Your Pet’s Health
Prior to traveling with your
pet, ensure that he or she is in good health. A through physical examination
should be performed by your veterinarian within the previous 12 months and
repeated if you have noticed any recent changes. For those animals on long term
medications, ensure that you have enough medication to last until you get home
again.
Plan Ahead
If your vacation includes
staying a hotel, remember that not all facilities allow pets. Travel guides
available from you travel agent or Automobile Association can provide you with
the necessary information for accommodations in your destination city.
Vaccinations
Your pet should be current on
all necessary vaccinations prior to travel. Certain areas of Canada have greater
risks of specific diseases than others. For example, in areas with heavy tick
infestations, Lyme Disease may be present. In areas with heavy mosquito
populations there may be a risk of heartworm infection, in which case a blood
test and preventative medication would be indicated.
Extra planning is necessary
for international traveling as the requirements vary from country to country.
Taking your pet into the United States requires a certificate showing a current
rabies vaccination. Most other countries will require specific vaccines and a
health certificate, and some require blood tests. Check with your veterinarian
well in advance of international travel to ensure that your pet will be
protected and that all legal requirements are met.
Gravol, for motion
sickness
***Use
cautiously in any cat or dog with known medical conditions.***
Gravol
50mg Tablets
Dogs - ½ to 1 tablet 1 hour prior to travel
Cats - ¼ tablet 1 hour prior to travel
NO MORE THEN 2 TABLETS A DAY!
Travel Checklist
- Dogs need a snug fitting collar and a sturdy leash to
prevent running away during reset stops. Seat belt harnesses are now
commercially available for dogs.
- Cats should be in a secure pet carrier. If you want to
provide some freedom within the car, use a harness and leash to prevent
accidental escapes or becoming entwined in the steering wheel. A portable
litter box on the floor of the car should be provided for long journeys.
- Dogs and cats both should be wearing identification tags
with phone numbers in case they get lost.
- Vaccination and health certificates and medical records
for each pet should be packed even for trips within Canada. If your pet
becomes ill, the health records will be great value to the veterinarian.
- Don’t forget your pet’s medication!
- Take along your pet’s regular food – this will prevent
digestive upsets if your brand is not available.
- Fresh water must be available during the car trip – use
a plastic container with a secure lid. Consider taking enough water for the
duration of the rip – drinking stagnant water when camping can lead to
intestinal parasites such as Giardia and Coliform bacteria.
- Take along a favorite toy or blanket to provide a
feeling of security.
- Don’t forget the grooming utensils – stress can lead to
increased shedding.
Safety Tips
- Dogs and cats are much more susceptible to heat stroke
than humans, so plan accordingly. During summer travel, your pet cannot remain
in the car during rest stops, even for a few minutes.
- Allowing your dog to put its head out the window is a
serious no-no as there is a definite risk of injury due to airborne debris.
For the smaller pet there is also a risk of jumping out the window at high
speed.
- It is against the law to transport a loose dog in the
open bed of a truck. There is a serious risk to the dog from sudden braking,
sharp turns and jumping out. Dogs should ride in a secured kennel or be cross
tied with an appropriate safety harness. Better yet, have them inside a canopy
or secured in the cab with a doggy seat belt.
Traveling by Air
You need to tell your travel agent when
booking your trip that you pet will be accompanying you, as not all airplanes
are equipped to transport animals. You must have an airline approved pet
carrier. If in doubt check the airline as to specifications. Most airlines have
pet carriers for sale at competitive prices.
