By Rhonda Baillargeon, LVT
TURNER — Let’s face it, going to the veterinary office can be a stressful time for pets and their parents. Even the sweetest, most docile pet can have a change of attitude when it arrives at the hospital.
Not only is it bombarded by unfamiliar scents and noises, it can also sense that mom and dad are nervous or anxious about the trip.
Pet owners can make their pets as safe as possible by following some recommendations.
A cat in a carrier is a safe cat. Too many times cats have escaped the arms of their loving owners when they arrive at the veterinary hospital. Just the traffic noise on the street in front of the office can be enough to terrify a cat who has spent most of its life indoors.
There are several styles of carriers available. Some are hard plastic with a door in the front and/or in the top. Others are different varieties of fabrics with zippered doors in the ends or the top. There are also cardboard carriers and even totes with lids and pillowcases that can be used in a pinch. All carriers should be cleaned before using and have a permanent place in the home so the cat is familiar with it before it is needed.
Dogs should always be on a leash, and it should be a regular 4- or 6-foot lead and not a retractable leash. The retractable styles are nice for walking with your dog because they allow a little more freedom for him to sniff and explore. They should not be used with a dog that has not been taught to walk politely on leash or when in an area with other dogs around. Retractable leashes do not provide the control needed when we are around other dogs and that can lead to dangerous interactions.
These types of leashes can also cause neck and head injuries to the dog who runs to the end of the leash and is whipped back suddenly when he reaches the end of it. In addition, the thin cord of some of these leashes can cause burns or broken bones for the pet parent. Because a veterinary office can be a busy place with lots of other pets milling around, a regular leash provides more control and is safer for everyone involved.
Other pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs should also be transported in cat carriers for their safety. Not all dogs think of these animals as pets and may not interact well with them.
There are small travel cages available for smaller pets like hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. These cages provide a safe means of transporting these pets and should include just food and water bowls.
Birds also benefit from a small travel cage which should be covered with a cage cover or even a towel or blanket. The cover protects the bird from any drafts and also provides a visible barrier to help reduce the risk of the bird panicking. This cage should have just one perch and bowls for food and water. Hanging toys and other items can be dangerous during travel.
If you have any questions about how to safely transport your fur or feathered baby, check with the staff at your veterinary office for a specific recommendation.
