A five-step plan for keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks

(ARA) – Protecting your pet from harmful fleas and ticks is a vital part of pet care. And since this summer is projected to be unusually rainy and warm, extra caution is needed. Fleas and ticks not only irritate your pet, but are capable of transmitting serious diseases like Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis.

There are about 20,000 reported cases of Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Furthermore, the likelihood of being exposed to ticks, and subsequently to diseases transmitted by ticks, is about 10 to 20 times greater than it was 10 years ago, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dr. Melinda Fernyhough, veterinarian and manager of scientific affairs at Hartz, offers tips on how to help your pet avoid the dangers of fleas and ticks, and considerations when purchasing and applying flea and tick treatments to ensure best results.

“Health and safety is the number-one priority for pet parents, and there are several reliable products available at your veterinarian, local retail or pet specialty store that can help keep pets free from fleas and ticks all year round,” says Fernyhough.

* Choose the appropriate flea and tick treatment. Several types of products exist that can help prevent fleas and ticks – shampoos, collars, and the most popular form of protection: topicals, or spot-ons. These monthly applications go on the back of your pet’s neck or are striped down the back, depending on the manufacturer, and keep your pet pest-free for 30 days. A great example is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea & Tick Drops, designed to kill fleas and ticks on your pet and prevent new fleas from developing. All EPA-registered flea and tick products, whether sold in vets’ offices or through retail channels, are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards.

* Carefully follow label directions when applying topical flea and tick treatments.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s weight recommendation – you don’t want to put too much product (or too little) on your dog by misjudging the weight. Use the entire tube on one animal – don’t split one dose between several animals. Never use a dog product on a cat, and if you have both animals, you need to keep them separated for 48 hours after applying treatments. Read the label carefully and don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions.  

* Regularly check your pet for ticks to prevent permanent damage. If ticks are found on a pet, remove them with tweezers while avoiding squeezing them since that could cause disease carrying bacteria to enter your pet.

* Avoid hot and humid areas for your pets. The ideal climate for fleas and ticks is approximately 55-89 degrees Fahrenheit and 50-92 percent humidity. Keep your pet away from hot, damp and wooded areas. Fleas like to hide in shady areas of the yard, so treat these areas with a product designed to kill them outdoors.

* Consider a year-round flea and tick treatment for your home and pet. The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent it in the first place. Use topical drops or collars on your pet year round, regularly treat your yard, and vacuum to remove any potential flea eggs in your carpeting. Also, consider products such as Hartz Ultra-Guard Carpet Powder and Hartz Ultra-Guard Plus Flea & Tick Home Spray, formulated to kill fleas around your home and prevent new ones from developing.

To learn more, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Through August, you can download a coupon for Hartz Ultra-Guard Pro Flea & Tick Drops on this site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Avoid ‘lost’ signs by tagging your cat

(ARA) – You’ve seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat – usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera – with “LOST” in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home.

Many of these lost cats end up in animal shelters, some are adopted by new families and others unfortunately, aren’t so lucky. An estimated 70 percent of all animals euthanized each year are cats who enter shelters without identification tags, according to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Many shelters are full, and can only hold cats for a few days or less, giving grieving owners limited time to locate their lost pet.

Cat owner and author of “Oh My Dog,” Beth Ostrosky Stern is passionate about saving the lives of animals and providing them to loving families. “Through my work with North Shore Animal League America, I have seen firsthand how many cats enter the shelters. I’m a firm supporter of cat tagging to help ensure a safe return home. I would be completely devastated if my cat, Apple, were lost. Having her wear an identification tag is a simple step, but gives me peace of mind that if she were to be lost she can be identified and returned home.”

Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe. Even indoor cats may sometimes slip through an open door or window for some fresh air so it’s important to remember they need identification tags as well. Special cat collars are available also, so that your cat won’t get caught on any objects when he’s playing inside the home or exploring the great outdoors.

Many cat owners may not know how simple it is to get a tag for their cat. The maker of ARM & HAMMER Super Scoop and Multi-Cat litter products is even offering cat owners the opportunity to receive customized identification tags via mail with the purchase of two ARM & HAMMER cat litters. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information.

Tagging cats is just one safety tip. Other tips from NSALA to keep cats healthy, especially during the summer months include:

* Never leave a cat in a car – cats can quickly overheat and die from heatstroke.

* Keep cats inside during a thunderstorm – cats are easily frightened by loud noises and are more at risk of being struck by lightning.

