Travelling with Senior Pets: Tips for a Smooth Journey
As a pet parent, you may consider travelling as a challenging experience, especially if you are travelling with a senior pet. But don't worry; traveling with senior pets is definitely doable and can be a fun and memorable experience. We can make travelling a comfortable and stress-free experience for our older pets and us pet parents by making some little adjustments.
Here are some tips that will help us to have a smooth traveling journey with our senior pets.
Medication 
Before arranging a trip with older pets, make sure that your pet's medication doesn't need any adjustments. Consult with your vet before embarking on your journey, especially if it is a big trip. You may also need an additional script.
Pack enough medication and some spare in case of delays in your travel plans. And as you will be immersed in your travel experiences, you may want to consider setting an alarm as a reminder to give your senior pet their medication. This will ensure you maintain the usual dosage schedule and prevent any troubles during travel.
Plan Frequent Breaks During Trip
Arranging frequent breaks makes the travelling experience more comfortable for both us and our pets. Planning regular stops where you can let your pet out for a walk and a wee will keep your senior pet comfortable and less exhausted. Although you may be keen to reach your destination, stopping every two hours is suggested where possible.
If you are travelling with a senior pet that would usually use a litter box, consider using a disposable one, be sure to try it at home so your senior pet is familiar with it before travelling.
Pack familiar things 
Familiar things give a sense of security to our older pets, particularly if they have reduced eyesight or hearing.
Don't forget to bring your pet's favourite bed or blanket so he can happily curl up even in unfamiliar places.
Having a few of their favourite toys at hand will keep your senior pet calm throughout the journey.
Don't assume you will be able to get your favourite senior’s pet food during your trip or at your destination. Do some research and if necessary, take food with you.
Consider Temperature 
Both extreme hot and cold temperatures can make our senior pets sick. High temperatures and humidity can drain our pet's energy more quickly as they age.
Check the temperature of where you are going and where you are travelling through. If required, pack to keep your senior pet warm and always carry additional water.
If you are travelling by car, air conditioning and heating will keep your senior pet comfortable. Remember it is hotter in a car than outside, so never leave your senor pet in the car when not travelling.
Be Ready for Emergencies
Travelling with senior pets is similar to traveling with children. We must be ready for an emergency and keep all the essentials along.
Remember to pack clean-up supplies, a first aid kit, wee pads, medical supplies, and medications to treat nausea and anxiousness.
Have a list of vets where are you are travelling in case your senior pet needs help among the way.
Ginger snaps work best for canines prone to motion sickness while traveling.
If motion sickness is because of nervousness, purchase a product containing pheromones. Spray it in the back seat or a dog's crate to calm down a furry friend.
Natural sedatives like Catnip tea and Chamomile make older cats calmer during travel.
Traveling with our senior pets is not a piece of cake. However, we can make their journey full of pleasure and comfort by following the above tips. Taking a pause for our senior cat or dog can delay our arrival at the destination, but it's worth their happiness. We hope these tips make your and your pet's journey less complicated. Happy traveling!
