Health and Safety - Barky.com.au

February 2, 2023

Tips For Traveling With Elderly Pets

Is your favorite road trip buddy now a senior? Traveling with an older dog or cat is possible—and fun! You just need to make a few adjustments. Here are our best tips for traveling with your elderly dog or cat.

Man with Shar-Pei in Stroller - Best Tips for Traveling with Elderly Pets

Wait! Who Are You Calling Elderly?

You might not think of your pet as “elderly,” but cats claim senior status when they reach 11 to 14 years old. Small dogs are considered senior citizens when they reach 11 to 12 years of age. Medium-sized dogs become seniors at 10 years old. Larger-sized dogs are seniors at 8, and giant-breed dogs are seniors at 7 years old.

When changes in our pets happen slowly, we sometimes don’t even notice them. But the subtle adjustments you’ve made to care for your dog or cat at home will require a little more thought on a road trip.

Cat in a bed on a woman's lap in a car - traveling with elderly pets

Preparations For Traveling With Elderly Pets

The memories made while traveling with elderly pets are precious. And with a few simple steps, you can make the trip more comfortable and safe for your senior travel buddy.

Consult Your Vet

You didn’t need us to tell you this, right? Before setting out on a trip with your elderly pet, check with your vet for any suggestions to keep him safe and happy. Also confirm that there are no required adjustments to your pet’s medication.

Set Medication Reminders

Packing for even an overnight trip gets more complicated as our pets age. If your vet has prescribed medication for your pet, set an alarm on your phone while you’re traveling to remind you of their normal dosing schedule. And don’t forget their regular meds like flea or heartworm treatments.

Buster the German Shepherd Dog laying on the floor in the veterinary clinic

Plan More Frequent Breaks

You may be amazed at how easily your trip goes if you take more frequent breaks. Yes, I know you want to get to your awesome destination quickly. But stopping every two hours will help your older dog or cat enjoy the trip more. And you’ll arrive feeling less stiff, too!

If your traveling buddy is a cat, you can use disposable litter boxes in the car. Each day, set a new one on the floorboard. Just try one out at home first, so your cat finds it familiar!

Get A Ramp

Jumping in and out of a car every few hours can be rough on aging joints. So get a ramp. And make time to teach your dog to use it before setting out on your trip.

You will find many options for pet ramps online. Look for one that’s made to hold your dog’s weight and will fit in your vehicle.

Cushion Your Pup

In his younger days, your dog was probably fine lying on a concrete patio. But older bones need cushioning. And on cool days, hard surfaces can be chilly.

So remember to pack a simple cushion to make dozing under the table at pet friendly restaurants, wineries, or breweries more comfortable when traveling with elderly pets.

Brindle dog in a red harness laying on a purple mat next to a wooden picnic table at Shake Foundation in Santa Fe, NM

Bring Something Familiar Along

All pets – but especially those with diminished eyesight and hearing – feel more secure when they have familiar things around them. Along with all the other things you will need to pack for your pet, be sure to take their favorite bed or blanket so they’ll have a comforting place to curl up in places that are new to them.

If your dog is used to sitting next to you in the car, but will be crated for safety on a long trip, put something in the crate that smells like you. You might not think your dirty socks are much of a treat. But your pup who loves you will appreciate them. And one of the blessings of traveling with an elderly pet? They have probably outgrown the desire to destroy your belongings by chewing.

Plan Less Strenuous Outdoor Time

Your older dog might still love to explore. But pay attention to any struggles he’s having. As our dog, Ty, got older he lost none of his enthusiasm for hiking. But we started to notice that if our route included hills, Ty had a tough time climbing them without stopping to rest.

Choosing activities that are less strenuous, or trails with less elevation changes, will allow you and your dog to continue to enjoy your outings together.

Old dog in a bag held by a girl looking at mountains - travel with elderly pets

Mind Extreme Temperatures

Both extreme cold and hot temperatures can affect older pets more.

We saw that high temperatures and humidity sapped Ty’s energy more quickly as he aged. So, in addition to searching out flatter hikes, we spent more time consulting the forecast when planning our activities.

Consider A Dog Stroller

Ty lived to be 15 – truly an accomplishment for a Shar-pei! But the older he got, the less hiking he wanted to do. That doesn’t mean we no longer spent quality time outdoors! We also had a younger German Shepherd who still needed his exercise.

