie him near the car, in the shade, if you can't bring him with you. Consider taking along a Crate cage, so you can leave car windows open. Cages are a must for traveling with cats. Secure the cage with a seat belt or check out pet seat belts.
   
   
8. Get your pet ready for travel. If your dog is not used to car travel, start with short drives a month ahead of time.  If your dog gets carsick, try placing him the vehicle for two minutes without going anywhere, so that he gets used to the environment, and then build up to rides around the block. Cats also must also be allowed to get acclimated to the new car environment a few minutes a day in a cage in the car, stationary at first, then a few yards, then eventually around the block. This way, you will avoid the yowling, protesting and panting cat scenes.