Deidre Wengen
Pets have really become a part of the family in many American households. And many devoted owners just can't stomach the idea of leaving the dog behind when they go on their summer vacations.
Traveling with pets is increasing in popularity. And although bringing the dog along might be fun, it also comes with a certain amount of responsiblity, especially during the hot summer months.
Famed veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker shared a few tips to keep your dog safe during summer travel.
In the car
- Secure your dog in the seat: Keep your pet safe in a comfortable crate or carrier, or use a canine car harness that attaches to your seatbelt. Barriers are popular, too, but choose carefully: Some are too flimsy to protect dogs and people in case of an accident. Also, keep pets out of the front seat unless they are secured in a booster seat with the air bag off.
- Bring toys: Dogs have a tendency to get bored in the car and this can lead to destructive behavior. Bring along pet toys and puzzles to keep them occupied.
- Carry an emergency first aid kit: Carry an emergency kit with first aid supplies (talk to your vet about pain-relief and tummy-upset medications), a muzzle (hurt pets can and do bite!) and extra food and water. Your pet should have an ID tag with your cell phone number on it, since a home phone will do no good if you're not there.
On a plane
- Check with your airline well in advance of travel: Not all airlines allow pets, and others limit the number of animals per flight, both in the cabin (for small pets in carriers that fit under the seat) and in cargo. You will also need for your pet to see your veterinarian no more than a few days before flying, to get a health certificate to present at check-in.
- Bring a secure carrier or crate: If flying in the cargo area make sure pets are in strong carriers that are well ventilated, and just big enough that a dog can stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably. Be sure all fasteners are in place and tightly secured to prevent the carriers from snapping open and allowing your pet to escape. Bring zip-ties to the airport to secure the door at check-in. You will not be allowed to have anything in the crate except simple bedding, such as shredded newspaper.
- Choose direct flights if possible: If your pet needs to make a connection, call the airline to check that your pet was loaded on the second plane. In warm weather, over-night flights are preferred; in winter, daytime. Try to avoid peak travel periods, such a holidays or Mondays.
- Never ship a short-nosed dog or cat: Breeds such as bulldogs or Persians fall into this group. The vast majority of pets who die in transit come from these types of pets, who have difficulty breathing and staying cool.
At the beach
- Check for pet-friendly beaches and obey the rules: Some beaches allow pets off-leash always, or at certain times or year or hours. Bring your leash, fresh water, shade and clean-up bags. Toys such as the Cool Kong or other floating toys are great for retrieving, so bring them along. Tennis balls also float, so bring a Chuck-it.
- Pay attention to water conditions: For dogs who do like to swim and are good at it (such as retrievers) be aware of tides, current, rough water and high waves. Enforce "time outs" to ensure your dog isn't becoming exhausted: Even good swimmers can drown.
- Watch for hot sand: Protect them with booties. A unique new product is the Planet PETCO LuvGear booties with TempAlert technology. These not only prevent the paws from abrasions or serious burns, the TempAlert patch lights up to let pet parents know when the outside temperature becomes too unsafe and the dog is at risk for heat stroke.
- Protect pets from the sun: Protect ears and lightly furred patches with waterproof children's sunblock. White dogs may need to be protected over their body by pet clothes, or even a simple T-shirt.
Other tips
- You might be traveling into an area that poses health risks for your pet your pet you don't face in your hometown. For example, you might be traveling into an area that has a lot of external parasites such as fleas and ticks or heartworm disease (carried by mosquitoes) and need to protect your pet. Ask your veterinarian what products you should use before you go and while you're gone.
- Many pets get motion sickness. You can ask your veterinarian about products that act like an invisible cork to prevent car sickness.
- If you're going to be on a boat this summer, don't forget to have a life vest for your furry friend. Most dogs are tempted to jump off into the water for a refreshing dip, but whether they prefer the chilly water or just kicking-back on board, a life preserver should be part of their permanent style. A dog flotation vest would help protect them in or out of the water.
- Don't forget to keep them hydrated with portable bowls throughout the day.
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