Traveling with Pets on Medication

If your veterinarian has prescribed medicine for your dog or cat, you can still include her in your family’s vacation plans. As long as your pet is well enough for travel, a medication routine should not get in the way of an enjoyable trip together. There are a few things to remember which will help the journey go smoothly for both you and your pet.

Preparing for Your Trip

When packing for your trip, be sure to bring your pet’s medication in the original prescription bottle. Families are often tempted to bring only enough pills for the duration of the trip and leave original container home. But if you are stopped for any reason during your vacation, either by customs agents or local police, pills that are not clearly labeled could arouse suspicion and get you in a great deal of trouble.

If you choose to bring only a small quantity of medicine, plan ahead and save your old bottle when you refill your pet’s prescription. Then you can divide the pills you are bringing and those you are leaving home between the two containers.

Being Ready Throughout the Trip

Your pet’s medicine should be packed in luggage that will stay with you during your journey. It would be difficult and disruptive to your vacation if you had to try to replace a lost prescription. When you are flying, a carry-on bag is a smart way to transport medication, and when you are driving, choose a small bag that you can take with you if you have to leave your car unattended.

Caring for Medication While Traveling

As when you are at home, be careful to store medicine according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Most medicines should be kept away from direct sunlight and intense heat. For medicine that needs to be refrigerated, an insulated cooler will keep your pet’s prescription fresh.

Sticking to a Routine

When you are away on vacation, routines and schedules are happily tossed away as you relax and soak up new experiences. You may be enjoy eating, waking and sleeping at different times, however it is important to remember that your pet still needs his medication on time to stay healthy.

If you plan to be out somewhere with your pet during medication time, be sure to bring the bottle along with you so he doesn’t miss a dose. You might even consider setting a reminder alarm on your cell phone so that your pet continues to receive all the medicine she needs to stay healthy during her traveling adventure.