Puppy Socialization: Why Is It Important?

Bringing a puppy home is among the most joyous experiences you can have. When a dog is brought home as a puppy, it needs to be fed, cared for, and taught, so they can thrive in their new environment. You might have heard of house training, wherein you teach your pup how to interact with various items and people in your household.

You might also have heard of the term socialization; think of socialization as training for the outside world. A properly socialized pup will be able to interact and thrive in any circumstance or setting and become comfortable around a variety of sights and smells. Doing so when a puppy is still young is crucial, as this will help prepare them for the future and avoid behavioural issues further down the road. Here are a few reasons why puppy socialization is important and how you can socialize with your new best friend.

What is Puppy Socialization?

Socialization is the process of learning to live and behave in a socially acceptable manner. Puppy socialization is done for this purpose as well, to help them learn how to function and participate in their respective social spheres. It is usually done when a dog is still a pup, at around 3-12 weeks of age, as this is the period where a pup’s brain can easily learn about the different sorts of interactions in their daily life.

Early socialization eases the acclimation process and helps your puppy become comfortable in their day-to-day environment. During the socialization period, a pet parent will try to expose their pup to multiple stimuli which will familiarize their friend with several experiences, meeting people and animals and getting to smell and see plenty. When done at an early stage, a puppy becomes accustomed to its environment and grows into a healthy pet that is well-adjusted to its environment.  

Here are a few things a puppy can become comfortable with once socialized:

• People (both inside the household and out in the world)
• New sights and smells 
• New objects 
• Other dogs and new animals 
• New materials and surfaces (Example: glass) 

Why is it Important to Socialize My Puppy? 

Socialization is both important and necessary for your dog to be comfortable throughout their life. Dogs have to deal with a variety of stimuli throughout their lives, especially if they reside in a crowded or built-up area. From people to cars to a plethora of different stimuli, fast-moving objects and stationary ones, your pet will be exposed to multiple stimuli, and the more familiar your pet is with them, the better off it will be when at home or during pet travel.

Let’s take an example. Let’s say you live in an apartment complex, and you’re using the lift with your pet when a teenager walks into the lift. They might be considerate and ask to pet your dog, but they also might be ignorant of the situation and simply reach forward to touch your dog; such everyday situations are what early socialization targets, as the more exposure your pet has to everyday stimuli and situations, the better equipped it will be to handle them in the future. Puppies who have been properly socialized are less anxious and afraid of the outdoor world and other people/animals, and oftentimes socialization is crucial to avoid issues like anxiety and behavioural issues in the future. 

How Can I Socialize My Puppy? 

While it may seem like you simply need to head out with your puppy and show it the sights and smells in the neighbourhood, there are a few things you’ll need to do before you can do so safely. One such thing is their vaccinations; make sure your puppy has received the core group of vaccinations (DHLPP) and ensure your pup is safe to be outdoors, as their young age leaves them prone to diseases and these are mandatory vaccinations for pet travel.

Be sure to speak to your vet before beginning the socialization process and avoid any stray dogs or other animals outdoors to minimize the risk of diseases and unwanted pests (ticks, fleas, etc). Here are a few tips on the socialization process and how to go about it. 

• Preparing Your Puppy: Before you’re heading out, you should make sure you have a few basics such as a collar, harness, water, poop bags, wet wipes, and a mat.
• Positive Reinforcement: You should use positive reinforcement while socializing your pet to help build a positive relationship between your pet and your environment. You can reward your pet with love, affection, toys, or treats for positive interactions with their surroundings and environment. 
• Be Slow & Steady with Stimuli: Puppies need to be introduced to stimuli gradually, otherwise they may feel anxious. When showing your puppy new sights, be sure to observe and watch out for their body language; looking away, ears being pulled back shaking, or whimpering are all signs of anxiety, and you should move your pup immediately if you observe them.  Divert their attention with a treat or toy and wait for them to calm down. They do not need to be exposed to everything all at once, so the exposure should be brief and built upon gradually. 
• Introduce Your Pup to People: Short and sweet interactions with people are a must during the socialization process. If you’re a family with children, then you’ll need to socialize your pup around children as well. Keep interactions short until your puppy is comfortable around people; do not let anyone pick up your puppy or make sudden movements with them, as it may scare your pup.
  
• Follow a Socialization Routine: Pets are creatures of habit. Therefore, you should follow a routine while you’re socializing your pet. fix up a routine and socialize your pet regularly throughout the week, roughly 2-4 times depending on your progress with the socialization process.  Also, make sure to continue the socialization process as time goes on, as repetitive and continuous exposure to a variety of stimuli and situations is what will desensitize your dog and prevent behavioural regression as they age. 

Tips on How to Socialize a Puppy 

• Walk your puppy during mornings and evenings, through different scenery, settings, and localities (if possible). 
• Walk your puppy on a variety of surfaces; Grass, gravel, dirt, sand, concrete, metal, and stone are some day-to-day surfaces, so it is useful to get them used to them early. 
• Keep your puppy away from areas or localities where there are sick/unvaccinated/stray dogs. There is a risk of contracting infectious diseases, which should be minimized by avoiding them altogether. 
• Avoid areas with heavy amounts of litter or pet waste such as dog walking trails, at least until your pet is fully vaccinated. 
• Arrange social playtime with other healthy pet puppies. 
• Introduce your puppy to people, both young and old. 
• Negative reinforcement will only act as a setback, so move your puppy immediately if you notice your puppy's body language shift or if it appears scared. 

