Packing is no small feat, but when traveling with a pet the to-do list (or, to-grab list) can seem endless. Pets require extra gear and creature comforts while away from home, but to have the best possible trip it’s what you do before you leave that takes priority.

For sure, pet travel isn’t for everyone but when it’s approached the right way, it can make any journey more memorable.

Where to Start

Before you get too far ahead in the planning process, it’s a good idea to schedule a pet wellness exam. If there are any issues related to their health or behavior you can rule them out beforehand. Plus, we can give you ideas that aim to help your individual pet cope with being away from home. 

If they aren’t fully trained or socialized, we can offer recommendations on how to get started. For their safety and wellbeing, only pets that demonstrate mastery over commands should travel.

The Great Unknown

Pets are creatures of habit and even slight departures from their routine can sort of upend their otherwise calm state of mind. If you’ve been given the green light to take your pet on a trip try to stick with their daily schedule as much as possible while you’re away from home. 

Getting Serious About Pet Travel

Depending on your destination, pet travel can be a little tricky. Always be sure to fully research your mode of transportation and be sure to get approval for your pet to join you on the bus, plane, train, or boat. 

You may have to show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for entry into many states. When we examine your pet, we can complete this health certificate for you. It will show that your pet is healthy, fully vaccinated, and parasite-free. 

Always be sure to read up on the state regulations or the foreign consulate or regulatory agency of your destination before you book your trip (at least one full month in advance).

Pet Travel Gear List

Don’t forget to bring Shiloh Veterinary Hospital contact information, your pet’s medical records/proof of disease prevention, and a list of emergency veterinary hospitals in the areas you’re traveling to. Have an extra photograph of your pet on hand and copies of their identification. If you haven’t updated their microchip information with your most recent cell number, do so prior to leaving home. 

You will also need:

• Food and lots of fresh water (don’t forget the pet travel bowls!)
• Prescription medication (and copies of the prescription)
• Pet first aid kit
• Collar, leash, harness
• Crate with extra bedding
• Toys and treats

Accomodations

Fortunately, many hotels, motels, resorts, and campgrounds are pet-friendly, but clarify this wherever you’re going. If your pet is not welcome at, say, the theme park that you drove 12 straight hours to visit, be sure that your pet can comfortably hang out in the room you’re renting, or hire a nearby doggie day care. Leaving them in the car is a big no-no!

Pet Travel Tips

If possible, make frequent stops for your pet to stretch, exercise, and use the bathroom. Be sure they are properly fastened, confined, or restrained in the car to reduce injury. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Have a great time, and please contact us with any questions or concerns. Your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here for you!

The post Let’s Go! Pet Travel Tips that Enhance Fun and Safety appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

There are loads of little things that we acquire and then quickly forget about. We may not immediately need a box of 250 paperclips or rubber bands, but when we actually need them we’re pretty happy to have them on hand. 

Pet microchips are not unlike a collection of oddities that may (or may not) serve a purpose someday. Some chips are never scanned. But that’s good! That means that those pets were never separated from their people. Most importantly, when a pet gets lost or goes missing, it’s usually their microchip that leads to a joyful reunion at home. 

Microchips Just Makes Sense

In short, microchips protect pets from being permanently separated from their families. Inserted just beneath the outermost layer of skin (typically between the shoulder blades), these chips are about the size of a grain of rice. 

A special handheld scanner reveals it’s unique number that is attached to pet owner information in the national database. 

Peace of Mind

Most veterinary hospitals and animal shelters have the capability to scan pet microchips (if present). They do not give global positioning or hold any owner contact information (that is, until the number is loaded into the database). In these ways, pet microchips do not jeopardize privacy. Instead, they simply offer pet owners peace of mind when it comes to the safety of their pet. 

It Can Happen to Anyone

Pet owners usually do everything they can to provide long, healthy, happy lives to their pets. To that end, disease prevention is a huge priority. Spaying and neutering, maintaining vaccinations, and dental cleanings are all part of this proactive approach. 

