Tip 14 - TRAVEL

Plane Travel

Always see your veterinarian before putting your pet on a plane. Anti-nausea or anti- anxiety medications aren't always necessary but can help. I actually don't like to use meds on animals traveling by plane, especially during the winter. The cargo holds where pets fly can be chilly and I'd prefer an animal have its wits about it. The shivering response requires energy and if a pet is too drugged up to shiver, they'll have a tougher time keeping their body temperature up.

The key for airline travel is to border on being a bit over-cautious and see that all airline personnel are aware you have pet down below. Let them know you're concerned about your pet. Ask about temperature control in the cargo area. The night before, take your pet's water dish and fill it full of water and freeze it overnight. Place the frozen water and dish in your pet's carrier so they have something to lick during the trip and you don't have to worry about spillage.