7 Tips for Traveling with a Sick Pet
What better way to connect with your lovable, furry companion than to vacation together? Traveling can be fun and worth every moment under the sky, and journeying with your pet helps create profound memories of companionship while exploring your favorite destination. That being said, it calls for extra preparedness on your part to ensure that the trip is enjoyable for your pet too.
However, what about traveling with a sick pet or if your pet has specific health risks? Consider the following tips to travel safe with a sick pet and make your trip a smooth and uncomplicated one.
- Update the ID tags for your pet
It’s important to keep your pet’s ID tags updated with your name, address, contact details, and other important information about your pet. This ensures added safety for you and your pet, and it’s easier for someone to contact you in case your pet wanders off to explore its new surroundings. - Check whether traveling is safe for your pet
Talk to your veterinarian to discuss possible risks and whether it’s safe enough for your pet to travel. The doctor will help you understand the risk of any complications that may occur or if the pet is too old or sick to travel. If so, it’s better to leave your pet at a pet hotel or at home with a pet sitter. - Carry your pet’s medications and medical records
Consider carrying your pet’s medications as one of the most important tips to travel safe with a sick pet. Ensure that you have all the important medications and preventives to ensure your furry friend’s optimum health while on vacation. Carrying a copy of your pet’s medical records also comes in handy during emergencies, and a vet can administer timely treatment if all the necessary information is available. - Avoid giving your pet tranquilizers before a flight
Giving tranquilizers before a flight can significantly increase the risk of heart and respiratory ailments in your pet. Different pets respond differently to tranquilizers, but most pets have negative reactions. Short-nosed pets are more prone to these problems while traveling, and it is advisable to avoid using tranquilizers before traveling. - Get your pet microchipped
Implanting a microchip into your pet is among the most crucial tips to travel safe with a sick pet. It helps you track your pet easily in case you lose your pet on the way. Ensure that the microchip is updated with the latest information about you and your pet, including your contact details, before leaving. - Don’t leave your pet alone in the car
Leaving your sick pet alone in the car is dangerous, even if it’s just for a 2-minute stop. If possible, have someone stay with the pet, or take your pet along. - Get a health certificate
A health certificate of veterinary inspection is a very useful thing to carry along while traveling with your sick pet. Ensure that you fill the form within 10 days of travel and get the latest information updated on it.