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Traveling With Your
Pets
Written by Mike McKegney and Lee Bothamley
Many people consider their pets as family and include them in
their vacation plans. Some hotels and resorts are “pet friendly”
and some have very elaborate accommodations, spas, pet menus and
activities just for pets. Websites to help you locate these
accommodations are:
www.petfriendly.ca,
www.petsallowed.com or
www.dogfriendly.com
Getting your pet ready for travel requires a few preparations –
food in portion packs or frozen in containers, vitamin
supplements, filtered water, a bed, toys, collar with an i.d.
tag, leash & harness, brush & comb, insect repellent and bags
for poop disposal are probably the basics.
Make sure your pet has a proper pet seat belt harness for
traveling in your vehicle. Barriers for back seats of
cars/vans/SUVs are available for keeping your pet confined and
safe in a certain part of your vehicle.
Goggles for pets (some with U.V. protection) prevent damage from
the sun’s rays to your dog’s eyes as well as providing
protection from insects/stones or other debris if your pet likes
to stick it’s head out of the window while the vehicle is
moving.
Ensure that your pet has frequent bathroom breaks and time for a
stretch or short walk as well as fresh, filtered water in a
travelling water bowl.
Backpacks for pets allow them to hike along with their owners
while carrying a portion of food or treats, water, and other
necessities for the woods. Pouches for carrying small pets on
your chest allow more control over your pet and also provide
pockets for keys, treats, poop bags, etc.
Pet strollers (Pet Gear makes great ones) allow older or
disabled pets to get out and take in the view and get some fresh
air.
If your pet will be around water, a life vest is a good idea.
Some come with handles on the back which make it very easy to
pick up your pet if it accidentally (or on purpose !!) ends up
in the water.
If your pet is traveling by airline, there will be specifics
about the type of crate that can be used. Some airlines are now
offering frequent flyer miles for pets!
Lessening the stress of travel can be done naturally with herbal
remedies without the side effect of extreme tranquilization.
Herbal remedies like “Nature’s Herbs for Pets™” can be used for
the anxiety of traveling (panting, howling, pacing, etc.) and
for preventing nausea and vomiting. The remedies can be given
the night before traveling and again in the morning before you
leave. Your pet will be calmer without being sedated.
Bach Flower remedy blends can be custom combined to meet your
pet’s emotional needs for travel – fears, anxiety, adjusting to
new locations, etc. They can be added to your pet’s water and
given directly in the mouth or in food.
If your pet will be traveling internationally, some vaccines or
quarantine might be required. If you do not choose to your
vaccinate your pet, this may require some revisions in the scope
of travel that is possible for you and furry friends. Make sure
you know the requirements well in advance.
As travel for pets and their owners becomes more popular,
additional travel related products become available. Who knows,
maybe some day pets will have tickets and a passport just like
their human companions!!
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Article written by Mike McKegney and Lee Bothamley, co-owners of
Healthy Paws Pet Nutrition Centre in Sarnia, Ontario and
Nature’s Herbs for Pets.
Websites:
www.naturespetherbs.com
http://www.healthypaws.on.ca
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