Date posted: 4-2-01

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Experts offer travel tips for pets

By Emily Kohl

DeKalb News Service

ROCKFORD -- Sharon Trapp of Rockford travels to southern Illinois every fall and spring to see her son, Darin. DD, her miniature Schnauzer, often rides along during the six-hour trip.

"DD doesn't want to be kept crated," Trapp said. "She has to be able to see what is going on."

Trapp never has had a problem with DD riding in the car. Other travelers aren't always so lucky.
Jaime Fagerstrom, services manager at PetsMart in Rockford, said a lot of animals get nervous when taking trips. She had many recommendations to ensure a pet is comfortable and safe while traveling.

When traveling by car, frequent stops are a must for pets to take a break. Fagerstrom recommended stopping every 30 to 45 minutes.

"It is important to make your pet comfortable while traveling," Fagerstrom said. "Take blankets, favorite toys, stuff that reminds them of home to ensure a pleasant environment."

Not every pet is comfortable riding in a car. Fagerstrom stressed that people who only take their pets in the car when going to the veterinarian may have a problem when trying to go elsewhere.

"Pets will associate getting in the car to something bad," she said. "Some get so nervous that they actually will throw up in the car."

Dogs that have severe stress when traveling may benefit from a product called Calm Down. Fagerstrom said the product isn't necessarily a "doggie-downer," but helps to relax the dog before traveling.

"You just put a teaspoon of the liquid in your dog's water and you will see results in 30 to 45 minutes," she said.

Trapp takes DD with her on short errands around town as a way of getting her out of the house.

"The only problem I've ever had with DD is that she slobbers all over my car windows," she said.

During warm months, it is important not to leave a pet in the car without water and without the windows cracked, according to www.petco.com. Fagerstrom agreed and said when it is only 70 degrees outside the temperature inside a closed car can reach 90 degrees in only 10 minutes.

Finally, Fagerstrom said it is important to know where veterinarian offices and animal hospitals are at your destination.

"In case something should happen, you should know the hours of these places. Always take your pet's medical information along with you," she said.

Trapp said it is important to stay in pet-friendly hotels, too.

"You don't want to have to leave your dog in the car all night," she said.

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Source list:
· (Jamie Fagerstrom, Services Manager-PetsMart, 815-397-7880)
· (Sharon Trapp, pet owner)
· (www.petco.com)