This article is provided by Premier Medical Staffing Services, LLC ®
Tips to stay safe on the road
Travel nurses are often drawn to their careers because of the excitement and adventure of living in different places. This also means that they leave their friends and family behind for a while. Pets often help fill that gap and provide companionship to ease the transition. As a result, many travel nurses embark on their assignments with their faithful friend at their side.
Traveling with your Cat or Dog
While people are quite accustomed to long car rides and travel, it can put unusual stress on dogs and cats. It’s important to realize that they can experience many of the same symptoms as humans when anxiety levels rise. Animals can suffer from increased blood pressure, motion sickness and nausea, nervous trembling, and digestive irregularities. Keeping pet health a top consideration for your trip will help them feel better and you worry less. Here are some important things to keep in mind when traveling long distances with your dog or cat.
5 Safety tips for traveling with your cat
1.) The safest way to travel with your feline is in a well-ventilated carrier when in your vehicle. It may seem unfair, but most cats are unsettled during travel. The tendency to jump around and crawl into small spaces to hide can pose a risk to the cat and driver. Despite the initial resistance to getting in the carrier, once inside and in a strange place cats often find comfort in smaller confinement.
2.) Set the carrier out at home so the cat can get familiar with it then introduce practice trips. Place a blanket that smells of home inside for added comfort. Secure the carrier in your vehicle so it cannot fall or tip over. Start with a very short drive and then gradually increase the distance. Keep the environment calming and as comfortable as possible by avoiding loud music and careful temperature control that does not blow into the carrier.
3.) Feed your cat about 3-4 hours prior to departure then plan ahead for feedings at their normal times. If your cat’s diet includes fresh food you will need to ensure it stays cold with ice packs. If a cooler isn’t feasible or too much trouble for the trip, you may consider canned food. If you plan to change the diet, it is important that you transition to the new food well in advance of travel. Take water from home so your cat stays hydrated and avoid stomach issues from strange water sources.
4.) For trips under 6 hours, your cat will be fine in the carrier the entire time. For longer travel, let your cat out of the carrier periodically to get a drink of water and use the litter box. Always make sure you are parked and never have a sunroof or windows open where the cat can escape.
5.) When you finally arrive at your destination, try to create an area in a room that is familiar. Use blankets, toys, items that smell and look like the previous home. Then although you might be busy with the move, be sure to give your cat frequent attention to help them settle in and be comfortable.
5 safety tips for traveling with your dog
1.) Get to know how your dog reacts to the car by letting him explore and taking short drives in your driveway or parking lot. Decide if a crate or harness is necessary for safety or state laws. If your dog remains calm, keep the dog out of the front seat and never travel with him on your lap. Distractions can sadly cause accidents and deployed airbags could potentially kill your pet. Avoid loud music or noises in the vehicle and be sure there is fresh air at an appropriate temperature at all times.
2.) Although they may seem to love the breeze, don’t let your pet to ride with his head outside the window. Small amounts of dust, rocks, or any flying object can cause injury.
3.) Before travel, ensure your dog gets enough exercise and is not full of pent up energy. Feed at least a few hours before and allow time for a potty break. This will help avoid restlessness and carsickness.
4.) Provide a few chew toys or new playthings to keep your dog occupied. You can also place a favorite blanket or a shirt that you recently wore to make a comfortable spot.
5.) Take breaks often. While your dog may need to potty more frequently, four hours is the maximum time you should travel without a break. Take your dog out on a leash at all times. Offer them water and a small snack and try to allow for some exercise with a walk or some short jogs.
5 best practices for traveling with any pet
1.) If your travel will require overnight stays be sure to research accommodations that welcome pets. Since many hotels have a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, try to call ahead for a reservation to ensure you will have the proper room.
2.) Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag. If possible, get your pet microchipped before a long trip.
3.) Put together a travel kit for your pet with appropriate paperwork, vaccine records, food, fresh water, bowls, treats, a harness and leash, and any supplements or medications, basic first aid items.
4.) Pack cleaning supplies in case of potty accidents or vomit episodes. Bring items to clean litterbox if traveling with a cat.
5.) Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle for more than a few minutes. Even with the windows open, a parked vehicle gets very hot quickly on warm days and can cause heatstroke. In cold weather, a car can hold in the cold and cause the animal to freeze to death.
We hope you found these tips for traveling with your cat or dog.
