Published: May 03, 2006
Travel Pet Tips..Memorial Day Kicks Off Summer Travel Season
By Karen Parziale
Memorial Day Kicks off the Summer Travel Season and millions of Americans will load up the car (and their pets) and head to the beach, country, popular tourist destinations and various outdoor events.
If you enjoy traveling with your four-legged companion, you're in good company. A recent survey found that when given the choice, more than 70% of Americans would prefer to travel with their pets. Today, many parks, hotels and other travel destinations welcome companion animal travelers, and if you are considering a trip with your pet, here are some pet travel tips from Dr. David Bledsoe, veterinarian, that will make the trip safer and more fun for you and your cat or dog.
'Tis the season to be stressed out when it comes to planning holiday trips with pets. Many dog and cat lovers want to bring their furry beloveds along for the ride-but this can pose a stocking full of potential problems. Owners know that traveling can spark fear and panic in even the most docile pooch or kitty, leading to destructive behaviors that may disturb other passengers or cause harm to the pet.
There are also safety concerns to consider when a "stressed" critter acts up while in transit, all of which can send pet parents into a tailspin. So what can be done to smooth out the trip for frenzied owners and their four-legged passengers?
Preparation and aids to comfort pets can help during travel situations.
It's nerve-wracking whether you choose to bring your pets on the trip, or leave them at home. If the animals do come along, the dog may bark obsessively and pace in its crate, and the cat may howl the entire time, frustrating everyone. A product that many pet parents are using is Comfort Zone - an all-natural, veterinarian recommended product that is proven to reduce or stop some of the most destructive behaviors demonstrated by cats and dogs. Produced as both a spray and travel and as an air diffuser for home use, Comfort Zone mimics natural pheromones detected by a dog or cat through a special gland near their nasal cavity resulting in a 72% reduction in excessive barking and whining for dogs and it also helps control hyperactivity. Comfort Zone comforts cats in stressful environments and reduces or completely stops stress related behaviors such as loss of appetite, reduced desire to play or interact and comforts them in unfamiliar environments.
So when traveling this summer, keep these Smart Travel Tips in mind:
Dogs and cats need a break every few hours, especially during long car rides. When you stop for a coffee break, take them out for fresh air and for a walk. Keep the leash handy at all times and extra treats in the car.
Mind your manners and pick up after your pet when walking him in a rest stop or other public area.
Dogs and cats need to keep hydrated so keep fresh spring water in the car.
It is best to limit feeding to the normal feeding times, usually first thing in the morning.
Before the trip get your dog and cat familiar with the car and go for short rides around the neighborhood.
If your pet has a problem with motion sickness, talk to your vet before the trip. There are several good products that help eliminate motion sickness.
If your pet has a tendency to get excited and jump all over in the car or bolts the instant the door opens, consider the use of a carrier. There are several varieties of crates and barriers that will contain a dog to limit movement or escape.
Limit the time your dog rides with his head out the window, especially at high speeds.
Pets should always have the proper identification, such as a collar and a tag.
Store a first aid kit with any medications your pet must take with it.
Precautions are key!
Never leave a dog or cat in a parked car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, and heat stroke can occur. If you have no choice and your pet has to stay in the car unattended, lock the vehicle with the motor and air conditioning on.
Cats like to wander - especially in a car - and it is best to have them travel in a crate, not loose in the car.
Pack a litter box and litter for the cat to use during a break or in the hotel/motel at night. Most cats will not use it when traveling; however if you want to supply it all day choose a large enough carrier for the cat to move around in and hold the litter. Put the box in the back of the carrier.
Carry paper towels and spray disinfectant to clean up after pets. Look for animal friendly hotels. Several chains now allow pets to enter hotel rooms, which is preferable to leaving the pet in the car overnight, or "sneaking" them in.
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