Traveling With Your Chihuahua
Joanell Hutchinson
Travel season is finally here again and that means hundreds of
cats and dogs will be lost and never again found by their
heartbroken owners. Many years ago I lost a dog for three days.
They were among the worst days of my life but I learned a
valuable lesson. No matter how careful and protective you think
you are, it still can happen…even to you.
Before you set out for your travel adventures this year, take
some precautions to be sure your Chihuahua stays safely with you
at all times. Make your travel as great for your Chihuahua as it
is for you.
So, what are some of the things you can do to prepare for your
trip with your Chi?
Bring a harness with you and be sure it is secured properly on
your Chi before opening any doors. I prefer a harness because of
the Chihuahua’s susceptibility to a collapsed trachea. The
harness, if fit properly to the Chi’s size, will put less
pressure on the throat, or possibly no pressure at all. They are
also more difficult for the Chi to slip out of.
Bring plenty of bottled water for both you and your Chihuahua.
You may not always have fresh water available to you on your
travels. You don’t want your Chi to drink any water that you
can’t be 100% certain is fit for consumption.
Take your veterinary records and information with you. Place the
documentation in a sealable plastic bag to protect it from
getting wet or damaged. This will be very helpful should you have
any emergencies along the way. Your Chihuahua may have an
allergic reaction to something or simply have an unexpected
medical emergency. If this happens you will want to be able to
have quick contact with your own veterinarian for advice. Be sure
you have their emergency number, as well as their regular office
number.
Pack an ample supply of fresh food and treats. Plastic
containers, like Tupperware, are great for keeping food and
treats fresh. Be sure to check the package for refrigeration
needs, if any. Like people food, some pet foods require
refrigeration once opened. Unless you have an RV or other means
of keeping the food cold for long periods of time, you may want
to be careful of what you bring. Not all pet foods will
necessarily be readily available to purchase along your travels.
Once opened, food can spoil very quickly.
Plan to make scheduled stops to let your Chi get some exercise
and do their duty, so to speak. The fresh air and movement will
be good for you too. However, be careful of where you walk your
Chi. It is not uncommon to find broken glass and other dangerous
items along roadside stops.
Did you know that you can have a rice-sized microchip implanted
in the scruff of your Chi’s neck for tracking purposes should
he/she become lost? Check with your Veterinarian or local animal
hospital for more information on this unique tracking device.
Many pets have been reunited with their rightful owners because
of this tiny implant. These chips can be scanned by veterinarians
and other medical facilities for the information necessary to
bring your pet back home to you.
Pack your favorite shampoos and drying towels.
Don’t forget flea and tic treatment. While these may not be
necessary at home if your Chi is an indoor dog and using a litter
box, when traveling they may need to go outdoors to relieve
themselves.
Bandages are a good thing to have along in case they step on a
small piece of glass or other sharp item at the many stops you
will be making along the way.
Pack your Chi’s favorite sweater. Depending on where you live,
where you’re traveling too, and when you are leaving, you may
have a cool evening or two. Chihuahuas get cold very easily so
have a coat or sweater just in case.
Bring a carrier or two. If you are traveling by plane you will
want an airline approved carrier that can fit under the seat of
the plane while in the air. When on the ground you may prefer a
purse style carrier to keep your Chihuahua from being stepped on
while shopping or in a crowd. These are available in various
styles and sizes.
Okay, I know this seems like a lot of packing but it will be
worth your while. Following are items you need to consider
bringing with you when traveling with your pet:
Bandages and wound treatment
Bottled water
Carrier (airline and/or purse style)
Crate (if your Chi is used to being in one and you have room for
it.)
Crate bedding material
Feeding dish and water dish
Fresh food and treats
Grooming needs (brush or wipe cloth)
Harness
Pet Blanket, bed or pillow
Sweater
Shampoo
Drying Towels
Medication (flea, tic, skin, other)
Toys
Veterinarian: regular phone no. and emergency phone no.
Veterinarian: medical records (history)
Veterinarian: list of ones along the route you are taking.
The bottom line is take precautions, prepare ahead of time, have
a check list to be sure nothing is left behind by accident, and
have a great vacation or trip with no mishaps along the way that
can’t be handled quickly and easily.
A long trip is much more pleasant if you are properly prepared
and if everyone is able to stretch frequently so don’t be in a
hurry to reach your destination. Enjoy the trip from start to
finish.
Joanell is the founder of Weller Solutions, a company dedicated
to pets, and a lover of Chihuahua dogs. For more information and
products please visit
http://www.aboutchihuahuadogs.com
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