July means warm weather, more time outdoors, and of course, traveling. Even though preparing for a trip is exciting, there are a number of details to worry about – how to get there, where to stay, and what activities to plan. And if you add your four-legged family member into the mix, you have a few more details to work out.
But don’t worry! Westfield Veterinary Group is here to help.
A Calm, Healthy Pet is a Happy Traveler
Before hitting the road with your fur baby, make sure they are fit to travel with a pre-trip wellness exam. Some pets are not great travel companions because of age, an illness, an injury, or their temperament. And some pets are perfectly healthy and love to explore new places, but require natural calming products or prescription-strength medications to ease anxiety for the ride, flight, or loud noises (like fireworks). That’s what we are here for!
If you have questions about traveling with your pet, require a wellness exam, or need calming medications before a trip or the 4th of July holiday, contact us at either our Westfield or Union location. Our veterinarians are always here to provide their expert opinions and to help your pet enjoy their trip.
IDs Please
Would you leave for vacation without your driver’s license or important travel documents? Absolutely not! And the same goes for our pets.
Identification is very important to your fur baby when away from home. Make sure they have a properly-fitted collar with up-to-date ID and rabies tags.
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to consider microchipping your furry companion. This safe and permanent form of identification can be extremely useful if your pet loses or wrestles out of its collar. If your pet is already microchipped, take a moment to confirm that all contact information is current.
Health Documents are Important
Before loading up the car and leaving home, take photos or make copies of your pet’s medical history documents. And also make sure that your cell phone is charged at all times so you can access your pet’s vaccine records through our app, available on our website. If a medical emergency does happen away from home, these important items will come in handy.
Depending on your final destination, you may need full rabies records or an official health certificate. If a health certificate is necessary, please contact the WVG team as soon as possible for more information.
Emergency Preparedness is a Must
No matter how careful we are, accidents happen to our fur babies. To help keep them safe and secure at all times in a car, plane, or train, a well-ventilated and proper-sized crate is a necessity. Always make sure that they can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down when inside the carrier. You want them safe, yet still comfortable.
When outside of their crate, fenced-in yard, or living/sleeping area, make sure your pet remains on a leash. Always remember that new areas can be intimidating and confusing to them.
Administering first aid can be stressful, especially if you are away from home and don’t have the right supplies with you. You can help ease this stress by preparing an on-the-go pet first aid kit stocked with these items:
- Gauze
- Nonstick bandages, pieces of cloth, or towels
- Adhesive tape for bandages
- Medical scissors
- Sterile saline eye wash
- Water bottles or a gallon of water
- Medications such as styptic powder, hydrogen peroxide, sugar tablets and diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Digital thermometer
- Blanket
- Muzzle
- Extra leash and collar
- Emergency contact card with your information and veterinarian’s information
With a little preparation, you and your furry copilot can explore new destinations this summer – all while staying happy, healthy, calm, and safe.
And don’t forget that Westfield Veterinary Group is available to assist with microchipping, pre-trip wellness exams, calming medications, and so much more. Give us a call at (844) 937-4424 to schedule an appointment.