Travelling with dogs and cats can be stressful for both pets and owners, but taking your pet out of the house does not have to be a nightmare. There are a variety of strategies you can employ to reduce travel anxiety in your dog or cat. These include having appropriate supplies, helping your pet become used to travel, providing a comfortable experience, using medication appropriately and avoiding travel when possible.
Proper Supplies
Before embarking on a journey with your pet, you need to make sure you have the correct equipment to keep him or her safe and comfortable. Using this equipment consistently and correctly will give your pet a sense of safety and routine.
Cats
Cats require properly sized carriers when travelling. Fortunately, pet stores offer a variety of sizes and styles, so you should be able to find a carrier that suits your pet. Ideally, a carrier should be tall enough for your cat to stand without crouching and wide enough for the cat to turn around. If you are planning a long trip, you will also want to make sure there is enough room to place food and water in the carrier.
Dogs
When travelling in a car, your dog should be in a crate or secured in an appropriately sized harness. A carrier should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. A harness should be secure, and you should check the label to make sure you buy the correct size for your pet.
Gradual Adjustment
Ideally, a few weeks before a long trip or a visit to the vet, you should begin accustoming your pet to travel. Start by letting the dog or cat explore its new carrier or harness. Make the crate attractive by placing treats, favourite items or toys inside it, but do not force your pet inside the carrier. If you are using a harness, provide treats and praise when the dog sniffs it. Once your pet is comfortable, practice placing him or her in the carrier or in the harness.
After your pet is comfortable with the harness or carrier, you can consider short practice trips in the car. Start with rides around the block, and reward your pet during and after each trip. With dogs, move on to trips to the park or other pleasant places. For many cats and some anxious dogs, practice trips can increase anxiety, so if you think taking short trips would distress your pet unduly, skip them.
Comfort
On the day of your trip, follow the routine you have established for getting your pet into its carrier or harness. Make sure to provide comfortable bedding and toys for the trip. For an anxious cat, consider spraying the carrier with calming pheromones. Feline pheromone sprays are available in veterinary clinics and pet stores.
Medication
If your pet continues to suffer from travel anxiety despite your best efforts, talk to your veterinarian about using medication. Drug choice will depend on your situation, your pet’s symptoms, health history and other factors. Because pets can have unexpected reactions to medications, you should do a trial run before your trip. You will also need to closely supervise your pet while they’re medicated.
It’s also important for pet owners to check that vaccination and physical examination documents are all in order for cross border travel, and pets are protected against heartworm, fleas and other infectious problems when traveling to warmer climates.
Travel Alternatives
For truly anxious pets, consider limiting travel to essential trips. Fortunately, a number of veterinarians make house calls, so you can avoid car trips for basic wellness care and for non-emergent care that does not require the use of extensive equipment. Mobile grooming services are also available in most areas.
Call us today to book if you have questions about vaccination status or risk factors associated with traveling
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