Travel plans with a pet - It all begins at the vet

March 20, 2011 - PRLog -- If you're planning to include your dog in the upcoming adventure it will only "upgrade" the event. But before you whistle to your dog, signaling him to come along, you ought to read Dr. Kreiners' guidelines for traveling safely with pets.

Dr. Eytan Kreiner is the founder and CEO at the Israeli Pet Flight Agency Terminal4Pets. He has been providing unique advanced solutions to pet shipment for more than two decades.  

The first and foremost important aspect in planning a trip with your dog is the health aspect. When you cross geographical borders, even if it's just for a couple of weeks, we will have to begin an import/export process and that means that you will need to check the rules and requirements for pets' imports and exports relevant to both countries at arrival and departure points. You will need an international microchip, a dog's vaccination report and you will also need to make sure the dog is vaccinated according to the requirements in both countries.

When you travel with your dog to a new environment you are exposing him to new diseases and hazards that are unfamiliar to his immune system. Even if you plan on taking your dog to the lake or the mountains which are just a few hours drive, a visit to the vet will be more than appropriate. Most common vaccinations and preventive treatments are the rabies, de-worming (including park worm), DHLP, cat flu and kennel cough. The type of vaccination depends on the environmental conditions and the dosage depends on your pets' weigh and medical condition. Only a certified vet can determine the kind of treatment and dosage that will meet your pets' medical needs.

When it comes down to medical procedures there are "musts" (countries' requirements) and "nice to haves" veterinary advice which are just as important if to say the list since the veterinarian is familiar with your pets' medical history and knows precisely what's right for him according to your specific plans. As some pet owners refer to their local vets, more and more people are seeking pet traveling solutions by referring to flight veterinarians (especially when an international trip is on the agenda).  

If you're planning a trip which includes domestic or international flights, ask your vet to perform a flight related health assessment to make sure that the dog will not suffer from medical complications throughout the journey.

Many pet owners tend to think that it's in their pets' best interest to sedate them before the long drive or a flight but that is an urban myth according to Dr. Kreiner: "Every time a pet is sedated it is exposed to a medical risk and that is why we, the veterinarian community, perform anesthesia only when it's mandatory when performing an invasive procedure or when a pet experiences sever pain after an accident, a surgery etc."

According to Dr. Kreiner the low oxygen level and dry air inside the aircraft reduces blood circulation and may increase hypothermia, dizziness, stomach ache and more diverse side-effects. In that case drugs are most likely to worsen the condition and may even create a threat.

Dr. kreiner advises to refrain from feeding the dog before the long drive/flight (at least 3 hours before leaving the house) but to provide him lots of water before and during the journey. During the vacation itself, make sure you bring his food, vitamins and medicine with you and keep feeding him according to his every-day habits. If you change his diet nourishment routine it might lead to psychological and or physical reactions. And last but not least – find out if there is a veterinarian hospital or a veterinary emergency center in the local domain so you'll know where to turn to just in case….        

Dr. Kreiner is the head of the Veterinary Flight Division at Terminal4Ptes – The Israeli pet flight Agency which provides comprehensive services geared to ship pets safely, legally and comfortably worldwide. The company assists private pet owners as well as global mobility organizations that handle employee relocations worldwide with pets.

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The Israeli pet flight and relocation provider that offers unique pet flight services to clients traveling to/from Israel.