It is the time of the year for a lot of fun, family things. Picnics, laying out at the pool, hiking, things that involve the whole family. The four pawed family members as well.
When you think of going by air, or jumping in the car/boat/rv to start your adventure, you always make sure you have what is needed to keep your family safe, comfortable and healthy. The same needs to be done for the pets.
The next couple of blogs I do will be going over tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pets. I will be letting you know safety tips for traveling with your pets in the car, on a boat, in a recreational vehicle and by air. Today will be car and recreational vehicle.
FOR BOTH CAR AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:
Before you leave, call SILVERMARK (1-800-659-7363) or log on to Pets Best pet insurance (www.petsbest.com/silvermark) to buy your pet insurance. We can make sure you have just the policy you need, to be there when you need it.
- Do a little research: by car, make sure your pet is welcome at your destination(s) and what, if anything, they provide when you get there. By RV, know the campground or space providers’ pet restrictions and policies. Consider requesting a campsite (or a room) that is a little more remote, so your pet won’t bother other campers (or other guests) who might not be animal lovers. There might charge extra for pets, have leash rules or designated areas for dog walking. To avoid any unwanted surprises, check your destination’s guidelines before you leave.
- Get new identification tags including your cell phone number (since you’ll be on the road) and you might consider adding that you’ll offer a reward for their safe return.
- Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian for a check up and make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Obtain a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure. If possible, make sure your pet has a microchip for easy identification.
- Pack their bags: cleaning supplies, a towel or travel bed, food, water, portable bowls, any medications, a pet first aid kit (see below), an extra leash, a lot of toys.
ON THE ROAD:
- Feed them early. To help prevent your pets from getting sick, feed them a couple of hours before you leave, not right before they get in your vehicle.
- Give them plenty of exercise before you leave.
- Buckle them up. Have your pets ride securely in a crate or wearing a harness. Never let them ride with their bodies or head out of the window.
- Don’t leave them in the vehicle. Just like people, your four pawed family are susceptible to heat stroke (even if it isn’t that hot outside or the car windows are left open….don’t forget they could be stolen).
- Every 200-300 miles (or as needed) stop for a potty break, drink of water and a little run. As soon as you arrive at your destination, plan an exercise romp.
Recommended Pet First-Aid Kit
This is for a basic pet first-aid kit. For convenience, you may want to make one for your home and another for your car. It is also a suitable Disaster Preparedness kit.
- Sterile gauze pads (3″ x 3″ and 2″ X 2″) and gauze bandage rolls (1″ and 2″)
- First-aid adhesive tape, 1″ roll
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
- Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
- Antibacterial ointment
- Antiseptic cleansing wipes
- Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
- A current pet first-aid book
- Eyewash
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
- Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
- Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
- Latex gloves
- Leash
- Thin rope
- Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
Place the contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid.
This should get you going! SILVERMARK hopes you drive safely, have fun and show us the pictures when you get home! 1-800-659-7363