Your pet is your family. Of course you’re not going to want to leave them while you go away for a holiday, or even a quick weekend trip. The good news is there’s a rapidly expanding market for pet-friendly holiday rentals, so it’s becoming easier to travel with your pets by your side.
There are a few things that you need to do before you leave to ensure everyone has a blissful – and safe – holiday.
Make sure your pet is microchipped
Microchipping is compulsory in almost all states and territories. Ensure the microchip details, including mobile phone numbers and emails, are up to date, just in case your pet wanders off. If your pet gets lost in an unfamiliar area, the details attached to their microchip is their best chance to reunite with you.
Does your pet need to be microchipped? Book them in at your local Greencross Vets.
Research pet-friendly spots along your route and at your destination
Look into your destination and accommodation to make sure it’s a safe, good fit for your family and your pet. Information that you should look out for includes secure fencing at your accommodation, and access to dog-friendly spots such as beaches, parks, and walking tracks. Make sure you’re across the local council regulations and contact details of the local vet clinic, as well as the closest after-hours emergency veterinary centre.
The team members at your destination’s local Petbarn store or Greencross Vets clinic are also a good source of information regarding parasites and other hazards like venomous snakes, poisonous plants, and dangerous sea life that are a risk to pets in the region.
Stock up on your pet’s medicine and food
If your pet needs regular medication or is on a specific diet, make sure you take enough to last all holiday and a little extra just in case. Don’t assume the local vet clinic will have stock available.
Stay up to date with your pet’s parasite prevention and vaccinations
Flea, tick, and worm prevention should be kept current. If vaccinations or health checks are due soon, book your pet in at the vet least 2 weeks prior to your departure.
Different regions have different parasites, so you might need to use a different parasite preventative to ensure your pet is fully protected on your holiday. If you’re unsure what’s required, or don’t know if your pet is up to date with parasite control, your vet will be able to help.
Take steps to prevent car sickness
Anxious pets are more likely to become nauseous in the car, so familiarise them with car travel in advance.
Signs your pet is anxious about travel include:
- Drooling
- Panting
- Yawning
- Trembling
To get your pet used to travel, start with very short trips. Praise them when they show calm, relaxed behaviour. As they improve, progress to longer trips.
What if your pet is so anxious they refuse to get into the car?
If you have a pet that refuses to even get in the car, get them used to the space by feeding them in there. Make it fun and full of pats, and slowly but surely build them up to the travel experience. Again, praise them when they show calm, relaxed behaviour.
More tips to help reduce car sickness and anxiety
- Don’t feed for approximately 4-6hrs prior to travel (water is fine of course)
- Allow for short breaks to get out and stretch legs, and always ensure they have fresh water
- Ensure there is plenty of fresh air (such as a rolled down window or an air vent)
- Keep your music relaxed and soft – what’s loud to them is not necessarily loud to us.
If these suggestions don’t work or you need a faster solution, please contact your local Greencross vet for advice. There are homeopathic remedies and other medications for anxiety which are generally available at your vet after a consultation. For those pets that are just very sensitive to motion sickness, effective anti-nausea medication is available, again with consultation via your local vet.
Keep your pet restrained in the car
Unrestrained pets are distracting to the driver and are a potentially dangerous projectile if the car suddenly swerves, stops, or worse, becomes involved in an accident.
The safest way to restrain your pet is dependent on their size:
- For cats and small dogs, use a travel carrier.
- For for medium and large breed dogs, seat belt harnesses work well.
Place animals on the back seat or cargo area if you have a wagon, and never the front passenger seat. Pets shouldn’t be allowed to stick their head out of the window due to the risk of injury, especially to the eye.
Remember, many states have introduced hefty fines for pets who are not secured safely in the car.
By following this advice, all your two- and four-legged friends will arrive safe and sound — feeling cool, calm and collected.
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