* Check cats daily for fleas and ticks, and talk with a veterinarian about prevention products to keep cats safe.

* Change litter regularly to maintain a fresh and healthy litter box for cats.

* Watch for signs of heat stress, including glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, lack of coordination, unconsciousness, deep red or purple tongue and vomiting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Apex and Greensboro, N.C. — The Triangle’s leader in convenient home delivery of pet food nutrition, The Pet Pantry, has expanded its service area, now providing dog and cat owners in Greensboro, High Point, Thomasville, Lexington and Winston-Salem with direct access to customized home delivery of all-natural, holistic dog and cat foods at dot-com prices.

Pet Pantry delivery vans will be covering 2,773 square miles of the Triad beginning June 1st, adding to the 3,700 square miles the company services in the Triangle through its staff of trained customer service associates.

“Growing demand for the convenience of home delivery is driving this expansion,” Thor Wendland, president of The Pet Pantry, said, adding that his company already delivers to hundreds of Triad customers via UPS.

“Our Triad customers have been asking for home delivery directly from The Pet Pantry, but I did not want to go forward with expansion until I was sure that we could offer the same level of customer service that the Triangle area customers receive,” he said.

“UPS is great, but our drivers go the extra mile of delivering any amount of food, big or small, wherever customers want it – on the front steps, on back decks, or in standalone kennels for the many breeders who use our blends,” Wendland added.

According to Wendland, the explosion of online retailing has helped pet owners realize they no longer needed to leave their homes for arduous, back-breaking trips to get quality holistic dog and cat food. The growing popularity of The Pet Pantry’s website, FeedYourPets.com, has enabled customers to set-up individual profiles, view nutritional information and individual ingredients, and order large or small quantities of The Pet Pantry’s own holistic blends which are less expensive than comparable boutique pet foods available in crowded big box retail stores. Additionally, customers can order any of the well-respected national lines of dog, cat, and small animal food available on the website, including Oxbow Animal Health, Dave’s Pet Food and Pet Naturals of Vermont.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

A wag is worth a thousand words

(ARA) – Ever get the feeling that your dog knows what you’re thinking, without saying a word?  Many canine parents report that they’ve had an entire conversation with their dogs despite the obvious language barrier.  From “can I have a treat” to “let’s go for a walk,” dogs have a special way of sharing their feelings. According to a new survey, it’s the wags, not words that tell the story when it comes to canine communication.  

The survey, conducted by Kelton Research for Pup-Peroni dog snacks, revealed that most canine pet parents believe that they can communicate with their dogs even though they don’t speak the same language – giving a new twist to the old adage, “silence is golden.”  

Pet owners feel confident that they know what’s on their pups’ minds, even without the benefit of words. Almost three in four (74 percent) respondents believe their dog’s body language or facial expressions better indicate how their pet is truly feeling than barks or other sounds. They also estimate that they know what their dog is thinking nearly half (49 percent) of the time.

Seven in 10 (70 percent) respondents say there have been times when they shared a meaningful look with their canine companions.

“Dogs have an uncanny ability to pick up on even the subtlest cues from their owners, enabling them to ‘read’ humans like few other animals can,” said body language expert Patti Wood. “Even something as minute as a glance from their owner has meaning for a dog.”

Wood also points out that our modern dogs’ ability to communicate with us seems to be a product of millennia of interaction. “Research shows that, over time, there has been a deliberate selection of dogs with the ability to pick up on cues from humans,” she said. “It shows just how important nonverbal communication between dogs and people has always been.”

For many pet parents, the special bond they share with their pooch is one of the most important relationships in their lives. Without ever having to say a word, their pups are there for them through the good times and the bad, acting as confidants, therapists and most importantly, their best friends. Maybe it’s because of that unspoken connection between canines and humans that people feel their dogs are just as good a source of comfort and companionship as their human friends – or maybe even more so. With a smile and a wag, dogs just know – how many people can say that about their best friend or significant other?  

Courtesy of ARAcontent

 How you can help a pet in need

(ARA) – Imagine waking up every morning wondering if you’ll someday be able to find a home to call your own or how you’ll find your next meal. For so many pets, not having enough food in their bellies or a safe home are harsh realities. Fortunately, there are simple ways pet lovers can be heroes in the lives of pets.

To help in this important effort, Purina ONE has teamed up with Martha Stewart for social network fundraising and the Tour For Heroes, a mobile tour visiting animal shelters coast to coast, providing pet food, supporting pet adoption and helping pets in need.

