Taking your pets with you while Travelling

Plan for Restraint: Have a plan for how you’re going to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle. This is a crucial element of pet travel that is not taken seriously enough. The reality is that hundreds of pets are injured or even killed each year because they are allowed free reign in cars, trucks, RVs, and SUVs. Even more real is the toll in human life and property damage caused when an “enthusiastic” animal distracts a driver, leading to an accident. Vehicle pet barriers, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and pet travel crates are all excellent ways to keep your pet (and you) safe when traveling in your vehicle. It’s important to familiarize your pet with the vehicle restraint of choice weeks or months before traveling so that they are comfortable.

Temporary ID Tag: In the unfortunate event that your pet runs off while you’re traveling. A temporary identification tag, along with a photo of your pet will help ensure their safe return. Attach a temporary ID tag to your pet’s collar in addition to their permanent tag. Include the address and phone number of where you’ll be staying along with your cell phone number and perhaps your email address. This is one of the most important aspects of traveling with your pet, but also one of the most overlooked. In addition, bring along a current photo of your pet. A photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your lost pet.

Packing Essentials: When packing for your pet include an ample supply of your pet’s food. Don’t rely on stopping along the way to pick up their food or picking it up at your final destination. Their particular brand of food may not be readily available and it is not advisable to introduce your pet to a new brand of food while traveling. Other essentials to pack for your pet include collapsible travel food and water bowls, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, favorite toys, grooming supplies, a pet first-aid kit and any necessary medications. And of course…be sure to always have an ample supply of water available for your pet.

Secure Pet Friendly Accommodations: If you’re planning a long journey and will need to stay in pet friendly accommodations on the way to your final destination, be sure to secure these accommodations before you hit the road. Map out where you’ll be spending the night and arrange for lodging along the way. Our Search By Route will allow you to find pet friendly lodging along your route by plugging in your origination location and final destination. Pet policies do change some times without notice and accommodations may be limited so it’s recommended that you make reservations in advance.

Medical Records: In case of a medical emergency while traveling, it is advisable to bring along your pets medical records along with your vet’s contact information should they be needed for consultation.

No Heads Out the Window: Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it’s not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.

Frequent Pit Stops: Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break…and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.

Proper Hydration: During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet’s stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.

Watch the Food Intake: It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending).

Don’t Leave Them Alone: Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves

Kennel Cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs i s one of the major clinical signs.  It is also referred to as infectious Tracheobronchitis.

There are several viruses and bacteria that can cause Kennel Cough, often at the same time. These viruses include Adenovirus type-2, Parainfluenza virus, and bacterium Bordetella Bronchiseptcia.  Because the infection spreads when dogs are housed together, it is often seen soon after dogs have been in the kennel, hence the name “Kennel Cough”.

Clinical Signs

Signs may vary, it is often a mild disease, but the cough may be chronic, lasting several weeks in some cases.  Common signs include a loud cough often describe as a “goose honk”, runny eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite and depressed behaviour.  Most dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough when the throat is rubbed or palpated.  Often, the hacking cough caused by kennel cough will persist for several weeks the infection.

Dogs can contract Kennel Cough by casual contact such as sniffing each other when on a walk, playing, sharing water dishes etc.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Kennel Cough, depending on the severity of the cough, your vet may prescribe antibiotics.  Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories may also be prescribed.

Alberta Animal Services

Our Office Hours Have Changed for the Weekend.

We will now be opened Saturdays from 11:00am to 3:00pm and now Closed Sundays.

Nine weeks and six surgeries later, a dog resuced from a Red Deer home with severe burns is now ready to be adopted.

Justice, a two year old staffordhire terrier, was rescued in early January by Alberta Animal Services in Red Deer after she suffered third-degree burns. Since then, she was transffered to Calgary Humane Society and has had several treatments at the Calgary Humane Society and CARE centre and is now ready to be placed in a home.

Check Out Our Happy Endings Under Adopt-A-Pet