How to Travel with Your Pet or Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility

I sometimes get nervous traveling with my pets but it can be a seamless experience. Traveling with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Whether you are going on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or staying at a hotel, you need to consider your pet's safety, comfort, and well-being. Here are some tips on how to travel with your pet or find a trustworthy pet sitter or boarding facility.

Before you travel, make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and microchip identification. You may also need to get a health certificate from your vet if you are traveling across state or country borders.

- Pack a travel kit for your pet that includes food, water, bowls, treats, toys, leash, collar, harness, carrier, crate, bedding, litter box, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, and first-aid kit. You may also want to bring some familiar items from home to help your pet feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Choose a pet-friendly mode of transportation and accommodation. If you are driving, secure your pet in a carrier or crate that is well-ventilated and large enough for them to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. Make frequent stops to let your pet stretch, drink, and relieve themselves. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, as it can quickly become too hot or too cold for them. If you are flying, check the airline's policies and requirements for traveling with pets. Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you, while others require pets to travel in the cargo hold. Either way, you need to book your pet's ticket in advance and pay a fee.

You also need to make sure your pet's carrier meets the airline's specifications and has proper ventilation, labels, and identification. If you are staying at a hotel, look for one that is pet-friendly and has amenities such as dog parks, pet beds, and bowls. You may also need to pay a deposit or fee for your pet. Always keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier when outside your room and do not leave them unattended in the room. Be respectful of other guests and staff and clean up after your pet.

If you decide to leave your pet at home while you travel, you have two options: hiring a pet sitter or boarding your pet at a facility. A pet sitter is someone who comes to your home to take care of your pet while you are away. They can provide services such as feeding, walking, playing, grooming, administering medication, and sending you updates and photos of your pet. A boarding facility is a place where you drop off your pet and they stay there until you pick them up. They can provide services such as food, water, shelter, exercise, socialization, supervision, and veterinary care.

To find a trustworthy pet sitter or boarding facility, you can ask for recommendations from your friends, family, vet, or local pet store. You can also use online platforms such as Rover.com or PetSitter.com that connect you with verified and reviewed pet sitters and boarders in your area. Before you hire or book anyone or anything, you should do some research and check their credentials, reviews, references, policies, and fees. You should also meet them in person or virtually and see how they interact with your pet. You should also ask them questions about their experience, availability, services, procedures, and emergency plans.

Whether you travel with your pet or leave them at home with someone else's care, you should always make sure they are happy and healthy. You should also enjoy your trip and have fun with or without your furry friend.

Weight Management, Obesity in Pets

Obesity and weight management for pet dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits

Obesity is a common nutritional disorder that affects many pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits. I know my cat has put on some weight so I decided to write this article as I know others have similiar experiences.

Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat that impairs health and quality of life. Obesity can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, skin infections, respiratory difficulties, kidney dysfunction, and some types of cancer. Obesity can also reduce the lifespan and well-being of pets.

The main causes of obesity in pets are overfeeding and lack of exercise. Many pet owners do not realize how much food their pets need or how to measure it accurately. They may also give too many treats or human foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients. Some pets may have genetic or hormonal factors that predispose them to obesity, such as hypothyroidism or neutering. However, these conditions do not make obesity inevitable; they only increase the risk.

The first step in preventing or treating obesity in pets is to assess their body condition. Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple method that uses visual and tactile cues to determine the amount of fat and muscle on a pet’s body. A BCS of 1 indicates severe emaciation, while a BCS of 9 indicates severe obesity. The ideal BCS for most pets is 4 or 5, which means that the ribs are easily felt but not seen, the waist is visible from above, and the abdomen is tucked up from the side.

The second step is to consult with a veterinarian to determine the optimal weight and calorie intake for each pet. The veterinarian can also rule out any medical conditions that may contribute to obesity or complicate weight loss. The veterinarian can recommend a suitable diet that meets the nutritional needs of the pet while providing a controlled amount of calories. Some diets are specially formulated for weight management, such as Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets, which contain high-quality protein, low-fat, high-fiber, and added vitamins and minerals.

The third step is to implement a weight loss plan that involves dietary therapy and physical activity. The weight loss plan should be individualized for each pet, taking into account their age, breed, health status, lifestyle, and preferences. The weight loss plan should aim for a gradual and consistent weight loss of about 1-2% of body weight per week. The weight loss plan should be monitored regularly by the veterinarian and adjusted as needed based on the pet’s progress and response.

The fourth step is to maintain a healthy weight for the long term. This requires ongoing commitment from the pet owner and the veterinarian. The pet owner should continue to measure the food portions, limit the treats, and provide regular exercise for the pet. The veterinarian should continue to check the body weight, BCS, and overall health of the pet at least every 6 months. The veterinarian should also provide support and guidance to help the pet owner overcome any challenges or difficulties along the way.

Obesity and weight management for pet dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits are important aspects of pet care that can improve the health and happiness of our furry friends. By following these steps, we can help our pets achieve and maintain their ideal body condition and enjoy a longer and better life with us.

I hope this was a helpful overview for your fur babies health.