“My pets are important members of my family and I am deeply committed to helping homeless animals,” says Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “I’m pleased to be working with Purina ONE to support pets in need because I believe this is a worthy cause that can help so many animals across the country.”

All Pet Lovers Can be Heroes
While not every pet lover is able to adopt an animal, people can still help pets in their own community and across the country through online social networks. Purina ONE and Martha Stewart are helping pet lovers make a difference and raise funds for shelters by simply sharing photos of adoptable pets on Facebook.

Sharing is easy. Start by searching for an adoptable pet anywhere in the United States by visiting tourforheroes.marthastewart.com. Choose a pet to help and click to share his or her profile with friends on your Facebook page. Every time a photo is shared, Purina ONE will donate $1 – up to $50,000 – worth of food to feed pets in need in local communities. Pet lovers can share photos until March 31.

Food for Fluffy and Fido
Throughout the month of February, the Purina ONE Tour For Heroes will travel from San Francisco to New York and stop at local animal shelters in 11 cities along the way to set up temporary food banks and hold adoption events. More than 63,000 pounds of dog and cat food – equaling 11,000 bags of food – will be given out to help pets in need.

Whether you’ve lost your job, have large veterinary or medical bills or are struggling to pay your mortgage, no one will be turned away at any of the Tour For Heroes events.

“In tough times, a source of constant companionship can often be your dog or cat,” says Mark Stoddard, brand director for Purina ONE. “We want to lend a hand to pets in need, and by assisting their owners who may need a little extra help these days, we help their pets, too.”

For more information about the Tour For Heroes and to find a tour stop near you, visit tourforheroes.marthastewart.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A veterinarian’s top 10 tips for keeping pets healthy in winter

(ARA) – Jack Frost is nipping at your pet’s nose. Winter is here again, and cold weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous to your pet.

“In colder regions of the country, pet owners should already know that they need to make accommodations for their pets, but winter can be hard on a pet even in warmer states, like Georgia, where I work,” says Dr. Larry R. Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “While we don’t get a lot of snow, it does get cold in the winter, and when it gets below freezing, our recommendation is that pet owners get their pets inside.”

Here are the AVMA’s top 10 winter tips for pet owners:

* Even if you own a sled dog, living outside during the depths of winter is very difficult. If you must keep your dog outside year round, remember that dogs must be allowed time to get acclimated to the cold with the change of the seasons. This builds up a winter coat they will need to survive. Corry recommends that dog owners with outside dogs double check to make sure their dog’s housing is well insulated, including straw or padding to sleep on.

“If you want to heat a doghouse, be careful to ensure that the heat source is installed properly so that the animal cannot be hurt,” he says. “If you can’t or won’t bring the animal into your home, consider bringing it inside a garage on bitter cold days.”

* Corry also advises pet owners to refrain from taking their pets near frozen ponds. Many dogs and cats fall through or sometimes are cast adrift on an ice float.

* Keep your pet away from antifreeze with ethylene glycol. It’s sweet and extremely lethal, even in small doses. The AVMA provides a brochure and video on this and other household hazards and poisons.

* Honk your horn or pound on the hood before starting your car on cold days. To a cat, a warm engine block can seem like a nice escape from cold winter winds.

* Carbon monoxide is just as lethal to pets as it is for people. Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector, and, if you bring your pet from the outdoors into a garage during the winter, make sure exhaust fumes from your car aren’t allowed to build up inside.

* Cold air is dry air, so your pet can become dehydrated easily in the winter. Give him plenty of fresh water. If the bowl of water you put outside for your dog or cat freezes, it’s of no use to the animal.

* Road salt and ice melting products are not only irritating to the pads on your pet’s feet, but when your pet cleans itself by licking off these chemicals and ingesting them, they can cause gastrointestinal problems. Wash your pet’s feet after she’s been outdoors.

* Consider booties for your dog’s feet. Booties help prevent ice balls between the toes that can be both painful and do damage to the toe pads.

* Be careful about candles, space heaters and fireplaces – pets can get burned and even set the house on fire.

* Pay close attention to your older pet in winter, especially if he suffers from arthritis. Arthritic pain is even worse in icy winds and cold temperatures. Seek the advice of your veterinarian to help your pet cope with arthritis.