Doing things as a family was important to us, so we got Ty a dog stroller. If you have an elderly pet and another that still needs more exercise, this could be a good option for you, too!

Enjoy Sightseeing By Car

When figuring out how to give Ty some rest while entertaining Buster, going for a drive was another popular option for us. Ty would generally curl up in his bed and sleep. And Buster would keep a watchful eye on everything and everyone we passed.

This is a great way to see wildlife refuges, national parks, and other sensitive places where dogs are not allowed on the trails.

In the future, I expect sightseeing road trips will benefit our young boy, Myles and his older brother, Maynard, too.

Shar-pei and German shepherd in a car - traveling with elderly pets

Get Creative

Sometimes you need to think a little differently to find the right mix for your senior pet. This is a time to get creative!

Once we happened upon a campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Jackson, Wyoming, and rented a lakeside campsite for an afternoon. We strung up the dogs’ zip line, hung our hammocks, unpacked the picnic goodies, and spent a few hours enjoying the view. There were some trails where we took Buster for a stroll!

A man on a hammock and two dogs relaxing by a lake - a good activity for traveling with elderly pets

Another time we found a pet friendly scenic train ride, where Buster got plenty of stimulation, and Ty was able to curl up for a nap.

Keep Traveling With Your Elderly Pets

Dogs and cats (and ferrets, hamsters, rats, birds—heck, all pets) need enrichment every day. New smells and settings can provide that for them.

Old cat in nature - traveling with elderly pets

But most of all, they want to be with you. So take your senior pet with you on your next trip. Hopefully our tips will make it easy and fun.

Have you found other activities to do with your senior dogs? Share your tips below in the comments – we would love to hear from you!

Visit our Amazon store to learn about more products we rely on to make traveling with pets easier, safer, and more fun!

The post Tips For Traveling With Elderly Pets appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.

January 26, 2023

What To Do If Your Puppy Gets Motion Sickness

You’ve got the perfect adorable puppy! He’d be a great travel buddy, except for one thing … he gets sick riding in the car. But don’t give up just yet! There’s a lot you can do to help with puppy motion sickness.

Jack Russel Terrier peeking sadly out the car window

Why Do Puppies Get Motion Sickness?

Nobody knows for sure why dogs get carsick. But then nobody knows for sure why people get carsick either! The most common theory is that the brain is receiving mixed signals – the vestibular movement-sensing inner ear says you’re moving, while the eyes say you’re not.

What we do know is that puppies and young dogs tend to experience motion sickness more often than adult dogs. So, it’s possible this is something your puppy will outgrow as his vestibular system fully develops.

Until then, you need to take care that his motion sickness doesn’t turn into travel anxiety. If your puppy begins to associate feeling rotten with being in the car, he could develop an aversion to traveling, even if he doesn’t get carsick anymore.

How Do You Know If It’s Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness comes with some pretty recognizable signs, so it’s not too difficult to figure out. If your puppy is showing these symptoms, he could be carsick:

Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Hunched back or other stiff body posture
Lethargy
Lip-licking or yawning
Lips pulled back
Pacing
Panting
Swallowing frequently
Vomiting (in some, but not all, cases)
Whining
Wide eyes

If you suspect your puppy has motion sickness, it’s best to start with a visit to the vet. This can help eliminate any underlying medical issues that could be mimicking the signs of motion sickness, like an ear infection or high blood pressure.

When you’ve ruled out other causes, talk with your veterinarian about herbal and pharmaceutical medications and supplements to help your pup. There are some great options available that will relieve the symptoms of motion sickness, giving your puppy time to outgrow the condition without developing travel anxiety.

What Can You Do To Help?

