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Traveling with pets can be stressful if you are not prepared ahead of time. Doing some research before setting off for a vacation should elevate some of the worry. Whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea here are some tips to help make your journey safe and exciting!

Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need:

Packing extra supplies may take more room in your suitcase or vehicle, but may save you time and money later! Bring extra food and water in case you have been delayed or have to make an unscheduled overnight stop.

Bring an extra collar and leash in case one is left behind at one of your stops! Pack all important documentation so it is accessible.

Pack toys and treats: even dogs get bored on long journeys!

Check with Your Veterinarian About Safe Travel Requirements:

Check government websites for appropriate travel documentation required for your destination then discuss these with your veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian on required vaccinations, blood tests, and parasite control treatments.

If your dog suffers from carsickness then you’ll require appropriate medications to help keep him/her relaxed. There are medications on the market designed to calm your pet. Always ask your veterinarian before giving your pet any medications.

Microchip implants are required in many destinations and are vital for your pet’s identification if lost or stolen. 

Book Accommodations in Advance That Are Pet Friendly:

There are many pet friendly hotels worldwide; make sure to book in advance.

Obey all rules and regulations set out by the accommodation where you are staying. These rules will be enforced to keep all guests happy.

Most hotels that welcome pets charge a fee which may or may not be refundable. Check the costs associated with pet policies before you book your accommodation!

Vehicle and Roadside Pet Safety:

Pet carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to move freely without excess room. Make sure there is adequate ventilation around the carrier. Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure of the size of carrier your pet requires.

Always have your pet on a leash when stopping at rest areas and along roadsides. Dogs will run quickly after animals in surrounding trees and brush! Keep your dog safely away from drinking from puddles, ponds, and stagnant water.

Pre and Post Grooming:

Book an appointment with a certified pet groomer before and after your vacation. A professional groomer will assess the health and condition of your pet to keep them in optimal health. You will be aware of any health concerns before you travel with your pet and not once you have reached your destination!

Have your pet groomed again once you are home to make sure no medical issues have arisen during your travels.

A little advanced planning goes a long way in either making or breaking a vacation. Contact your airline or travel agent regarding travel information and specific requirements for traveling with pets in advance.

Please call Pet City Canada to book a pre and post grooming appointment for your dog. Let our skilled groomers assess your pet’s overall health and take the worry out of your travel plans.

As the hot weather of summer rises, so does the accidental incidences of pet heat exhaustion. Since dogs don’t sweat out excess body heat, they are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Pet owners should know the signs, symptoms, treatments, and preventions associated with pet overheating. When dogs become symptomatic of overheating you need to act quickly to prevent heatstroke, kidney failure, and/or cardiac arrest.

If you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion, monitor his/her body temperature and heart rate closely. If your dogs’ temperature rises to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above your pet needs to be seen by a Veterinarian. Your pet is considered to be at risk of heat stroke or cardiac arrest if his/her body temperature reaches 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Always contact a Veterinarian before starting any home treatments. Read more to learn about the signs, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of Pet Heat Exhaustion.

Signs:

• Excessive Panting and/or drooling.
• Lethargy (slower at responding and drowsiness), or restlessness.
• Rapid heart rate and increased respiratory rate.
• Glazed eyes, dizziness, lack of coordination.

Symptoms:

• Gums or tongue may turn blue or bright red, and ear tips turn red.
• Collapse or convulse.
• Increased body temperature.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Gasping for breath.

Treatment:

• Consult a Veterinarian as soon as you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion or other health concerns to avoid delay in starting treatment.
• Remove your pet from direct sunshine, hot enclosures, or areas with poor ventilation.
• Move your pet into an air-conditioned room or near a fan.
• If near water such as a lake, river, pool, sprinkler, or garden hose, wet your dog slowly. Put your dog in the bathtub if you are not near another source of water.
• Check body temperature using a rectal thermometer (normal canine body temperature is between 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 – 39.2 Celsius).
• Monitor temperature closely and bring it down to 103 degrees Fahrenheit if it is elevated; you don’t want to decrease body temperature too quickly or too low. You can also use a dog cooling mat for your furry friend to lay on during the day.
• Offer cool or lukewarm water and plenty of it! A small amount of salt can be added to the water to replace the minerals that have been lost due to drooling. Don’t give your dog ice chips as this will bring down body temperature too quickly.