For more information about animal health, visit www.avma.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Field test explores ability of pointing dogs in hunting situations

STURGEON LAKE, Minn. — Riley and Ruger eat up the grassy countryside, loping elegantly across the landscape at a farm near Sturgeon Lake. A pair of pointing dogs, they winnow the air for molecules of quail scent as they move.

They’re a study in contrasts. Riley is a 7-year-old Irish red and white setter. The dog’s coat is long, mostly white, with large dollops of Irish-setter red. He seems to flow over the land.

“We’ll see if our week and a half of training pays off,” owner Craig Wilson says, joking.

Ruger, a 4-year-old Gordon setter is petite and lean, mostly black with splotches of tan.

Both setters are taking part in the Lake Superior Pointing Dog Club’s annual spring hunt test in mid-May at the Sunflower Farm near Sturgeon Lake. They’re among 49 dogs in this American Kennel Club-sanctioned event. They are not competing against each other. They’re being measured against AKC standards for pointing breeds to determine if they merit the titles of Junior, Senior or Master hunters.

“It’s one way to give the public some proof that your dog can do what you say it can,” said Steve Koskovich of Hibbing, Minn., who will run his Irish red and white setter Padraig in the Junior test. “We all think we’re God’s gift to dog training. This is where we stand up and see if that’s true.”

The variety of breeds at such a test is impressive. Owners or trainers brought German shorthairs, English pointers, Irish red and white setters, Gordon setters, English setters, Vizslas, Brittanies and at least one wire-haired pointing Griffon.

Some of those dogs came with Duluth connections. Some of the red and white setters, including Wilson’s Riley, were bred by Bob and Evan Devlin of Duluth, who introduced the breed to this region. At least one Gordon setter came from Dean Fries’ Clearcut Kennels. Fries is a judge for this hunt test.

The tests are set up to represent the kinds of situations hunters and dogs would encounter in the field. A dog is judged for its desire to hunt, its ability to find birds, how it points birds, whether it remains steady when the bird flushes and how the dog retrieves the bird.

Riley and Ruger move into an area planted with small conifers. Along a row of small spruces, Ruger locks up in a handsome point, one foreleg lifted, tail a wand pointed at the sky, head low and focused. Jodi Hines. Ruger’s handler, flushes the quail and a gunner drops it.

Ruger charges back to Hines to deliver the bird. Nicely done.

Read More:News & Observer   http://www.newsobserver.com/802/story/1554552.html

How to Choose the Right Pet Health Insurance Plan

(ARA) – We all love our pets and for good reason. They provide a great deal of joy in our lives and offer unconditional love. That’s why whether it’s a routine annual exam, ongoing flea and heartworm control, or a medical treatment for cancer, a growing number of pet owners are making a serious commitment to give their pets the best health and preventive care available. But over time, this care can be expensive.

Recent studies show pet owners now spend $24.5 billion a year on veterinary services, over-the-counter drugs and other health supplies for pets. Tremendous advancements in veterinary technology have helped increase the life span of cats and dogs. For example, expensive medical treatments like cat scans, MRIs and chemotherapy — services once only available for people — are now being used to help save the lives of pets.

Pet owners’ beloved four-legged friends can sometimes face unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses, resulting in the difficult decision whether or not to spend thousands of dollars to save the life of their pet.  Having pet health insurance helps allow pet owners to decide with their hearts, not their wallets, what’s best for their pets in their time of need.

But with so many plans out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here are some factors to consider:

1. Insure young.
The best time to purchase pet insurance is when the animal is young.  Many pet health insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions so it is best to insure your pet when it is a puppy or kitten.  Insuring early can also provide coverage for certain initial veterinary procedures such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering.

2. What kind of coverage does the plan offer?
There are many different types of pet health insurance policies available. Some policies cover only accidents, some cover accidents and illnesses, while others offer coverage for accidents, illnesses and preventive care.  The preventive care coverage can include certain customary annual costs of routine vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative medications, routine annual physical exams and lab tests, and other preventive care as outlined in the policy.  

3. Do I have to pay a deductible?
Just like with human insurance, different plans have different deductibles. PurinaCare pet health insurance, the first pet health insurance under the Purina brand, allows pet owners to choose from four different deductible options: $100, $250, $500 or $1,000. There is a 20-percent co-pay once the annual deductible has been met, and the benefit limit is $20,000 annually.

4. Are certain conditions excluded?
Pet insurance exclusions can vary depending on the policy chosen. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, cosmetic and elective procedures, fertility and pregnancy.

