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Traveling is fun, and it can be even better when you bring your pet along for the adventure. However, there’s a lot you need to prepare for if you’re thinking about adding your furry friend to the trip. It’s best to be proactive and start the process well in advance before your travels to ensure your trip is a success. This process can be tricky and confusing, so we’ve constructed a go-to guide to make it easier!

Cargo Traveling

When bringing your pet on your trip, one traveling option is for your pet to travel in the cargo area of the plane. If opting for this option, you’ll want to ensure the kennel is well prepared for takeoff. For larger dogs, it could be tempting to get a kennel with wheels for easier transportation, but we recommend against this as we don’t want your dog to roll off an inclined conveyor belt in transit.

You’ll also want to make sure the crate has water and food bowls attached to the door where the airline crew will have easy access for refills. To be extra cautious, you can provide extra dry food in a freezer bag and attach it to the side of the crate just in case.

If your dog or cat isn’t well adjusted to their crate yet, we recommend getting them comfortable with it weeks before your flight. This helps decrease any anxiety or stress they may have during the flight. You can keep the kennel open for them, add some treats inside, or put in some familiar smells like one of your worn T-shirts.

In-Cabin & Service Pets

Every airline will have different restrictions and regulations for traveling in-cabin with your pet. Please check ahead of time with your airline of choice to ensure you make the proper arrangements.

Having the proper crate to fly in the cabin is crucial. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in while also fitting under your seat. You’ll need a maximum size for hard-sided kennels of 17.5 inches long by 12 inches wide by 7.5 inches high, or 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high for a soft-sided kennel.

Service and emotional support pets will need proper documentation to be allowed in the cabin as such. They will need a letter from your physician submitted to the airline no later than 48 hours before your flight. Check with your airline, but for the most part, this letter should state the reason for the service pet and provide the medical license of the animal. Such pets will be allowed on your lap or by your feet.

Health & Safety Precautions

Some airlines will require proper documentation of your pet’s vaccination record or a certificate of good health. As mentioned above, contact your airline to confirm what documentation you’ll need. Regardless, you might want to have these documents on hand just in case.

You’ll also need to check out the entrance regulations for the country or city you’ll be entering. You may need to quarantine your pet or provide specific documentation upon entry to certain international flights. The sooner you find out these details, the sooner you can schedule any appointments with your local vet.

Make sure your pet has any medication they need before the flight, and if they suffer from anxiety, you may want to provide them with anxiety medication.

Remember to go on a long walk with your furry friend so that they can do their “business” before the flight. Some airports have pet elimination areas where you can take them in-between flights. If possible, select flights with no stops to make it easier on your pet.

You know what’s best for your pet, so if at any point you feel you’re being forced to do something that doesn’t feel right by a crew member or gate agent, ask to speak to a supervisor immediately.

Finally, make sure to pack all of your furry pal’s essentials, including food, water, treats, and favorite toys.

Want more information or need a professional vet to help with vaccinations? Give Germantown Vet a call at 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment!

Have you ever heard the expression “dogs eat anything”? If you own a dog, you know firsthand that from time to time, they get curious and occasionally try to ingest something that they shouldn’t.

We’ve all heard the stories of a dog having to be rushed to the ER to have their stomach pumped ― or of a dog who ate a foreign object, passed it, and was back to normal immediately after. But there’s no way to know which outcome is likely for your dog, so what should you do when they eat something they shouldn’t? Should you take him/her to the vet or wait to see if it passes? Check out what our veterinary experts have to say.

For emergency vet services, contact Germantown Vet online or call us at 240-252-7467.

Signs Your Dog Ate Something Foreign

If your dog is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it may mean that they have likely ingested something foreign or toxic:

• Vomiting or gagging
• Painful abdomen
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Changes in typical behavior
• Changes in bowels (diarrhea, constipation, etc.)

Go to The Vet Immediately

If your dog ingests a foreign object, you should take them to the vet right away. If your normal vet is unavailable, call a 24-hour emergency animal clinic and describe the situation. The best thing to do is to allow the professionals to properly assess the situation.

