VACATIONING WITH PETS….by Gary R. White, DVM
“How I spent my summer vacation.” If your furry companion wrote this at the end of summer, how would it read? As summer approaches, and you make plans for your summer escape, have you considered the options available to your pets?
Some, especially most cats, are best left in their own home. They are most comfortable in their regular surroundings, and are more likely to eat, drink, and act normally. Options to provide for home care include pet sitters, friends, or even the adult children of friends [often, responsible college students living at home will welcome the opportunity to have a place of their own for a few days]. Having someone live in or visit your house regularly in your absence also provides extra security for your home from vacation bandits. Always ask for references, and it is a good idea to introduce these people to your pets days before leaving.
Boarding is another option. This is especially suitable for those pets with special needs. Some dogs can be destructive, or even seek escape when their family is absent. This is a sign of separation anxiety. While this is manageable with training and adjunct medical therapy, such treatments can take months. Facilities range from the mundane to extravagant. Do your research, and tour the premises. Make sure you’re paying for care, not hype. Pets with medical needs such as those with diabetes, heart failure, or other infirmities may do best in a facility that provides veterinary supervision. This can also be a good time to pair any needed medical care, ie. Dental Prophylaxis and complete oral examination, with the stay. Be sure to ask about vaccine requirements in advance, so you won’t have to vaccinate unnecessarily if you don’t have records. Also, given our evolving knowledge of vaccines and immunity, be sure their requirements are reasonable. Generally, it is a good idea to get dogs a booster vaccination for Bordatella 2 weeks prior to the stay. This helps prevent or lessen the severity of kennel cough.
How about bringing them along? Most campsites allow companion animals, and more hotels are catering to the pet owning population, even luxury resorts. Be sure to look into this early, as most facilities have limited rooms set aside for these special families. It’s also a good idea to find a veterinarian in the area, should you pet need medical care or you just need to board your pet for a night or two for that rafting trip.
Will you be flying? Check with your airline early, as requirements for flight vary among airlines. You’ll generally need a USDA health certificate within 10 days of your flight. If your pet is small enough, they can travel in the cabin. Typically collapsible carriers are best for this. Many airlines allow a limited number of pets per cabin, so be sure to book well in advance. If you need to fly him/her in the baggage compartment, be sure the kennel is rigid and secure. You may even be wise to fasten the door closed with a zip-tie after passing through security. Flying non-stop or direct is best. If you have to change planes, be sure to get assurance from the crew that your pet has made the connection before take-off. Many airlines even have special tags for this purpose.
Some dogs are left at home due to a malady that, while a great nuisance, is no fault of their own. Motion sickness. Good thing we’re more tolerant of this with our 2 legged family members, or I would have been boarded for most of my childhood family vacations! While natural herbs like ginger can be of some benefit, there is a new medication available which greatly curbs the nausea without significant sedation. Talk to your veterinarian if you think this may allow you to include your best friend in your best plans.
If you’re bringing your pet along, it’s also a good idea to meet with your veterinarian who may be able to advise you of special precautions to take relative to where you’re visiting. Examples include heartworm, ticks, poisonous plants, parasites, and rattlesnakes.
In all, I hope you all have safe, relaxing vacations, knowing that your furry companions are safe and happy too. Regardless of your choice of accommodations, be sure to provide your pet’s regular food.
