Sedation and Pet Travelling

Pet Travel and Sedation

SEDATION AND TRAVELLING WITH PETS

In Canada, our major airline has decided to ban pets from the cabin on their planes.

I feel for travelers allergic to pets. They shouldn't have to suffer, but neither should Fluffy the cat or Brutus the dog - particularly in a baggage compartment, terrorized by fear.

That's the major airline problem: Always by the book and never any personal touch with the common folk. I think it SUCKS!

The logical solution for all airlines would be to designate certain flights as pet friendly. That way travelers know which flights to avoid or to target.

It's sort of like having the choice of smoking or non-smoking.

The simple fact is you can't please all the people all the time, so maybe you're better off at least finding a happy medium.

If you are to fly with your pet, then this is a list of what to think about..

Plan ahead

If you plan to travel by plane, find out if your pet will be welcome and what kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made.

If you'll be staying at hotels, motels or campgrounds, you must check if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available.

Traveling by plane

Having your dog along may add enjoyment to your trip. It's important to keep your dog's health and safety in mind when traveling, so be sure to check with the airline well in advance of your trip. Familiarize yourself with the airline's pet requirements so that you can avoid any last minute problems.

Here are some basic tips for airline travel with your pet:

1. Take direct flights and try to avoid connections and layovers.

This eliminates missed baggage connections and the chance that your pet will be left in extreme weather.

2. Many airlines will allow one pet in coach and one in first class, with some provisions. Some airlines limit the number of pets traveling within the cabin area so be sure to notify the airline that your pet will be traveling with you. Your pet must be in a standard cage that will fit under the seat and must not disturb your fellow travelers.

3. Update all vaccinations and take all necessary health papers with you. A health certificate for your pet will be required for most flights.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, be aware that many countries require a specific health certificate.

It may take several days or even weeks for your veterinarian to acquire the form so plan well in advance. You might also inquire about possible requirements to quarantine your pet should you be traveling to a foreign country or an island.

4. If possible, use airlines that hand carry your pet (inside the cage) to and from the aircraft. Otherwise, the cage could simply be placed on a conveyor belt.

5. Do not feed your pet for six hours before the flight; allow water until flight time. Water should be available in the cage. Give fresh water as soon as it arrives at the destination.

6. Avoid the busiest travel times so airline personnel will have extra time to handle your pet.

7. Do not tranquilize your pet without first discussing it with your veterinarian. The most common sedative, Acepromazine, lowers your pet's blood pressure and temperature, making it more difficult for them to deal with the elevation change.

8. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached.

9. Baggage liability limitations apply to your dog. Check your ticket for liability limits or, better yet, speak directly with the airline. If you are sending an economically valuable pet, you may want to purchase additional liability insurance.

10. Be aware that airline travel may pose a risk for dogs with a pre-existing medical problem. For example,you should give serious thought to traveling by plane with a dog who has kidney disease or heart disease. Also, one study has shown that short-faced breeds of dogs (English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese) do not travel well in certain situations. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian prior to travel.

SAFE, NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO LOWER ANXIETY

As I mentioned, the most common prescribed sedative for flying is NOT safe. It makes it more difficult for your pet to adjust to the elevation changes.

But, there are other options..

HERBAL. Valerian acts on the neuroreceptors in the brain. It may decrease anxiety in your pet. The dose is 50mg per lb of the dried herb or 1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily of the extract. Kava Kava is an effective anti-anxiety medication, but long-term use has been associated with liver disease. If used, I would only suggest the dried herb (not the extract), with which there is a lower likelihood of liver problems. The dried herb dose is 10mg per lb of body weight given twice daily.

FLOWER ESSENCES. Bach Rescue Remedy is a very safe alternative medication that may calm your anxious pet. Place 4 drops on your pet's gums prior to leaving.

Remember, advance planning is vital to making the trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.

For more pet info please visit Pamper Pet Care Today.