There are some things you can do to help relieve your puppy’s motion sickness:

Try traveling when your puppy has an empty stomach. If that’s not working, a little bit of food or a couple treats might decrease the chance he’ll get nauseous. A little water is good, too — staying hydrated is important after all.
Take your pup for a nice walk before you leave to help him relax in the car. Anxiety vests and jackets for dogs use gentle compression or swaddle your puppy and can also help him stay calm while you travel.
Arrange you puppy so he’s facing the direction of travel. Dr. Jennifer Jones Shults, DVM, CCRT, of the Veterinary Rehabilitation and Pain Management Hospital in Cary, North Carolina says, “The ocular center in a puppy’s brain hasn’t really developed enough for him to understand going backward; they understand going forward.”
Roll the windows down a bit. Equalizing the pressure and getting fresh air helps some dogs feel better.
If your puppy isn’t big enough to see out the windows, try a travel booster seat, which can help him feel stable and allow him to see out the window.
If your puppy has been getting carsick while looking out the windows, try blocking his view of the outdoors with a covered crate, by putting sun shades over the windows closest to him, or by stretching a fitted sheet over the front and rear headrests to create a “dog fort” in the backseat.
Make frequent stops, not just let your puppy sniff around and stretch his legs, but to give his brain a break from the potentially conflicting sensory signals that could be causing his motion sickness.
Start with short, frequent trips to happy destinations, slowly building his tolerance and enjoyment of being in the car.
If your pup does get carsick, stay calm. Upsetting you could easily add to your puppy’s anxiety.

It takes a little extra patience and understanding, but with your help, your puppy will likely grow into a dog who can’t wait to hear the question, “Wanna go for a ride?”

What If Your Dog Still Gets Motion Sickness?

Having a dog that gets sick in the car doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy vacations together. Here are some tips to make your trips a success for the whole family:

Visit walkable, pet friendly cities that are easy to navigate on foot and have plenty of dog friendly restaurants and activities.
Opt for a dog friendly resort, and you’ll never want to leave the property! Look for amenities like hiking trails, water sports, and disc golf courses, as well as dog friendly dining options.
Beach bums know that there’s nothing better than grabbing a book, an umbrella, and a towel, and spending every day in the sand and surf. Locate the right beach, and your dog will be able to join you!
Staycations don’t have to be a compromise. If you discover that your dog truly cannot ride in the car for any length of time without getting ill, find the closest pet friendly hotel to your home, tell everyone you’re going away, and spend a few days spoiling yourself and your best buddy with long walks, lazy naps, room service, and all-night movie marathons. It may not cover a lot of miles, but it will be a trip you’ll never forget.

Cold Weather Tips For Travel With Pets

Is cold weather travel with your pets in your future? Maybe you’re planning a winter vacation in a cold climate? Or visiting family in the great frozen north? These tips will help!

Why Travel In Winter With Your Pet?

Winter is a great time to travel with pets. Unless you’re visiting a ski resort, you won’t find crowds. And many dogs and cats adore playing in the snow.

But if you live in a temperate or warm climate, you may wonder what you need to do to keep your pets (and yourself) happy and safe.

There are just a few things you will need to ask yourself and prepare for before traveling with your pets in cold weather.

Black and tan puppy sitting in the snow wearing a collar and leash

Is It Too Cold For Your Pet?

If your dog is large with a double coat—think huskies or German shepherds—they will probably tolerate temperatures around freezing quite well. And they will also be quite happy without protective clothing until the temperatures go below freezing.

Husky in a harness pulling a skier while skijoring in the snow

But keep in mind, that every dog is an individual. And if your Newfoundland has acclimated to Texas summers, it could take time for them to adjust to a cold climate.

Smaller dogs get cold easier because they have a smaller core to warm themselves. And any dog with a thinner coat might feel the cold more. So invest in boots, warm jackets, and an extra cozy bed if you’re traveling in winter with your small or smooth-coated pup. PetMD suggests that weight, conditioning, age, and other factors contribute to determining how cold is too cold for your pet.

And some pets are especially vulnerable to cold. This includes puppies, kittens, birds, reptiles, seniors, and pregnant pets. If your pet is in one of these vulnerable groups, do not travel before checking with your vet first.

Once temperatures go below freezing, you need to think carefully about how long you’re out and about. Frostbite will harm exposed ears and naked bellies. Set an alarm on your phone to make sure you check your pet’s condition frequently during your winter adventures.

Or better yet, keep part of your own skin exposed or lightly covered. It will help you empathize with your dog. When you start to feel the cold on your skin it will remind you to check if your pet is cold too.

