As each season brings with it certain hazards and considerations, here are a few tips to remember when travelling with your pet.
Winter
Travelling in winter generally means holiday time spent with relatives, food, alcohol and decorations. If you want to keep your pet safe while visiting, please ensure that he or she does not inadvertently partake in things which might be harmful or toxic: fatty foods, bones from poultry, alcohol, chocolate (which can lead to irregular heart rate or seizures), onions (destroy a dog’s red blood cells), etc. Holly and mistletoe are also particularly poisonous. If you feel you must treat your pet, give a special chewy, a few tablespoons of peanut butter or a catnip treat. Do not allow relatives to give your pet special treats that have not been approved by you.
Christmas trees, ribbons, yarn, electrical cords, tinsel, glass ornaments and lit candles, can all be attractive novelties to a curious pet, as well as potential sources of holiday disaster. Do not leave your pet unattended in the company of these items.
Guests coming and going increase the chance of a pet escaping from the home. Increased noise and activity can cause animals to become highly stressed. Keep your pet indoors and always make sure it is wearing current identification. Provide your pet with a quiet secure area where it can relax away from the holiday bustle.
If you are visiting a cold weather area, remember that salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow can be corrosive and can irritate the pads on your pet’s feet. Licking paws only serves to transfer that irritation to their mouth. Wipe off your pet’s feet with warm water when they return indoors after being out on streets and/or sidewalks.
Although antifreeze has a taste that is alluring to pets, it is also a deadly poison. Look for products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Always clean up spills and store all chemicals in an area inaccessible to your pet.
Keep all animals indoors during frigid winter weather. Older, very young or ill pets are extremely sensitive to the cold. As animals are susceptible to frostbite, keep outdoor trips to a minimum when the temperatures are low.
Winter walks in an unfamiliar area can mean trouble for wandering pets. Always keep your pet on a leash and under your watchful eye. Partially frozen ponds and lakes can lead to disaster, while mounds of snow make animals invisible until they run out in front of a car. Deep snow makes it difficult for smaller and /or older pets to walk.
Never leave your pet in a car during winter. Frigid temperatures can quickly become lethal to a pet in any type of vehicle.
Summer
Depending on where you are travelling, be on guard for fleas and ticks. Check with your veterinarian before embarking on a trip so that you can be well armed in the event that you encounter infestations, bites, etc.
When walking your pet, stay off of unfamiliar lawns. Common pesticides, particularly organophosphates, are extremely dangerous to the long-term health of your pet.
Be prepared if spending time hiking or walking outdoors. Always carry a pet first aid kit, veterinarian/poison control contact numbers and plenty of water.
Do not exercise your dog in extremely hot, humid weather or immediately after it has eaten. Early morning or later in the evening is best.
Avoid walking your pet on hot asphalt during a hot day. Their body temperature heats up quickly and their paws can actually be burned.
If you are spending time at the beach, provide plenty of shade and fresh water for your pet. If the dog is light-coated or hairless you must protect it with sunscreen (even animals can be sunburned). Rinse salt water off your pet throughout the day, as it can be irritating to the skin.
Ensure there are no fly-screens your dog or cat can fall through if staying at a hotel during warm weather.