Similarly, pet microchips are an added layer of protection if your pet ever jumps the fence, slips out of their collar, or runs off in pursuit of prey (did someone say “squirrel”?). Many times, pets respond to a flight or flight impulse and run away during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other frightening stimulus. 

Pet microchips aren’t just limited to cats and dogs, either. Microchipping your exotic pet – birds included – is also advised. Even though these critters don’t often get out, accidents can and do happen, especially if you are traveling. Please talk to us about microchipping your exotics, if you have questions. 

Wave of the Future

It’s possible to implant pet microchips during a routine teeth cleaning or spay/neuter procedure. But we can just as easily insert the microchip while they’re awake. It’s not without certain sensation, but inserting a chip is akin to what a regular vaccination feels like.

Amazingly, once implanted, pet microchips remain without the need to remove or replace it. It will stay in the same place just below the skin’s surface. If you happen to change your name, address, or phone number, you’ll have to update the national database. We can help you register at the time of microchipping so you’re familiar with your chip’s manufacturer.

Pet Microchipping

Almost all animals adopted through a shelter or rescue are already chipped. If you did not receive any paperwork, let us know. We can help you try to track down the maker of your pet’s chip and move toward registering your name/contact information.

Pet microchips are part of an essential defense against loss or separation. While they cannot substitute a collar and ID tags, microchips are crucial if your pet shows up without them.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we’re always happy to answer your questions or address any concerns. Please let us know how we can help!

The post Virtually Forgettable, There When You Need Them: The Beauty of Pet Microchips appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Angelenos hoping for a pleasantly-mild summer, prepare for a little heartbreak – we are on course to break record record highs, again.

High temperatures coupled with an extremely arid climate can make southern California a tad uncomfortable for all residents – including pets. With our summer pet safety tips, your best pal can relax in the shade, enjoy a tasty frozen treat, and stay far from trouble, all summer long.

Dawn. Dusk. Repeat.

Until the pavement no longer feels too hot for your own bare feet, it’s best to hold off trotting down the block with your dog. The hours surrounding dawn and dusk are optimal for summer stroll, pet safety–wise. Otherwise, the direct hit from the sun can make sand, concrete, asphalt, gravel, and even dirt pathways quite dangerous for delicate paw pads.

If you must be out and about in the middle of the day, be prepared with the right gear:

• Booties
• Collapsible water dish
• Fresh water
• Shade
• Frequent breaks

Special Considerations

All pets require extra care and attention when it comes to the heat, but seniors and overweight pets are at higher risk of overheating when exercising. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, cannot easily regulate their internal temperatures through panting. It’s best that they are never exposed to high heat and excessive exertion.

Chillin’ at Home

Sometimes, pets are just safer at home. They can still pop outside if they want to (and can!), but they should have a few different chill zones to retreat to when the day becomes too hot. Fans, air conditioning, water, and proper cross-ventilation are great ways to counter the heat.

Heat Stroke Dangers

If you are running errands with your pet, we urge you to never leave them inside your parked vehicle. Even a car that has all the windows “down” and is sitting in the shade can be fatal.

If you ever notice that your pet is panting excessively, unsteady when walking, and pacing around, they may be suffering from heat stroke. Drooling and abnormal gum color can precede collapse. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital recommends seeking pet emergency care promptly.

Summer Pet Safety Can Be Fun!

Swimming is a top-rated activity for people and pets alike, but there are many things that can easily take the fun out of it. Swimming is tough and animals tire easily. Give them opportunities to rest and drink water in the shade.

If you have a pool, train your pet how to get in and out safely. Keep the area covered and surrounded by an alarm if at all possible. Supervise your pet closely whenever they are in or around water. Rinse well, dry their ears, and give them a delicious frozen pet treat to reward them.

Safe, Then Happy

If your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can assist you with any questions about summer pet safety, we’re always here for you.

The post Hot and Dry Conditions: Summer Pet Safety Tips for the Los Angeles Area appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.