Our case of the week involved a young, healthy dog that
suddenly overheated. As this can happen
very quickly and unexpectedly I thought the following tips might help. I am happy to report the dog is now fine.
Planning a road trip with your furry friend? Here are some tips to help you maintain
safety, good health and a relaxing time
1.
Make sure
you have current health and vaccination records from your veterinarian, and
also a thirty days ( or more) supply of any medications. Give him his monthly
flea/tick control so you know he is protected for your vacation time If you are travelling to certain areas make
sure you know ahead of time if lymes vaccine are recommended and/or heartworm prevention.
You can find this out on the AVMA website www.avma.org
2.
Make sure
your dog/cat is used to being crated and take a favorite blankie and toy with
you. The crate will be very useful in
hotels ( often a requirement) as well as for safety in the car.
3.
Ensure you
have your pet microchipped and registered with the company as well as a good
collar and leash with clearly marked tags.
Hint: Use your cell phone on the tags…if your pet is found you won’t be
answering your home phone on vacation.
4.
Make sure
you check ahead that pets are welcome and that you have a place for them to
stay if you decide to go to a Park for the day.
Many of these, such as Disney and SeaWorld have kennels on site. You will be pleased you have your vaccination
records with you, or your pet won’t be staying!
5.
Stop often
for rest stops and water breaks. Do
practice runs in the car first to ensure your pet does not get car sick. Most
dogs travel well especially if they feel they are going somewhere special with
their best friend. That’s you!
6.
Never leave
your dog in the car. The interior can
heat up to a life threatening temperature in as little as ten minutes. Remember
that road surfaces and pool decks can burn pets feet easily. If you are going from a cooler state to a
hotter state you will need to make allowances and realize your pet will feel
the difference. Keep alert for signs of
heat exhaustion. Heavy panting, extreme
redness of tongue, vomiting or diarrhea.
If this happens get to the nearest vet ( which you will also have
researched on line) immediately. On the
way there pack ice under his arms and turn on a fan or air conditioning
directing it at him
7.
I do not
recommend tranquilizers as this can alter or even eliminate a dogs temperate
regulation control as well as having an unknown side effect of extreme lethargy
or ironically excitement.
If travelling by air, consult the airline for regulations. Many now do not take certain breeds, or fly
pets at certain times of the year, due to climate influences. There is a new company that specializes in
flying just your pet. You can find them
at www.petairways.com.
Happy travels!
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