Jen and her dog, Sora, hiking at pet-friendly Annette Lake Snow Fields near Seattle, WA

Groom Your Pet For Winter Weather

If your dog will be hiking in snow for the first time, you’ll want to groom them before you go. Long, floofy fur attract snow balls. And it’s cute—for a while. But eventually, they can pull on your dog’s skin, much like matted hair.

Dogs with fur between their pads, like golden retrievers, can also get uncomfortable snow balls between their toes.

Once they form, the only way to remove snow balls is by melting them. A wet, warm towel will help. And it won’t hurt your pup.

But a good grooming will make snow balls less likely to form in the first place. And easier to manage if they do.

Pack Winter Supplies

Hopefully you already have a good checklist of what to bring your pet for a trip. If not, check out our posts on what to pack for your dog or your traveling cat.

For winter travel, you might also want to add the following items (affiliate links):

insulated coat
quilted blanket or sleeping bag
boots
foot/hand warmers
self-warming pet bed
Musher’s Secret paw wax
bone broth for hydration
extra food
extra towels

Your pet will thank you for thinking of them.

Dogs resting after a pet-friendly hike to Heather Lake near Seattle, WA

Cold Weather Road Trips

Solo travelers face the same issue in the winter that they do in the summer: how do you go to the bathroom when temps make it dangerous to leave your pets in the car? Once again, you will want to think ahead.

Can you leave the heater running while you make a quick pit stop? Sure, if you bring along your spare key fob! Check your owner’s manual for any security quirks that could prevent you from keeping the car warm if you have to leave your pets behind briefly.

Prep Your Car For Emergencies

Don’t forget to take your car in for service before your trip. The last thing you need is to deal with an engine problem in cold temps. Especially when you’re traveling with pets.

And even if it all checks out well, pack an emergency kit in your car that includes a small snow shovel and emergency blankets. A sudden snow squall in a mountain pass or an accident on the highway can cause to you become stuck unexpectedly.

Flying With Pets In Cold Weather

Does the thought of driving in winter weather make you reconsider a road trip? Well, you should know that airlines will not allow pets to fly in cargo if the ground temperature of any leg of your itinerary is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).

If you have a small pet who can ride in a carrier under your seat in coach, you could be in luck. But remember that airlines limit the number of pets onboard. So you’ll want to make your reservations far in advance.

Once You Arrive

Keep an eye on the weather. And change your plans if necessary. Just because locals are out and about doesn’t mean it’s a good thing for you and your pets.

If your plans involve vigorous activities like hiking or skijoring, feed your pet a little extra food to make up for the energy loss from staying warm.

Kids dressed for winter on a sled with a dog being pulled by a man

Cold Weather Concerns

During your outings, pay attention to these specific cold weather dangers that you might not be familiar with if you live in a warmer climate:

Rock Salt

If you’re not used to freezing temperatures you may not know about ice melt. Standard rock salt (sodium chloride) can burn your pet’s paws. It looks exactly like what it is—large crystals of salt that look like rocks.

Pay attention when walking on city sidewalks. Your dog might whimper if he steps on salt and gets it stuck between his paws.

Boots can help. Or carry your pet, if possible. If neither is an option, bring wipes. And a paw wax like Musher’s Secret might also help.

Rock salt is most painful for pets when it’s actively melting ice. Once the ice is gone and the pavement is dry, you’ll still see salt. But your pet is less likely to find it painful to step on.

Pet friendly ice melt products won’t hurt your pup’s paws. They’re made with potassium chloride, a different kind of salt. They look like blueish, round pellets. If you see them, you don’t need to avoid them.

Paw prints in snow - a concern of cold weather travel with pets

Frostbite

Yes, frostbite is a real danger to pets. Vulnerable areas include ears, noses, paws, and the tip of the tail. And you’ll want to keep a close eye on the bellies of low-slung dogs like dachshunds.

What does frostbite look like? The exposed area will turn red at first. As it worsens, frostbite turns the skin gray.

If you see signs of frostbite on your pet, take action right away. Treat the frozen area in a warm bath (about 105 degrees). Then wrap your pet in a warm blanket and go immediately to an emergency vet.

Important tip: Do not rub the injured area. It will make things worse.

