Heading abroad? Pack your pet

To tranquilize or not to tranquilize
The most common tranquilizer used for airline travel is Acepromazine. Others, including Valium, are acceptable. Significant tranquilization usually lasts about 2-3 hours, and then a gradual recovery occurs over the next 2-3 hours.

The problem is that flights from the U.S. to Europe can be 10 hours long, meaning medication can wear off in the air and leave the pet very confused. And that's without taking delays into consideration.

Consequently, many veterinarians are suggesting spraying the carrier before take-off with stress reducing spray such as Comfort Zone for dogs and Feliway for cats and adding a few drops of a holistic remedy called Rescue Remedy to their water bowl and then freezing it. This way, the pet can lick the ice as it melts and stay calm throughout the journey.

Security blanket check
Don’t forget to put your pet’s favorite blankets and toys in the carrier for comfort and security. It’s also OK to take a packet of your pet’s favorite treats along in your luggage as long as it’s unopened and remains sealed until you reach your destination.

Also, be sure to get any necessary paperwork regarding pet medications from your veterinarian and be sure to pack them along with your other important documents.

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Pets are very welcome in Europe, so you should have a lot of fun. And as you jet off, a copy of “The Cat Who Went to Paris” by Peter Gethers is required reading for the flight. The hilarious tales of this Scottish Fold who traveled the world, wined and dined in Europe’s most fashionable restaurants and almost started a war in Italy over an uneaten sardine will have you rolling in the aisle.

Bone Voyage!

Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. She is the recent recipient of the Humane Society of the United States' Pets for Life Award. Her work appears in many national and international publications.

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