Vacationing With Your Pet

While summertime brings warm sun baths for your cat and exciting Frisbee games for your dog, it also brings scorching temperatures, fleas, and ticks.

In the warm summer heat, dogs and cats stay cool by panting. Sweat is excreted from their tongue and partially from their paws. Cats are rarely seen panting as they often stay in the shade, whereas dogs are more active and tend to pant more. Both animals need fresh water, preferably distilled, instead of tap water. Tap water contains bacteria and microorganisms such as coliform bacteria, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A. Give your pets distilled water and change it daily.

Provide a cool environment for your pet when you go on vacation. If you don't want to be in a hotel that is 100 degrees with humidity of 98 percent, chances are neither does your pet. Leave the air conditioner on when you go out.

When you and your pet go to the beach, both of you can get sunburns. On animals, the only parts that are susceptible to sunburn are your pet's nose and belly. To protect them, mix 70-percent lavender oil and 30-percent cold-pressed olive oil (or Italian Oil), as a carrier. If they lick it off, it won't hurt them.

When planning a trip to another country, make sure your pet has his shots up to date because they will check at the border. If the shots are not up to date, your pet may not be allowed in the country. Check with customs to be 100-percent sure. You can also call your airlines about weight restrictions. I have found it better not to sedate your pet on planes as it causes injuries and even death. Ask airline staff about what special treatments they can offer your pet-you may be surprised.

When travelling by vehicle, make sure to stop often for your pet to stretch and run around. When you reach your destination, try and locate an animal hotel. These hotels include dog walking services, bathing, and good-old pampering.

Twelve million people in North America take their pets with them on vacations. Have fun on your holiday and make sure you bring special food and toys for your pet and both of you will feel more at home.

Vacation Checklist

1. Have shots up to date
2. Make sure the pet is wearing a current ID
3. On long trips give your pet a least a half hour or more of exercise every few hours
4. Keep your pet on a leash
5. Never leave pet in a sealed car
6. Take familiar items like toys and blankets
7. Get a photocopy of pets' latest Vet visit
8. Adding Vitamin B complex and C can help reduce stress
9. Use distilled water not tap water
10. Have fun with your buddy