Tips for Pre Travel
Start preparing your Pets for Travel in the weeks leading up to Transport.
- Check for Ticks and Fleas and treat prior to the trip where necessary.
- Ensure your pets Vaccinations are up to date.
- If you have any doubts about the health of your animal you should consult your vet for advice.
- Have your pet spend some time each day confined if he is not used to being caged.
- Ensure that your dog has a strong collar and that it cannot slip over the animals head.
- If moving cats, keep them enclosed in the days prior, they have a tendency to hide on the day of travel.
- Inform us of any special requirements or problems your pet may have.
Tips for the day of Travel
The following tips will make for a better trip for your Pet.
- Do not feed your animals for a few hours prior to travel. Especially do not overfeed small pups prior to travel, this may cause them to experience some car sickness and discomfort early in the trip. We do feed animals through the course of the trip.
- Continue to give your pets water prior to travel.
- Arrive at the drop off point a little early, walk and toilet your dog while you are waiting for us.
- If you are stressed or upset your pet will be stressed as well, lead by example, stay calm.
- We do not recommend that animals be sedated for travel, if you are considering this please discuss it with us and your Vet. Our driver must be informed if your animal has been sedated or has any relevant health issues and we may refuse to accept any animal not fit to travel.
- Any special food requirements should be provided with the animal and should be discussed with the driver.
- Any special food requirements should be provided with the animal and must be discussed with the driver. (we do not have refrigeration on board for pet food so raw meat needs to be avoided and will be discarded by the driver as required for health reasons)
- If you have any paperwork that is to go with your pet place it in an envelope with the animals details and recipients name on it and give it to the driver. Please ensure that you photograph paperwork prior to sending as we can not accept responsibility for lost items.
- Items such as leads, medication, bowls etc should be put in a carry bag. We will accept a small bag of the dogs belongings to travel with the animal. (up to the size of a supermarket shopping bag size)
- If you wish to send a small blanket or a toy with your animal for comfort whilst on transport, you may feel free to do so, however if it gets soiled on transport, the driver is likely to dispose of it prior to delivery for health reasons. Large blankets or beds will not be accepted.
- Larger items such as dog beds, barrels of food etc. simply will not fit in our floats because the cages are built in. We cannot take these items and it is at the drivers discretion as to whether they accept any additional items. (Please be aware that even though the driver collecting your pet/s may have visible space, subsequent drivers may not so in most cases we cannot accept any larger items. Additionally towels, blankets etc may be disposed of by the driver during the trip if they become soiled with faeces.)
Tips for the days following Travel
Just like humans, pets may be a bit stiff, tired or out of sorts after a long trip. This is not a cause for concern but if any unusual behaviour continues for more than a couple of days we advise that you consult your vet for advice.
There are many illnesses that can affect young animals in the first 3 months of their lives and new owners should be aware of and checking for signs of illness. Since your puppy is not able to communicate how they feel, all you really have to go on is changes in their behaviour, which can be tough to pick out. Here are a few tell tale signs that your pup may be feeling less than 100%.
- LETHARGY
Puppies need lots of rest — it’s just a part of the developmental stage they are in. However, when they are not napping the day away, they should be playful, inquisitive, and energetic (some more than others). If you notice that your puppy is lazing around, or exhibiting a general lack of enthusiasm, consider taking them to the vet, as this could be a sign of a wide variety of illnesses, from minor bacterial infections to a virus such as canine parvovirus.
- LOSS OF APPETITE
Your puppy may stop eating for a number of reasons. Perhaps they are nervous about moving to a new place, at the same time, it could be something far more dire. Pay attention to their appetite, they should be happy to eat several times a day. If their appetite is low when they arrive and does not improve or it is good but decreases then you should consider visiting your vet. Keep in mind that very small puppies will only be able to eat small amounts regularly during the day.
- DIARRHOEA
It is something that plagues us all, and when it strikes, it’s no fun for anybody. While diarrhoea could just be caused by anxiety (i.e., moving to a new home), or by a change in diet it could also be caused by a virus or parasite. It could be a good idea to take a stool sample over to the vet for them to analyse. If, however, you notice that the diarrhoea has blood in it, you should take your puppy to the vet immediately, as this could be a sign of gastrointestinal disease.
- VOMITING
Just like with diarrhoea, vomiting could also just be a nervous reaction to a change in the routine. However, it could also be the result of something more serious. Perhaps your puppy has been eating their food too quickly, in which case you should consider giving them smaller meals at more frequent intervals to prevent them from scarfing it all down. If the vomiting persists, or is unusual (i.e., has blood in it) they should be taken to the vet immediately, as it could be symptomatic of something much larger.
- WHIMPERING
Just because your puppy can’t speak to you, doesn’t mean they won’t try. If you notice your pup making unusual noises, or whimpering incessantly, it could be they are trying to tell you something about their health. It could very well be that they are just vying for attention, but if the whimpering persists, or if it seems like they are not whimpering to be noticed, it might mean that they are injured in some way, or possibly suffering from internal pain, which could indicate an illness. Use your best judgement, but don’t hesitate to visit a vet if you think they are hurting.
- LICKING OR ITCHING
Puppies are still dogs, and dogs lick and scratch themselves. It’s just part of being a dog. However, if you notice that they are really going after one spot in particular, it could be caused by a rash or an allergy, in which case you might want to consider getting them an antihistamine or soothing ointment — but only after getting the go ahead from your vet.
- DIZZINESS (ATAXIA)
Puppies are certainly no stranger to unusual behaviours, often chasing their own tail or things no one else can see. It is all part of how they are hardwired. But if it seems like they are walking around listlessly, or in a drunken manner, it could be symptomatic of low blood sugar or dehydration. Low blood sugar should be unlikely f your puppy is eating regularly and dehydration should be unlikely if your puppy is drinking water regularly. However both symptoms can exist as a result of various illnesses, if symptoms persist, you should take them to the vet as soon as you can, as this could become serious.
OVERVIEW
It may seem like the overall response to any symptom is to rush over to the vet, and this article is not intended to make an alarmist out of you, but the reality is that it can be very hard to tell when your puppy is just being a puppy or if there is something more serious going on below the surface. Use your best judgement when trying to help your puppy get back to normal, in most cases the symptoms above will be noticeable because they differ from what you are used to with your puppy. If you are uncertain, never hesitate to let a vet take a look. Better safe than sorry.
