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TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS
By Dr. Karen Halligan
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- Pets should be wearing a current, legible ID tag at all times. The tag should include your pet’s name; your name, address, and phone number; and the name, address and phone number of an alternate person to contact in case you can’t be located.
- All pets should have a complete physical exam prior to traveling No doubt your pet will be stressed when traveling, so you want to make sure she’s healthy. This is the time to obtain medication, flea, tick or heartworm preventative as well.
- Book lodging ahead of time. While there are hundreds of hotels opening their doors to pets, those accommodations fill up quickly. Be sure to check on any restrictions as many hotels have weight limits for dogs.
- Pack your pet’s normal food. Stick to your pet’s regular feeding routine and diet. Always bring more food than you think you need, as well as plenty of water in case reliable water sources are not available. Never let your pet drink water from unknown sources. .
- Each pet should have its own carrier. Keep your pet safe in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Be sure to get your pet acclimated to the carrier prior to traveling.
- Pack familiar toys and bedding. Your pet will enjoy his stay much better if he has a toy from home and his own bed. Pack your pet’s favorite blanket and dishes, too.
- Pack a simple first-aid kit for your pets. The kit should include assorted bandage material, antiseptic cream and the phone numbers of your vet, a national poison control hotline and a 24-hour emergency vet hospital in the area of your final destination.
- Perform a daily health check on all animals. Pets in unfamiliar surroundings may be more susceptible to illness. Visit a local veterinarian if you notice any abnormal physical or behavioral changes.
- Always carry several current photos of all pets that are traveling with you This is vital in case your pet escapes and gets lost.
- Bring cleaning supplies. Pack a waste scooper, plastic bags, disinfectant to clean out crates or litter pans, and extra litter.
DOC HALLIGAN
Dr. Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM is the author of the best selling book “What Every Pet Owner Should Know” and is Director of Veterinary Services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles (spcaLA) . She is also in private practice in Venice, California and appears regularly on the Animal Planet, Animal Rescue 911, and other television news shows throughout the country. She shares her life in Los Angeles with Kinky and Nathan, two very spoiled and healthy cats. www.dochalligan.com
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