If you are planning a trip that includes your furry family member, here are some tips to help keep them safe along the way.

How can you make car travel as safe as possible for your pet?

Temperatures inside a car, even with cracked windows, can reach over 100 degrees in 4 minutes or less which can cause irreversible organ damage or death. The most important point to remember when traveling with your pet is to NEVER leave them in the car alone.

Before leaving, in addition to making sure you have water, food, and first aid kits for long trips, be sure you get the number for an urgent animal care clinic at the destination you are traveling to. If your pet is in distress upon your arrival, it will be easier to know exactly where to get care from when you arrive instead of having to spend time finding one. Of course, if there’s an emergency along the way, you shouldn’t wait to seek treatment until you arrive.

Your cat or dog should not be allowed to roam around in the car. This can be unsafe for both them and the driver. If they get too excited or upset, or get in the way, they could cause an accident. While your dog probably wants to stick his/her head out the window, debris could cause injury to them or cold air could be forced into their lungs, making them sick. You should never transport your pet in an open space like a pickup truck. Pet seatbelts and restraints have not been proven to prevent injury in the event of an accident so the safest place for them is in a crate that is secured by a seatbelt (or other means). Learn more about Crossroads Animal Emergency here: http://www.crossroadsanimal911.com/norwalk-ca/

Your pet should be secured in the back seat and you should take plenty of rest stops to allow them to use the bathroom, stretch, and unwind. Be sure to keep them on a leash at all times and never, ever leave them in a car alone.

If your pet suffers any injuries during your travel or they are involved in a car accident, seek a 24 hour vet hospital for evaluation and treatment. Not all injuries can be seen externally so don’t take the risk of your pet having internal injuries that you aren’t immediately aware of.

How can you make air travel as safe as possible for your pet?

It’s best if you can avoid traveling by air with your pet. If you can leave them with a friend or at a boarding facility, this is the better option. If they absolutely must go with you, consider other travel options like driving instead. Flying can be extremely dangerous and stressful for animals and the Humane Society of the United States recommends that you don’t transport your pet by plane unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, animals with “pushed in faces” (Short nosed breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih tzu’s) are at high risk of heat stroke and oxygen deprivation because of their short nasal passages.

If you absolutely must travel with your pet by air, find out if they can fly in the cabin with you. You may have to buy an extra seat but if your pet must fly, this is the safest way for them to travel by air. Animals die traveling in cargo areas every year from excessive hot or cold temperatures, rough handling, and poor ventilation. Find the number to an emergency vet at your destination before leaving so that you can rush them in upon arrival if need be. See more details here: http://www.crossroadsanimal911.com/

Be sure to find out the airlines carrier requirements, immunization requirements, and any other requirements. Unless your pet is a puppy/kitten, don’t feed your pet 4-6 hours before the flight. It is best not to give them any sedatives unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian for air travel. Once you arrive at your destination, thoroughly examine your pet and if anything at all seems abnormal about your pet’s physical or mental condition, take them to a vet immediately. If it’s after-hours, don’t wait; take them to a 24 hour emergency vet hospital.

No matter your transportation method, if you see any abnormal signs or symptoms from your pet during or after travel, seek 24 hour pet care if it’s after hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday. Never wait to have your pet examined. If there are issues or injuries, the extent could be much worse if you wait.

About Bryan Buescher

With locations in both Norwalk and Huntington Beach, Crossroads Animal Emergency is a convenient and professional emergency veterinary service that can help dogs, cats and other pets who are sick or injured during non-traditional veterinary office hours. The Crossroads Team works with patients to ensure top-quality care and the most positive outcomes possible for every animal.

Source: http://newswire.net/newsroom/pr/00000000-crossroads-animal-emergency-discusses-safe-travel-tips-for-your-pet.html

Contact:
Bryan Buescher
Crossroads Animal Emergency
18364 Beach Blvd Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 794-6900
[email protected]
http://www.crossroadsanimal911.com/