Traveling with your pet : Useful tips

Traveling with your pet can be an incredible adventure or a bad experience for both of you.
Here are some tips while traveling with your pet to make your vacation a success.

HOW THEY WILL TRAVEL

Does this mean that when you are traveling with your pet are you traveling through an airline or any other means of transportation?

• If you travel by plane, it is essential that you check the airline’s conditions for the transport of animals. Some of their requirements are vaccination and health certificates along with other verified documents that they may require.
• If you travel in your car, you can buy some items that can make the trip more bearable, such as a waterproof cloth to protect the seat, adaptable harnesses for seat belts, disposable bowls, or a rag to clean your pet’s nose constantly. Some dogs drool a lot.
• If you travel by public ground transportation, It is essential that you speak with the driver and establish the conditions for transporting your pet. Sometimes they will force you to protect the seat, place it on the floor, use a cage or move it away from other passengers.

THE DAYS BEFORE

• Take him for a vet checkup, especially if he suffers from a disease you already know about. In this case, remember to bring the necessary medication for the days of travel.
• If you carry it in a kennel or carrier, you must get used to it with a lot of patience. A good alternative is to place a toy or a dog treat or cookie inside the cage so that it enters out of its curiosity. Don’t try to force it in that will only cause it to be afraid.
• The first few times you use the kennel or carrier, close the door and leave it alone for a few minutes. 15 minutes later come back and let it out. In this way, he will understand that it is a temporary confinement and that he has not been abandoned.
• Find a pet-friendly hotel in advance. Finding a pet-friendly hotel is much more difficult than you think. Try to communicate directly with the owners of the establishment, and tell them the age, size, and some behavioral traits of your pet.

LUGGAGE

While traveling with your pet you should make sure that the luggage of your pet is complete.

• Your pet can have its backpack, a small and preferably waterproof bag. After several trips, you will recognize her suitcase and understand that it is time to embark on a new journey.
• In the luggage, it is essential: Water, a small jar with the necessary food for the hours of the journey, wet clothes for cleaning, and other implements to which you have accustomed your pet. Depending on the case, it could be a hairbrush, perfume, a toy, or snacks.
• Always carry a blanket or a surface where your pet can lie down in hotels or public places.

THE DAY OF THE TRIP

• Do not feed it two hours before the trip, as movement can cause discomfort.
• If your dog is very restless and you decide to medicate it, consult your veterinarian, he will tell you how to administer it correctly according to character, weight, level of nervousness, etc.
• Other less invasive methods to relax your pets are exclusive valerian drops for pets that can calm them down. You can also put lavender oil on your hands and give them a back massage. In the case of cats, you can vaporize the cage with synthetic feline pheromones.
• In dogs, it is highly recommended to take a long walk. Whereas, cats need to require some time to play. After a long period of relaxation, the pets are more docile.
• If you are going to travel by plane, bring your pet into the kennel at the last possible moment. In this way, she will have much more time to adjust to the airport environment and will feel less shocked.
• If you will travel with you in the cabin, locate it in a place where it does not bother other passengers. It’s hard to understand, but some people get upset with the presence of animals.
• If you will travel in the hold, do not make a dramatic farewell. Your pet understands your energy and feels your sadness or your fear. She will believe that something bad is happening.
• In the car, she always has the windows slightly open, but NOT so that she can fully stick her head out.
• Make stopovers to easily go to the bathroom. If it’s a dog, take it down on its leash and move it to a nearby tree or grass. If it’s a cat, a small covered litter box is an excellent option, but don’t allow it to get out of the car, under any circumstances.
• Do not drive with loud music, especially if your pet is a feline. This may cause him nervousness.

AT THE DESTINATION

• Again, take your pet for a long walk. Try to get him to walk or play, so that he forgets the stress of the trip.
• Enter the hotel calmly, showing him that he is in a place of trust. Do not scold him, because he will think that something bad is happening and will be suspicious.
• The room allows him to explore all the spaces. Take a familiar toy, bone, or snack and put it down so he knows he’s welcome in his new territory.
• Keep an eye on him permanently. If you go out with him for a walk, always take him with a collar, leash, and identification plate (with email, if you are in another country). If you will leave him at the hotel, check that he has food and hydration and that there is no escape route.

ON THE RETURN

• By now you will know if you have a traveling animal. If your four-legged baby didn’t like to travel, don’t force him to do it again. Find a family member or friend to take care of him on your future outings or, as a last option, a recommended nursery.
• Watch his behavior. If you notice that he is stressed, sad, or shows signs of illness, he may have suffered a mishap during the trip. In this case, it is essential to take him to the vet.

These were some of the tips that we recommend while traveling with your pet to make your vacation a success.

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