Leaving Leland with Fuzzy Company: Planning makes all the difference!

Will you be one of the millions of people traveling with pets this holiday season? Traveling with pets can be fun and rewarding, but it also presents a whole new set of packing and planning challenges. To make sure you are prepared, consider the following things before you hit the highway:

1) Talk to your vet. Long trips can be stressful to dogs who are not accustomed to riding in a vehicle for long distances. Consult with your regular veterinarian and ask what kinds of medicine you should keep on hand. Dogs can experience carsickness, stress-related diarrhea, high anxiety, and illness when travelling, so you’ll want to know ahead of time how to safely treat these problems. Also ask your vet about the place you are travelling to; could your dog encounter tick-borne illnesses or giardia from the outdoor environment?

2) Purchase a safety system for your dog to ride in. your local pet supply store will probably have a variety of seats, tethers, and belts, and can help you fit your pet with one that will keep him safe and secure no matter what happens on the road.

3) Pack your paperwork. In the event that your pet needs to visit a veterinarian out of town, you will need to have his vaccination record. You should carry a health certificate as well. You may even want to go online and make a list of recommended veterinarians in and on the way to your destination.

4) Get a first aid kit. You can purchase one at your local pet supply store, vet, or make it yourself.

5) If your dog is not microchipped, you may want to consider doing this. You can never be sure how your dog will react to a new situation, and should they get away from you, they will be lost in an unfamiliar area. At the minimum, pack a recent photo to identify your pet should they be separated from you.

6) If you feed a brand which is not available in all areas, be sure to bring enough! We all know the consequences of having to abruptly change foods, and this could make for a very unpleasant return trip!

7) And of course, go see your groomer before you leave. No one wants to ride with a stinky dog. ; )

Happy Trails! (Or …Happy Tails…)

Sarah Richardson, Peachy Kleen Grooming, Leland NC 28451