Hitting the road

Hitting the road with your furry friend

Family getaways, staying with friends… There are many reasons to go on a trip! Want to bring Fido or Fluffy along? The trick for doing so with complete peace of mind comes down to one word: planning.

EVERY TRIP IN ITS OWN TIME!

It is often during vacation that we hit the road for a longer trip with our pet. That being said, don’t start off by planning a car trip from Montreal to Gaspé! The key is to introduce your pet to road travel progressively. The car should be associated with something pleasant. For instance, you could first take your dog to the local park by car, have a fun playtime, and then come back, or you could simply take your doggy with you to hit the neighbourhood gas station. You can gradually make the trip longer while making sure that there are no signs of stress or nausea.

AVOIDING CAR SICKNESS!

Car sickness is not just a human issue! Be careful not to overload your dog’s stomach with food right before a car trip. On top of preventing your pet from having massive nausea, it will allow you to give them treats or to make their trip more fun by giving them a food dispensing toy! Pay attention to signs of nausea… Is your pet drooling more than usual, overly excited, or vomiting? If so, see your veterinarian quickly to find the proper solution. We wouldn’t want your companion to despise car trips because the last trip made him sick…The quicker pets get used to the car, the better. Your veterinarian can also prescribe anti-nausea medication. Other medications can reduce anxiety to make the trip more pleasant for your pet and for you.

AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS

In the event of an accident, you’ll be grateful to have remembered to buckle in your dog! Unfortunately, not all the harnesses are built to resist impacts the same way. Make sure that your choice of harness is approved when impact happens… If you thought you would have your dog on your lap or next to you, he could block some of your moves and your sight. Know that you can get a ticket because of this depending on the local law and regulations. With that in mind, the safest way to travel is to place the dog in a carrier that is safely buckled in.

Additionally, please remember that it’s not a good idea to travel at high speeds with Fido’s head hanging from the window. Unfortunately, on top of the risks of your dog jumping out the window, your dog can get a piece of rock or other small objects in their eye, which would cause an eye infection or worse, your dog could lose an eye… Nobody wants an emergency visit to the vet during their vacation. Depending on your travel time, consider bringing a bowl for water or to provide your dog with a meal or snack. Also plan for breaks every 2-3 hours to let your dog out to run around and take care of business. Don’t forget to bring along poop bags to clean after your pup!

THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE STAYING WITH SOMEONE

Not everyone will share our deep affection for our furry companions! Never impose your pets on others: someone could be allergic, scared of pets, or already living with a very fearful cat or a dog who doesn’t like to be in the company of other dogs. It is perfectly appropriate to ask if you can bring your pet along. If they accept, make sure to also bring all the necessities for your pet’s stay, including a favourite blanket or bed: the familiar scent will be comforting for your companion. Another good rule of thumb is to check the location of the veterinary clinic nearest to your destination. In the event of an emergency, you will be very proud of yourself for getting this information ahead of time. You can even ask your family veterinarian about this, maybe they know of a veterinary clinic where you can go. Also, if your pet is ill or has special needs, renewing all prescription drugs before your departure will save you some headaches and will prevent asking for the transfer of personal data.

NOT TAKING YOUR PET WITH YOU?

Owning pets doesn’t have to mean foregoing vacations: it just means finding the right place to take care of them in your absence when you cannot have him tag along.

Maybe a friend would agree to pet sitting in exchange for another service you can do!

You could also ask someone you trust to come live in your place during your time away. It’s not rare for grandparents to ask for that kind of favour from younger family members. It’s an arrangement that works for everyone!

There are also kennels who offer quality boarding services. Make sure to visit the kennel beforehand and check how many times dogs are taken outside and the interaction with the staff. If your animal requires special cares, make sure that the staff is skilled and comfortable to dispense the treatment.

Have more questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the Passionimo veterinary clinic near you.