If you’re planning on bringing your pet along with you on your summer vacation, you’ll need to prepare properly. You can travel with your pet and have fun, as long as you take some precautions ahead of time. Visit your veterinarian first to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Then follow these tips to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and cool throughout your trip:
Visit Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian can give your pet a clean bill of health before you take off on your trip. He can also make sure your pet is up to date on his vaccinations. Ask your veterinarian about updating your pet’s flea and tick prevention and heartworm medication. Ask him if your pet needs any anti-anxiety medication in order to safely travel by plane or car.
Stay Cool & Hydrated
Throughout the trip, make sure your pet stays cool and hydrated. Give him a safe, clean, and cool place to rest while traveling. Make sure he always has access to clean, fresh water. If your pet is going hiking or camping with you, be sure to look up the symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration in pets. Keep a close eye on your pet to make sure he isn’t showing any symptoms.
Don’t Get Separated
If you and your pet get separated while you’re traveling, it might be a lot harder to get reunited. Make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date with your current contact information. Make sure your pet always is wearing a collar with tags that have your contact information. Keep your pet leashed and harnessed at all times.
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian before you go out of town with your pet. Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel via car or plane, and ask how to manage your pet’s anxiety during travel.