In the second post on the topic, we would like to discuss some of the things we like to take along with us when we travel with Gracie:
Vet records (abridged version): We like to have proof of her rabies vaccination along with a list of when her other vaccinations were given. If she had any special medical conditions or took certain medications, we would take information about that too. You never know when you might find yourself at emergency medical hospital miles away from home.
Medication: If your furry friend routinely takes medication, don’t forget to bring it. Or, if he/she is due for a dose of heartworm or other preventative, be sure to bring it too.
A side note about heartworm and flea meds: If you do not give these medicines to your pet now, you might want to inform your vet about your travel plans. You may be visiting an area that has a high prevalence of heartworm cases or is badly infested with ticks.
Food and water: Always bring along plenty of the type of food your pet eats now. Pet stores in the area you are visiting might not carry it.
I have also read that bringing along water from home is a good idea too. Apparently, your furry friend might refuse the local water. We always bring bottled water for both Gracie and ourselves since we do not like the local water either!
A favorite toy and/or blanket: If your buddy is stressed, something that is familiar might ease the transition.
First aid kit: You can buy a ready-made kit at your local pet store. Or, you can make your own. Ours includes: gauge, paper tape, tweezers, triple antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and alcohol wipes. We also toss in some Benadryl caplets and a pill splitter, since Gracie sometimes has skin irritation. (Please consult your vet before administering any medicine to your pet.)
Collapsible bowls: These bowls are great for giving your buddy food and water on the run. Who wants to dig out the stainless steel bowls from the back of the car? When your buddy is finished, just fold them up and tuck them away. Look for a future review on bowls we like.
His/her normal bowls: Again, it is just a little comfort from home to use these items. Hopefully, you do not use the breakable kind!
Car seat covers: Covers for your car seats come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Before you begin looking at covers, do a little research about your vehicle. My Subaru has side impact airbags that spring from the side of the seat, which means I cannot cover that area with fabric. That rules out certain types of car seat covers.
Also, look carefully at the cover’s fabric. Will your dog’s hair embed in it, requiring tweezers for removal – or can you easily brush off the fur? Is the cover washable?
I plan to make a basic cover for the limited area where Gracie will be. Keep that option in mind too. Unless you are driving a Bentley, I doubt a homemade seat cover will be that offensive. You can find upholstery remnants at a fabric store and make it on the cheap.
We could go on and on about all the things we take for Gracie. We pack almost as much stuff for her as we do for ourselves! However, we consider the above-mentioned items to be the most essential, though. Good luck in your future travels!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
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