The holidays are just around the bend, and for some of us out there that means travel is on the horizon! If you’re packing up and heading out on the road this holiday season, you might be wondering what to do with your pets. Should you load up the pet carriers and tell your parents to expect furry company for the holidays, or look for a place to board them until you’re home? Depending on how far you’re going, and for how long, the answers can vary!
Boarding & Babysitting
Sometimes the distance is too far. Or your pet may hate cars. Provided they don’t have any difficult to accommodate conditions and are fairly socialized it’s okay to board your pet! We know separation can be hard, but as long as you find a good, reputable boarding service you can be relaxed and confident in your choice to board. In fact if your pet has medical needs or has trouble being alone, it’s probably for the best to do so. Just keep these tips in mind:
- Be sure to find a place that boards cats and boards dogs separately
- Scout out your pick—set up a visit beforehand to get a feel for the staff and facilities
- Book the place as early as possible. This is going to be the route many pet owners choose, meaning accommodations are going to be sparse in a hurry
While some pets are fairly self-sufficient and prefer sticking to home, they aren’t always good to go with a house sitter or friendly neighborhood relative. Even the proud and mysterious cat can get lonely, and pups need lots of attention and exercise. If you have a trusted friend or family member that the pet knows and is content to spend time with, that’s great. But don’t trust your pet’s wellbeing to a stranger or well-meaning neighbor.
Travel with Pets
We won’t lie—we’re not humongous fans of putting your pet in cargo. If you plan on flying to your destination we would say boarding is a better option. But if you’re going by car, you’ll just want to take some careful steps.
Dealing with Carsickness
In some cases it’s just too much to deal with, but if you introduce the car carefully they can become acclimated and comfortable. Start with a test run—just around the block, then down the road. All good? All good! And if not so good, motion sickness can often (but not always) be overcome with time and practice. But if motion sickness symptoms become evident then an alternative is wise. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Tired or listless pets
- Excessive drooling (keep in mind drooling rapidly dehydrates pets)
- Panting/barking/meowing
Some pet owners like to opt for medicinal aids that reduce motion sickness like Dramamine. This can be a viable option, but isn’t always depending on the pet. And if you do decide to take this route it needs to be discussed with your vet. A proper dose and prescription should be set up for viable pets. Do not attempt to dose a pet on your own. Never ever.
Boarding & Pet Health with Germantown Vet in Maryland
Looking for a trustworthy boarding staff, or need some pointers for your upcoming pet travel? Contact Germantown Vet Clinic online today or call 240-252-7467!
