Health records are vital.
Since my first Pets on the Go column appeared in RV Travel, I've heard from people across the country and as far away as Saudi Arabia with concerns,
questions and super ideas about traveling with pets. One family travels
with four large dogs and children, too. WOW! One couple is beginning an
exciting adventure as fulltimers with their dog and cat. What fun!
Another wants to travel with a cat and dog that tear into each other
every so often. And I thought RVing was supposed to be relaxing! The
number of RVers traveling with multiple pets is amazing. The topics to
cover are endless. So we begin at the beginning.
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| Don't leave your pet's health records "behind." |
The
very first step as you plan your RV journey with your pet is a trip to
the veterinarian. Each pet must have his own health record and these
must be complete and up to date. Every health problem must be listed
along with a complete listing of medications your pet might be taking
either regularly or once in a while. Carry an extra supply of any
prescriptions and also copies of the written prescriptions. Does your
dog have allergies? Is he allergic to certain medications? All of this
should be mentioned in the health record. Also make sure it is noted if
your pet is spayed or neutered.
All
shots and vaccinations must be up to date and listed on the health
record. There are three basic vaccinations that all dogs should have
regardless of where you live and where you are going. Parvovirus,
Distemper and Hepatitis are the primary vaccinations that require
annual boosters. There is some variance in the recommended vaccinations
in different parts of the country. Rabies is vital. After the initial
vaccination, it is generally given every three years. Cats should be
vaccinated if they are ever outside.
Where
will you be traveling? Are there special health issues you need to know
about and prepare for? Will you be in heartworm territory or locations
where Lyme disease is prevalent? Will you encounter fleas and ticks?
Even if you do not face these problems at home, you do not want an RV
full of fleas. How ghastly! If you will be in a flea and/or tick area,
there are topical solutions you can administer yourself. Frontline is
one of these. These can be purchased through your veterinarian but they
are also available at pet supply stores. Buy a quality product, not the
cheapest. You want to be sure it works. Breaking open the top of the
vial, you simply apply the solution to the skin between the shoulder
blades. It lasts from four to six weeks. Carry a supply with you but
watch the expiration dates. Follow the recommendations of your
veterinarian to ensure your pet is properly protected wherever your
travels might take you.
Be
sure that the veterinarian's name, address, phone and fax numbers are
on the health records. Email addresses would be handy if you have
questions along the way. With multiple pets, put these records in a
larger envelope which is clearly marked Pet Health Records,
and place it in the doggie duffle or with other valuable papers.
Photographs of each pet should be included in this envelope with the
pet's name and your name on the back. Make copies of all pet records
and keep in a safe place at home.
Talk
with your veterinarian about a microchip and put together a first aid
kit. More about these in later columns. On the way home from the vet's
office, stop at your city or county offices to buy a dog license. This
is one of the least expensive forms of identification you can have.
Traveling with pets is great fun. Proper preparation begins with complete, up to date health records.
With questions or comments, contact Christy Powers at cpwrather@earthlink.net.
2006
RVers Friend
(Truckstop Directory)
This handy directory lists every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada
and the services each provides to RVers. |
2006
Mapquest RV & Campsites
Finally, a road atlas especially for RVers. This road atlas and campground
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and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3700 campground
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Motorhomes
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This compact book is packed with information about how to use a motorhome
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Complete
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