5. Can I use my own veterinarian?
It depends on the plan. PurinaCare pet health insurance, for example, allows pet owners to take their pet to the veterinarian of their choice, including veterinary specialists such as oncologists, neurologists and allergists, as long as they are licensed in the United States.

“Pet health insurance can help pet owners provide the best care possible for their pets in a time of need. However, less than one percent of pets are currently insured due to a lack of awareness of pet insurance, and dissatisfaction with current plan options. We are excited to use Purina’s pet expertise, innovation, brand trust and experience to deliver simple, comprehensive and easy-to-use pet health insurance that meets the needs of today’s highly involved pet owners,” says David Goodnight, D.V.M., president and chief operating officer of PurinaCare Insurance Services., Inc.

For more information about PurinaCare or to obtain a free, no obligation quote, visit www.purinacare.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five Tips for Keeping Pets Healthy and Vet Bills Down

(ARA) – When it comes to caring for our pets’ health, most of us don’t bat an eye when it comes to spending money on expensive prescriptions or procedures, even for common health problems like skin allergies, digestive upset and urinary tract infections.

But with the average household owning 1.7 dogs and 2.2 cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 survey, those visits can add up. Now more than ever, pet owners are seeking out ways to keep their vet bills down while maintaining the health and happiness of their pets.

“We’re all trying to trim daily expenditures to compensate for rising commodity costs, and unnecessary expenses are usually the first to go,” says Dr. Susan Lauten, pet expert and nutrition consultant. “While there may be health problems that require a vet’s treatment, many common pet ailments can be treated and prevented in more cost effective ways.”

Lauten offers five ways to help keep your pet healthy while reducing healthcare costs.

1. Good nutrition is the key to good health. Instead of skimping on your pet food budget, select high quality foods with high levels of meat proteins and whole grains. Healthy pets with strong immune systems, healthy coats and strong teeth are less susceptible to disease.

2. Feeding your pet a variety of foods can minimize the development of food allergies. By providing pets with different proteins and forms, like kibble, canned and raw frozen, the Rotation Diet from Nature’s Variety offers the full spectrum of nutrients cats and dogs need to avoid food-related health problems.

3. Keep your pet clean and parasite-free. Paying extra attention to grooming during the summer months can help avoid skin disease, parasite-related diseases from ticks and fleas, and hot spots.

4. Make sure your pet visits the veterinarian for regular checkups. It’s also important to talk to your veterinarian about the importance of proper nutrition and holistic healthcare options for your special pet.  

5. If your pet shows signs of illness, be sure to visit your veterinarian right away. Early detection can reduce the overall cost of treatment.

Lauten stresses the fact that quality pet food should remain a financial priority. “Changing to a low quality food to save money can result in increased food requirements, poor immune health, decreased coat quality and poor skin health,” says Lauten. “In the end, it could result in more vet expenditures and more bills.”  

Sage’s Story
Sage was dropped off at the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society in Vallejo, Calif., when she was just a puppy. The underweight Boxer was suffering from severe skin problems, was missing large patches of hair and was in generally poor health. The Director of Human Services, Peter Wilson, was deeply concerned for Sage’s well-being and considered a variety of options for treatment.

“Sage’s skin condition was from a lack of care and possible allergies,” says Wilson. “Nature’s Variety donated product to help with Sage and encouraged us to feed her a Rotation Diet with different forms of kibble, canned and raw frozen food, and different proteins such as chicken and duck.”

The variety of foods in the Rotation Diet provided Sage with more balanced nutrition, which helped to stabilize her health and combat any possible allergies. In a few weeks, Sage’s skin had begun to heal. Sage is now happy, healthy, allergy-free and living with her new adoptive family.

“Sage’s story is a perfect example of the effect a quality diet can have on a pet’s overall health,” says Lauten. “All it took was the implementation of a broader and balanced variety of foods to provide her with the nutrients she needed to get better.”

More Quality Now, Fewer Problems Later
Strong health starts with proper nutrition. Feeding a high-quality Rotation Diet will help keep pets in top condition so they are more resistant to health problems. Adding in exercise and routine check-ups will also ensure your dog or cat maintains optimal wellness.  

For more information on the health benefits of balanced, nutritionally complete diets, as well as a feeding guide for determining your pet’s specific needs, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Road Trips With Pets

(ARA) – Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.  

According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.  

Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:

* If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.

* Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

* Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.

* See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.

* Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

* Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.

* If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.

* Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.  

* In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

* Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.  

To download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure, visit
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf.

Courtesy of ARAcontent