Keeping Your Pet Calm At The Vet

If you are planning a road trip with the family dog, it is important to give some thought to pet-related health needs before getting on the road. It can be fun to bring along your family dog, but their safety and health must be made a priority. Here are four tips to keep your dog's safety in mind and hopefully avoid medical emergencies on the road.

1. Get a Checkup in Before You Go

It might be a good idea to get your dog in to see their regular vet to assess their overall health before a big trip. This way your vet can give your dog a clean bill of health and might catch any illnesses before you put your dog in a situation they cannot handle. The hope is that a checkup can cut down on any medical emergencies for your dog when you are far from home and on the road.

2. Stock up on Medications

Just like you would for yourself and your family, if your dog is on medications, be sure you have these ready and available. Over-the-counter calming chews or other homeopathic items should be brought along so that your dog's supplements remain consistent in order lower stress levels. If your dog is aging or might have a medication regime that will be hard to upkeep on the road, talk with your vet and decide if your dog is up for the trip.

3. Safety First

Even if your dog is well behaved and listens to your commands, it is a good idea to have your dog in a crate, harnessed, or leashed in the car. This will lower the chances of your dog hurting themselves if you are in a fender bender or have to swerve unexpectedly. Your dog will also be secured when you are getting in and out of the car. Being in new places can excite or cause anxiety even in the most well-behaved dogs, so be sure your dog isn't given an opportunity to run off.

4. Identify an Emergency Vet

If you will be spending most of your trip in one place as a destination, ask your vet for the information of an emergency veterinarian, like those at Animal Emergency Clinic. This way, you will have a number to call if there are any emergencies or if your dog might need medical care while you are on the road.

Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience and fun for your family and your pet. It is important to cover your bases when it comes to their health on the road. A few precautions can keep your dog safe, happy, and hopefully free from any medical emergencies while traveling.