Prevention:

• NEVER leave a pet in an enclosed, hot area or vehicle even in the shade!
• Make sure the pet enclosure is well ventilated with good air flow.
• Carry a container of water and keep your pet well hydrated. You can find many options for dog water bowls travelling without having to bring a large dish.
• Don’t over-exercise your pet during hot or humid weather.
• Give your dog shady and cooler places to rest often.
• Take walks in the morning or evening when the heat of the day is not so intense.
• Keep walks confined to parks and forests, try avoiding walking on hot pavement.

Younger dogs, older dogs, and dogs with thicker coats are more at risk of heat exhaustion than most. If your home isn’t air-conditioned you may want to consider Doggy Daycare while you are away during the day. Make an appointment with one of our qualified Pet Groomers at Pet City Canada to condition and clip your dogs’ coat for the summer’s hot weather.

Grooming your pets goes much further than simply washing, drying, and brushing your furry companion. There is much more to consider when grooming your dog than leaving him or her with a clean and shiny coat. How many of us are skilled in recognising ticks, hot spots, or ear mites?

The type of coat your dog has will determine how often he or she needs to visit a groomer. Longer, thicker-haired dogs will need to be groomed more often than shorter, finer haired dogs. Keeping your dog well groomed will promote a manageable coat and better health.

Experienced pet groomers are trained and qualified to find early-stage medical conditions that inflict our pets. They not only wash your pet, they also observe and assess any acute or newly developing symptoms and concerns. A professional groomer will check your dog’s skin, ears, eyes, nails, teeth, and pads, noting any health changes. Keeping your dog healthy and well groomed takes time and knowledge towards keeping them clean, safe, and happy!

What Makes Appearance So Important?

• Cleaner, well-groomed dogs look more approachable and cared for.
• Hygienically, they smell better!
• Grass, dirt, and debris are easier to remove from well-groomed fur (and makes it easier for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies).
• Less chance of dealing with skin, eye, and ear irritations.
• Your pet’s fur is de-matted and untangled.
• Groomers use products that are specifically designed for animals to keep their coats clean and shiny.

What does a Professional Groomer do that the average pet owner might miss?

• They will cut nails properly to avoid them from curling into the toe pads (how many pet owners are nervous to trim nails?).
• Groomers skillfully check for disease, parasites, and skin conditions.
• They know and understand the subtle changes in our pet’s health that are indicative of illness.
• A Groomer is skilled in using shedding blades which removes dead hair before washing.
• Groomers know how to clip and strip dog hair for all breeds and sizes.
• They give special care to the eyes and ears of your furry friend, looking for any abnormalities or injuries.

What do you gain with having a Groomer tend to your dog?

• You gain a longer, healthier lifespan for your dog.
• You won’t have to purchase the tools for grooming or learn how to use them effectively without harming your pet’s skin.
• How about gaining more time to play and enjoy your dog instead of the time invested in grooming?
• A clean, safe environment that is worry free!
• Your dog is dried with a special dryer manufactured for animals so it doesn’t cause skin irritation or dry skin.

Keeping your pet healthy and clean should be an art, not a chore! Choosing a professional Groomer to bathe and groom your dog is a rewarding experience for both you and your pet. Using the same a qualified, dependable groomer each time will help with consistency in spotting changing health conditions. Always consult your Veterinarian if any problems arise with your pet that doesn’t improve over a few days.

At Pet City Canada, we have sincere, qualified groomers that will lovingly wash and groom your pet. Our two Professional Groomers have over 45 years of combined experiencing grooming animals of all kinds.