Whether it's an extended weekend at a New England cottage or an exotic trip farther away, summer vacation plans are usually well underway by now. For many, the family vacation would not be complete without their four-legged family members.
Bringing Fido with you can be lots of fun. But it can also throw a wrench into an otherwise smooth vacation. Careful planning for your pet can avoid unnecessary travel disruptions.
To help you have a fun vacation with your pet, here are my Top 10 Travel Tips:
Have all your pet's official travel papers in order. Call your veterinarian to ensure all your pet's vaccinations will remain current throughout your vacation. Traveling dogs should be current on rabies, distemper, parvovirus, Bordetella, and, depending on your destination, Lyme vaccinations. If any are about to expire, have them updated well before your departure date. Some out-of-country destinations require that the rabies vaccine be administered at least 30 days before the date of travel. Your pet may also need a health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Check your pet's supplies. This is especially important if your pet is on medication or a prescribed therapeutic food. Be sure to give your veterinarian's office ample time to refill the food or medicine that your pet needs.
Practice car rides with your pet. Motion sickness and anxiety are common problems. Talk to your veterinarian if these are concerns. Desensitization techniques may be helpful. Alternatively, medicines can be prescribed to address these issues so that the trip will be less stressful. Do not allow your pet to have car rides with its head outside the window, as this can allow dirt to enter the eyes, nose, ears or throat and lead to illness.
Investigate your airline's requirements if you are flying. Purchase a crate well in advance so that your pet can become accustomed to it before traveling. The crate must be large enough for the animal to turn around and stand without touching the top of the cage. Book nonstop, midweek flights. In the summer, schedule early morning or late-evening flights to avoid extreme heat.
Make sure your vacation accommodations allow pets. There is little worse than arriving at your destination and learning that pets are not allowed. Also, arrange pet care if you are planning day trips to parks or other locations that do not allow pets. (Some tourist attractions have on-site day kennels.) Never leave your pet in a parked car in the summer, even briefly. Cars heat very quickly and can be deadly for pets. A balmy 72-degree day can become a 105-degree oven inside your car within 30 minutes.
Pack an extra doggie bag if you are camping. Flea and tick control will be essential in the great outdoors. Pack a pet first aid kit, too. This should include antiseptic, gauze, tweezers (for tick removal) and an antihistamine such as Benadryl. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's specific needs.
Make sure your pet has identification. If Fido gets separated from you, he is unable to identify himself. A simple collar and name tag can help ensure you get back together. Make sure the tag has your cell phone number, too. Another form of identification is the microchip. This permanent identification system is a terrific backup in case the collar or tag are lost. Implanting a microchip is a quick outpatient procedure at your veterinarian's office. More than 500,000 lost pets in the U.S. have found their owners this way.
Have veterinary contact information handy. Bring your veterinarian's phone number with you. If your pet becomes ill, his medical history may help the veterinarian treating him while on vacation. Also, carry the number for the Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) as well as the contact information for a veterinary emergency hospital near your destination.
Consider behavior classes before your trip. If Fido does not always mind his manners, a refresher obedience class before your trip may make your life easier. If poor social skills are his vice, talk to a trainer about supervised doggie play groups. Your veterinarian can direct you to a reputable trainer.
If your pet stays home? Alas, Fido and Fluffy may not be able to join your vacation this year. Be sure to book a kennel or reputable pet sitter well in advance for the dates you need. Plan ahead for an emergency by leaving a signed letter giving someone else permission to make medical decisions regarding your pet's care if you cannot be reached.
Your pet is an important member of your family. His needs during your time of travel require extra attention, but a little planning makes this a lot easier.
¢¢¢
Dr. Heidi Bassler is medical director of the Veterinary Center of Greater Newburyport (www.vetcgn.com). Do you have questions for Dr. Bassler? Send them to ndn@newburyportnews.com.
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