When we plan vacation trips – for the May weekend, summer holidays or short trips out of town – we are often accompanied by one question: what about our pet? For many of us, a dog or a cat is not only an animal, but a family member and a faithful companion of everyday joys, so thinking about our trip immediately causes us to plan proper care for our quadruped or prepare for a joint journey. How to ensure the comfort and safety of your pet during the holidays or weekend trip? Is it better to take him with you or leave him under the care of others? We suggest how to plan a vacation to make it joyful and safe for us and our pet.
Should a dog or cat go with us? Consider the needs of the animal
Free days are the perfect time to build relationships with a pet – together walks, fun and rest away from everyday hustle and bustle. Remember, however, that before we set off on the road, it is worth considering whether our four -legged friend will feel good while traveling, or whether it is better to take care of professional care at home. The decision to take the pet on vacation should be thought out and tailored to his preferences and needs. Dogs usually adapt to new places – they love the company of the guardian, walks, discovering new fragrances and areas. Cats, in turn, are strongly territorial and any change in the environment can cause them stress.
– Dogs and cats are animals with different needs. The cat works best in a known environment. Travel, new place, foreign smells and noise can cause him strong stress, appetite disorders or behavioral problems. Therefore, for most cats, the best solution is to provide them with home care. A temporary guardian should be known and accepted by the animal, regardless of whether it will be someone from the family or professional petsitter. Such a person lives with a cat, or visits him at least once a day to take care of a clean litter box, fresh water, feeding and basic activity and contact with man. Dogs are very related to carers and their company is crucial for them, which is why most of them willingly participate in trips, if they allow them health. When planning a trip with a dog, it is worth remembering a few important issues, primarily about ensuring safety during transport – says Małgorzata Głowacka, veterinarian and scientific expert on animal nutrition at Mars Polska.
Travel with a dog – Pupil planning and health
Before we set off on a journey, you should find out what documents and preventive treatments are necessary when going to the place we chose. In the case of foreign trips, a passport for an animal with current vaccinations entries is required, for example against rabies, and other preventive measures, such as deworming or protection against fleas and ticks. Traveling around Poland, rabies vaccination is also necessary, and other preventive treatments are good to carry out because they are very important for the health of our quadruped. When planning a joint vacation, it is worth consulting a pet’s health with a specialist who will assess his condition and suggest how to prepare as well as possible. It is also a good idea to locate the nearest veterinary clinic at the place of target stay – in case health problems arise.
Travel safety and comfort
What to remember while driving with a dog’s dog? Traveling by car requires ensuring safety of all people driving it and the animal. To this end, a cage, transporter or special braces attached to the seat belts will be useful. Regular stops every 2-3 hours are important not only because of the physiological needs of the dog, but also the possibility of drinking water and stretching the paws – it is important that the dog is always on a leash. Let’s also remember not to feed the quadruped immediately before the road and during it and to get it only at stops. Thanks to this, we will avoid any stomach problems, such as nausea or vomiting. As we get to the place, let’s familiarize your pet with the immediate surroundings, leading him on a leash, and give food – the same food as always, because the sudden change of diet is a common cause of digestive problems. It is equally important to facilitate acclimatization in a new place. Although a trip is an adventure, for a dog it can also be a source of stress – that’s why it’s worth taking his favorite blanket, toy, and above all a well -known food.
– Dog and cat’s diet should be complete and balanced, and also stood in terms of composition. Animals often respond badly to sudden changes in food. Diarrhea, vomiting may appear, and even dehydration. So remember to give your pet the same food as usual, maintaining permanent pores and the number of meals. Let’s take care of the right supply of food for our animal – both when he goes with us and when he stays with the guardian at home. It is also worth preparing your favorite dog delicacies on vacation, which are not only an attractive element of a pet’s diet, but in addition they can help play and adapt to new conditions, and also allow the dog to deal with stress easier – adds Małgorzata Głowacka.
If for some reason we cannot take the dog with us, two solutions are possible – home care through a temporary guardian or a proven hotel for dogs.
When you leave your pet – take care of your care
If we decide to leave your favorite under the care of another person, it is important that it was someone who the animal knows and trusts. Thanks to this, it will be easier for him to accept our absence. We should also carefully prepare a guardian, providing him with information about the diet, rhythm of the day, habits, favorite toys, possible medicines and potential health problems of our quadruped. If someone closest is not possible to take care of your pet in our home during our absence, then it is worth considering and carefully choosing a petsitter or a hotel for animals. Before making a decision, it is worth checking the opinions, conditions and experience of the staff. A professional carer should have references, insurance and a clear contract specifying the scope of duties, and in the case of a hotel – veterinary certificates and supervision. It is a good habit to familiarize the animal with a guardian or new place earlier. This will reduce stress and increase your sense of security. Before leaving, let’s arrange a short familiarization meeting with the guardian, and during our absence, let’s keep in touch, asking for regular relationships, photos and information about the animal’s well -being.
The animal accompanies – also in rest
Studies show that contact with animals reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone), increases the secretion of oxytocin and improves mood. No wonder that many carers can’t imagine vacation without their pet. Walking in the woods together, lazy afternoons on the terrace or morning fun by the water – it’s not only relaxing for man, but also a lot of fun for a dog. The cat, in turn, left in a safe home, calmly sleeps most of the day, but his joy of returning the guardian says more than a thousand words – about attachment, trust and relationship, which has great value.
Regardless of whether we take the pet with us or leave him at home, care, empathy and proper preparation are key. Thanks to this, both carers and their four -legged friends can enjoy a peaceful and safe vacation.
