Bringing your dog along

Heather Loenser, DVM, knows firsthand the joys and challenges of traveling with her dog. She and her family recently adopted a year-old Border Collie named Calvin.

“As a new dog in our house, Calvin is experiencing some separation anxiety, so we don’t want to board him or leave him with a pet sitter,” Dr. Loenser explained. “Even though he suffers from car sickness, when the family goes on vacation, Calvin comes with us.”

Dr. Loenser is often called upon to help her clients prepare for vacations with their dogs.

Her top five travel tips are:

• Consider car safety
  When it comes to car trips, practice safety first. In some states, it is illegal for dogs to ride unrestrained in a vehicle. It’s not illegal in North Carolina, but the N.C. Department of Transportation recognizes that pets can be a distraction and advises they be in a carrier. If you prefer to consider vehicle restraints, the Center for Pet Safety tests vehicle restraints for dogs. Their recommendations can be found at www.centerforpetsafety.org.
• Be a considerate guest
  Whether at a pet-friendly hotel or at the in-laws’ house, not everyone will love your dog as much as you do. Make sure your dog is well-groomed and don’t forget canine etiquette. A quick refresher course in the basics commands: sit, down, stay, quiet and come will help make your dog welcome wherever you go.
• Take first aid
  Accidents happen; be prepared with a mobile app offered by the American Red Cross. It contains veterinary advice for everyday emergencies, interactive features and a locator for American Animal Hospital Association-accredited hospitals across the nation. Download the app at: www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-first-aid-app.
• Avoid dietary changes
  Stay as close to their regular feeding schedule as possible and avoid giving extra treats or different types of foods that may upset his or her stomach. Dr. Loenser suggests giving regular meals in a food dispensing toy, which will also help use up some stored energy from the trip.
• Motion sickness
  One of the main reasons dogs get left behind is, like Calvin, they suffer from motion sickness. “My clients often try over-the-counter remedies first,” Dr. Loenser said. “However, OTC products are not very effective and have a sedative effect that can be unpleasant for the dog.” She advises dog owners to talk to their veterinarians who can help find a solution for their dogs’ car sickness. “I prescribe an FDA-approved medication for dogs called Cerenia* to prevent vomiting due to motion sickness in my canine clients 16 weeks and older — and Calvin.”

*Note: Safe use has not been evaluated in cats and dogs with gastrointestinal obstruction, or those that have ingested toxins. Use with caution in dogs with hepatic dysfunction. See full prescribing information at cerenia.com.