Dr. Matthew Clark, the head veterinarian and owner of Classen View Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City at NW 23rd and Classen. Clark and the Classen View staff are so beloved, some travel great distances just to return to OKC to have the staff treat their pet.
So, with summer travel still taking place, Clark had the following advice:
1. PERIODIC WATER BREAKS
“If you stop, you can let your pet have a drink of water and let it stretch out a bit. It can be hard being in one place for a long period of time,” Clark said.
2. DON’T FEED YOUR PET TOO MUCH DURING THE TRIP
“If they have a full stomach, they can get motion sickness. While most dogs don’t (get motion sickness), there are those that can. It is better to be on the safe side” and feed the animal the minimum until you reach your destination.
3. CERTAIN MEDICATIONS CAN HELP
“ For dogs who do get motion sickness, obviously talk to your veterinarian before the trip. But a few medications that can help include Benadryl and Pepcid,” Clark said.
4. TRAVEL GEAR
For those with dogs and cats, having the pet loose in the vehicle doesn’t always make sense or work. It can prove unsafe. A crate that is secure to anchor points in the cargo area works well.
5. IDENTIFICATION
“Microchipping is a big one,” he said. “Collars are great, but say your pet gets loose during a stop and the collar somehow comes off. If they are microchipped and they are later found by someone, they can be identified and reunited with their family.”
6. GETTING FAMILIAR WITH NEW SPACE
As noted in Real Simple magazine, giving your pet time to familiarize itself with its new, temporary environment is helpful.