What to Do Before Traveling with Your Pet

Going on a vacation with your furry friend can be a fun and exciting time for you and your pet. However, you must take several proactive steps to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy during the trip. Georgetown Animal Hospital in Georgetown, OH, offers preventative pet care to help your pet’s travel go as smoothly and safely as possible. We are here to tell you what to do before going on a trip with your pet.

Schedule a Wellness Visit Before Leaving

The first thing you should do before traveling with your pet is schedule a wellness visit with our vet. This visit allows us to identify potential health concerns that require treatment before your pet can go on a trip. We perform the following to ensure the health and safety of your pet:

•             Listen to your pet’s lungs and heart

•             Check skin, eyes, ears, and other parts for health issues or parasites

•             Do tests for internal parasites

•             Address any health concerns

Update Your Pet’s Vaccines

Vaccinating your pet protects it from significant diseases it may encounter while traveling. Be sure your pet is up-to-date on its core vaccines. Our veterinarian will also discuss non-core vaccines that are beneficial for your pet. We may recommend the Lyme disease vaccine for vacations in wooded areas and the Bordetella vaccine for trips to the bustling city.

Consider Microchipping

Microchipping your pet is incredibly beneficial while traveling. This tiny chip inserted beneath your pet’s skin can be scanned at shelters to identify your pet. The shelter can then contact you and reunite you with your pet should it get lost.

Refill Your Pet’s Medication if Needed

Always be sure your pet has its medication refilled before going on long trips. Running out of medicine while away from home can endanger your pet’s health and safety. Doing this also saves you the trouble of searching for a nearby animal hospital to get your pet its required medication.

Treatment for Pet Anxiety

To address travel anxiety in pets, there are various approaches. Natural remedies and calming aids include pheromone sprays or collars that mimic calming pheromones released by mother dogs. Supplements like L-theanine, found in green tea, and nutraceuticals containing tryptophan and melatonin may also promote relaxation. For cases of severe anxiety, your veterinarian might prescribe medications like alprazolam (Xanax) or trazodone, which can significantly reduce anxiety but require veterinary supervision due to potential side effects.

Get Parasite Prevention

We advise you to get parasite prevention if you plan to travel during flea and tick season. These parasites cause several uncomfortable symptoms and can spread diseases. Our vet can discuss prevention options like flea collars, topical ointments, or oral tablets.

Visit Georgetown Animal Hospital to Prepare Your Pet for Its Trip Today

If you are going on a vacation with your pet, consider contacting Georgetown Animal Hospital in Georgetown, OH, before you travel. Our veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s health to ensure it can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Call us and schedule an appointment at our animal hospital today at (937) 378-6334 to prepare your pet for its vacation.