Learn more about frostbite and pets at PetMD.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a hazard of cold weather travel with pets. Keep an eye out for puddles in parking lots. Antifreeze tastes sweet and dogs find it hard to resist (luckily, cats are not attracted to sweet). The yellow antifreeze (propylene glycol) is highly toxic and can kill pets quickly. If your pet ingests some, call the ASPCA poison help line at (888) 426-4435 and find a local emergency vet.

If you stay in a campground with winterized RVs, look for pink antifreeze (ethylene glycol). It’s commonly used to prevent waterlines from freezing. It’s not poisonous, but I wouldn’t suggesting letting your dog ingest it.

Cold Weather Travel With Pets Dining

Boston, New York, and Chicago offer many options for outdoor dining with pets—in the summer. And some pet friendly restaurants even offer protected patios with heaters for cool nights in the spring and fall.

But you won’t find charming bistros willing to shovel snow much less provide wait service on their pet friendly patio when the temps fall below freezing. So what are your dining options with pets in the winter?

Of course there’s the old American favorite—the drive-through fast food restaurant. But if you’re already committed to eating in the car, why not support the many local restaurants that now offer carry-out food?

You know the saying, “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing?” Well, you can always enjoy an outdoor picnic if you’re dressed warmly enough. And tossing treats into soft snow is nature’s version of an amazing food toy. Just don’t overdo it. You don’t want your pup to get a frozen nose before they find the last morsel.

Of course, room service was made for snowy days after enjoying cold weather outdoor fun with your pets. It might be something to think about when making your hotel reservations!

Enjoy Cold Weather Travel With Pets

If you live in southern Florida, it might sound like a lot of effort to travel with your pet to northern climes. But, like most things you have to work for, it is well worth the effort.

You will love watching your dog catching snowflakes for the first time. And what better way to introduce your kitten to their first adventures than taking them out and about on a quiet, wintry day?

Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy cold weather travel with your pets, too!

Visit our Amazon store to learn about more products we rely on to make traveling with pets easier, safer, and more fun!

The post Cold Weather Tips For Travel With Pets appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.

Wait! Who Are You Calling Elderly?

Preparations For Traveling With Elderly Pets

Consult Your Vet

Set Medication Reminders

Plan More Frequent Breaks

Get A Ramp

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Choosing & Using A Dog Ramp

Cushion Your Pup

Bring Something Familiar Along

Plan Less Strenuous Outdoor Time

Mind Extreme Temperatures

READ MORE ⇒ Cold Water Tips for Travel With Pets

Consider A Dog Stroller

READ MORE ⇒ Best Dog Stroller for Medium Sized Dogs

Enjoy Sightseeing By Car

Get Creative

READ MORE ⇒ All Aboard! Pet Friendly Scenic Train Rides

Keep Traveling With Your Elderly Pets

Visit our Amazon store to learn about more products we rely on to make traveling with pets easier, safer, and more fun!

Why Do Puppies Get Motion Sickness?

READ MORE ⇒ Why Does My Dog Pant In The Car?

How Do You Know If It’s Motion Sickness?

READ MORE ⇒ My Dog Hates The Car – Now What?

What Can You Do To Help?

READ MORE ⇒ Best Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses For Traveling By Car

What If Your Dog Still Gets Motion Sickness?

READ MORE ⇒ Planning A Pet Friendly Road Trip

Why Travel In Winter With Your Pet?

Is It Too Cold For Your Pet?

Groom Your Pet For Winter Weather

READ MORE ⇒ Which Dog Boots Are Best For Your Dog?

Pack Winter Supplies

Cold Weather Road Trips

READ MORE ⇒ Is it Illegal to Leave Your Pet Alone in the Car?

Prep Your Car For Emergencies

Flying With Pets In Cold Weather

READ MORE ⇒ US Airline Pet Policies

Once You Arrive

Cold Weather Concerns

Rock Salt

Frostbite

Antifreeze

READ MORE ⇒ What You Should Know About Emergency Vets (before you need one

Cold Weather Travel With Pets Dining

READ MORE ⇒ Questions To Ask BEFORE Choosing A Pet Friendly Hotel

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Finding A Great Pet Sitter

Enjoy Cold Weather Travel With Pets

Visit our Amazon store to learn about more products we rely on to make traveling with pets easier, safer, and more fun!