Owners should not wait to see if the object will pass on its own. Do not try to induce vomiting, as there are some foreign bodies that can cause just as much harm coming back out.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Foreign Objects

The best way to keep your dog from ingesting foreign objects is to take preventive measures. One of the easiest things to do if an owner knows that their dog is prone to eating certain foreign objects is to not allow access to them.

It’s also advisable to “dog-proof” your house to limit access to objects. It’s similar to having a baby. When you have a baby, you have to be diligent about keeping doors closed and keeping things off the floor and out of the baby’s reach. When you have a dog that likes to consume everything, you need to do the exact same thing.

If you have any further questions on how to respond when your dog eats something they shouldn’t or on how to “dog-proof” your home, contact our experts at Germantown Vet ― call us at 240-252-7467.

We are all facing unprecedented changes in our work lives, social lives, and family lives during this shelter-in-place response to the coronavirus pandemic. This situation is very difficult for everyone; however, many do not realize the unique challenges pet owners face.

Germantown Vet understands that your furry companions are also affected by the outbreak and that you have to ensure their needs are met during this difficult time.

If you’re worried about whether your pet can get the coronavirus or have any other questions about your pet’s health, contact Germantown Vet online or call our trusted veterinarians at 240-252-7467 today.

How to Care for Your Pet During COVID-19

Many people are enjoying spending more quality time with their furry friends now that we’re staying in at home. However, spending time outside in public with our pets (like at parks) may be more difficult.

To ensure your pet is getting the mental and physical stimulation from the outdoors that he or she needs to thrive during this time, you should consider different ways to keep him or her moving and engaged. Here are some ways to keep your pet moving:

• Play “hide and seek” with your pet
• Build an indoor obstacle course
• Train your pet to use the treadmill

Training Opportunities

Do you have extra time on your hands due to the coronavirus? Now is a good time to use your skills in positive reinforcement training. With some treats and rewards, you can teach even your old pup some new tricks.

Puzzle Toys

During this time, you can also order some puzzle toys online to get your pet thinking. Mental stimulation can help your pet manage the anxiety that comes with learning a new routine, managing with less exercise, and dealing with residual stress from the family during these difficult times.

Indoor Exercise

For some people, going outdoors for regular playtime is impossible during the spread of coronavirus. Now is the time to consider some creative ways to get your pet moving – even if you’re cooped up in your house or apartment. Indoor exercise is a win for everyone, both pets and family.

Look Out for Your Pet During COVID-19

Our pets rely on us at all times, but especially during this difficult time in society. Whether you’re simply looking for ways to keep your pet busy and happy or your pet is handling a sickness or emergency, our team at Germantown Vet is here for you.

Contact our team online or call our vets at 240-252-7467. Germantown Vet applauds your efforts to help your pet(s) make it through the coronavirus pandemic safely.

As the pet-owning population becomes more educated on the facts about dog behavior, there are still a number of dog behavior myths that persist. Some of these myths can be detrimental to your relationship with your dog, so it’s important to know what’s true and what isn’t.

When it comes to training and living with your dog, these are six common dog behavior myths you shouldn’t believe:

Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths

Dogs actually have just as much bacteria in their mouths as humans, just different varieties.

A dry nose means a sick dog

If your dog’s nose is dry, it isn’t necessarily a sign of illness. Dry noses are usually a sign of sunburn (more common in dogs with pink noses) or allergies.

Dogs can’t see color

Dogs can see colors on the blue and yellow spectrum; however, they don’t have the cone receptors in their eyes to pick out red and green. Regular dog vision is closest to a human with red-green colorblindness.

Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick

Dogs of all shapes and sizes just love a good graze. Dogs will vomit occasionally, after eating certain kinds of grass or eating too much, but it doesn’t indicate that they’re sick.

A wagging tail means a happy dog

Yes, it is true that happy dogs wag their tails, but so do aggressive or agitated ones. Dog body language is much more involved than just setting the tail to “on” or “off.” Gaze, posture, facial expression, and ear position, along with the tail cues, create a range of expressions.

Dogs age 7 years for every human year

In reality, dogs mature much faster, and their size and weight play a large role in their life span – so it’s different for each dog.

Did you find these debunked myths about dogs interesting? Want to learn more about our services here at Germantown Vet? Contact our team online or call 240-252-7467 today!