From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: http://www.theonlinevet.com
Re: NATURALLY calm your pet for travel with….
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Welcome to 2008!
I want to start the New Year by addressing more of your
questions. I have had a number of questions about travelling
by plane with your pets. Specifically what is SAFE, NATURAL
and EFFECTIVE remedies to sedate your dog or cat. I discuss
these at the end of the article.
In Canada, our major airline has decided to ban pets from the
cabin on their planes.
I feel for travellers 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 travellers 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.
Travelling 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.
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P.S. If you have a BURNING dog or cat Health question that
you want answered, then you REALLY should be part of my
Inner Circle. I am sending out this months CD interview to
members homes now- It is a HUGE Content Packed Interview on
Catherine O’Driscolls SECRETS to having HEALTHY, DISEASE free
pets- MUST HAVE info. I am holding a Question and Answer
Teleseminar tomorrow, PLUS responding to member questions
on the Forum. To Get in the NOW to a HEALTHIER and HAPPIER
Dog or Cat visit:
http://www.theonlinevet.com
It’s Your Pet. Heal Them At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
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