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Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Traveling with children has its challenges – traveling with pets does, likewise. The most important thing is to be prepared.
• Be sure your pet has ID: Have them micro chipped. The best microchip is “Home Again,” as it can be read by most scanners. Tags can get lost! On the collar, write in permanent marker, “I am lost,” then put your home number AND a cell phone number, just in case you lose your cell phone. NO one needs to know your pet’s name; all they need to know is how to get in touch with you. If you have the telephone numbers embroidered into the collar, that’s even better.
• On your camper or travelhome, in a main window: Where it is very visible, place a piece of brightly colored paper, stating what animals and how many of each type are inside. Include your cell phone number in case when you are gone the power goes out and now your pets no longer have air conditioning, or if something else happens when you are away.
• If something should happen to you: Accidents and medical conditions can happen when you are away from home! You want rescue workers to know how to reach others in your party or, if you are traveling alone, that you have pets needing care. Keep the telephone numbers and a note that you have pets, including an address for where you are staying. Keep that information with your drivers license in a clear plastic sleeve. As you travel, be sure to change the place where you are staying each time.
• Your pets need to have a secure collar or harness: The best collar for dogs is called a Martingale No-Slip collar by Premier Pet Products. They come in many sizes. Don’t forget to put your telephone numbers on the collars or harnesses.
• If you are going out and about with your pets: Be sure to bring fresh water for them.
• Know the area: In Minnesota, there are mosquitoes and ticks; out west, there are cougars, bears, rattlesnakes, eagles, and wolves. In the southwest (think Arizona!), fleas (If you are going to use a chemical flea repellant, only use “Frontline” – flea collars are worthless and toxic to both dogs and cats), spiders, scorpions, snakes, and coyotes. In the southeast (Florida!), watch for snakes, eagles, hawks and alligators. The smaller the pet, the more aware you need to be that they are ALWAYS on a leash. While you’re at it, grow a pair of eyes in the back of your head.
• ALWAYS “pick up” after your pets of any size: Be prepared, it is YOUR responsibility as a pet owner!
• If you are going to be around water: Have a good life jacket for your cat or dog. The better ones are designed where your pet has to step into it. Then, it zips down their back and has handles in case you have to pull them out of the water.
Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Warehouse carries them in the Twin Cities (www.chuckanddons.com) for locations. They also carry the Martingale collars from Premier Pets.
• DO NOT let your pet run into the faces of other dogs: Your dog may be friendly, but the other dog may not be. Always ask the owners first if you can pet their pets or your dog can “meet: their dog. Let the dogs slowly get to know each other.
Some dogs just DO NOT like other dogs. Not all people like each other, either.
• Pack a First Aid kit: A kids’ nylon lunch box works well.
Keep the following on hand.
Information card
Your dog’s or cat’s normal temperature between 99-102.5 degrees and weight. Th e National Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-548-2423. (Cost for consultation must be charged to a major credit card.) If you do not have a major credit card, call 1-900-680-0000 and it will be charged to your telephone bill.
Liquid Bandage
Works well for a ripped ear, or toenails cut too short.
Rectal Thermometer or the new digital ones. To be used just for your pets.
Needle-nose pliers To remove foreign objects, like a fish hook.
Benadryl
One milligram for each pound of dog or cat (a 50# dog gets 50 milligrams). This helps with insect stings and can be use to calm down an upset dog or cat.
Kaopectate
For diarrhea. One-half to 1 teaspoon per 5 lbs., with a max of 2 T every 8 hours. For cats, only administer for one day.
Pedialyte or Gatorade For rehydration; mix 50/50 with water. Let them drink as much as they want, for both dogs and cats.
3% Hydrogen peroxide To wash out cuts.
Neosporin For wounds.
Witch Hazel It’s an astringent/topical antiseptic.
Buffered Aspirin Ten to 25 mg per 2.2 lbs of dog. NEVER give aspirin to cats—it’s very toxic!
Sterile Gauze pads Pack a few different sizes.
Vet wrap Sticks to itself – no tape is needed.
Syringe One small and 1 mediumto-large. To wash out cuts or flush eyes, or to administer anything orally.
Ready-made hot and cold packs Or you can use a hot water bottle or frozen vegetables, if handy.
Plus, scissors, tweezers, an Ace Bandage, bandage tape, and clean wash cloths AND the book, “The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats” by Amy Shojai (this has EVERYTHING you need to know when you are on the road and something happens to your pet.
Happy and safe traveling with your pets!
Send in your dog questions to “Hey, Katie K-9!” by mailing them to The Citizen, P. O. Box 393, Hugo, MN 55038 or e-mailing them to Katie at KatieK-9@ReadTheCitizen.com. Visit Katie’s dog obedience school website at www.ktk9.com. The Katie K-9 radio show is now on every Sunday aft ernoon from 4 to 6 p.m. on FM107.1