Socialization is necessary to function in society, for both humans and pets. By making sure you socialize your pet early, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of comfort, whether at home, out and about in the neighbourhood, or when on a long journey when embarking on pet travel. Socializing is important because it will ensure your pup stays comfortable in any scene or setting; by providing it promptly, you'll ensure your pup is as comfortable as it can be in life.

Grain Free Versus Grain Inclusive Dog Food

 

Pet food & the pet food industry has advanced significantly over a decade. Such advancements are certainly welcome, but they can oftentimes be a double-edged sword. While a wide range of options may appear like a blessing at first glance, the reality is that a plethora of options complicates things.

For instance, there are numerous products which contain loads of fillers, additives, artificial enhancers, and preservatives, with next to no nutritional value. If anything, such products are a cause for concern since they can lead to potential health issues for your dog further down the line.

Given the various options on offer, a common question is what are grain-free & grain-inclusive pet food. As always, you should consult your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet, but it is helpful to know the differences between grain-free and grain-inclusive dog foods so you can make the best choice for your dog’s diet.

What is Grain-Free Dog Food?

Grain-free foods are grain-free dog foods, as you may have already guessed from their name, and contain grains in low concentrations. Dog breeds that are of working descent or are active daily may benefit from a protein-rich diet, and grain-free foods do away with the grains in foods and substitute them for meat and fruits/veggies. Such a diet is sometimes recommended for dogs with skin conditions, frequent eye or ear infections, and sensitive stomachs, as too many unhealthy grains in your pet’s kibble can cause these conditions.

At a glance, you’d think grain-free diets are good for your dog given the benefits they bring. However, things are not as simple as that. When a particular dog food is advertised as grain-free, it means that it has tiny amounts of grain; but, to keep the ratios even, it will have another ingredient in higher concentrations. High-quality dog food will substitute the grain for more meat, meaning the protein gained is from actual meat instead of a filler or artificial food.

While grain-free diets are largely grain-free, the binding agent used in dog foods will always be based on grain, usually lentils if it is a high-quality product. Some further ingredients may be added for fibre and for a complete diet too, so don't fret if you spot grains on your pet's grain-free food bag. All you need to do is make sure that the grains are present in small quantities, and you’ll be good to go.

Another thing to look out for when buying dog food is the labelling. You’ll notice that the term “meal” is used often on the packaging of dog food. Most of the time the term is positive, implying each serving will be high in nutrition. However, this is only the case with meals that are specific and contain no extra products. As an example, you should always make sure that your dog's meal of choice has the source of protein highlighted. Specific titles like "chicken meal" are protein-specific, letting you know the primary protein in the food comes from chicken, while "meat meal" is vague and could contain any sort of meat from any sort of animal (or animals) in it. 

What is Grain Inclusive Dog Foods?

A misconception that must be cleared up is that all grains are bad. This is simply not true, and the poor reputation of grains in dog food has much to do with the inclusion of filler grains in dog foods that provide no nutrition. Grains are no problem by themselves, provided they are not the main ingredient in a dog meal.

The important thing is to be able to differentiate between harmful/filler grains and healthy grains. Wheat, corn, and soy are filler grains and are often responsible for the poor reputation of grains. Oatmeal, barley, and brown rice are healthy grains that are high in fibre and help provide a high-quality meal to your pet without any fillers or artificial ingredients.  

A grain-free diet might be too rich for some dogs as the protein can be difficult to digest, so if your dog has a sensitive stomach or isn’t very active daily, you can go for a grain-inclusive diet. Remember, grains are the supplement in your dog’s meal and should never be the primary ingredient present in your pet’s food bowl.

To conclude, grain-free and grain-inclusive diets are simply the inclusion or exclusion of grains in a certain diet or dog food. Grain-free diets substitute fibre for more protein, while grain-inclusive diets help with digestion due to the added fibre from the grains in them. There is no right or wrong option here, so you should choose the diet that suits your pet and their growth the best. Make sure to consult your vet before making any changes to your pet's diet and ask for recommendations for grain-inclusive and grain-free dog foods if you’re confused about what to go with.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your pup receives a complete and balanced diet that is suited to them and will aid their growth and development. Remember, regardless of whether a diet is grain-inclusive or grain-free, a high-quality food product is extremely important to ensure your pup gets all the benefits of its food. 

Tips to Protect Your Pet Against Illness

Biology is hardly unbreakable. Regardless of what type of pet you have, at the end of the day, a pet is a biological organism and is susceptible to sickness. Since sicknesses can hamper your pet’s daily life and cause a host of issues for both you and them, it is necessary to protect them against potential sickness and disease.

Here Are A Few Tips on How to Protect Your Pet Against Potential Illness:

Stay up to date on Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a reliable and efficient way of protecting your pet from potential illnesses. Provided you get your pet booster doses at the right times to maintain protection, vaccinations are an easy way to safeguard their health in the long term. A rabies vaccination is commonly cited as one of the necessary basic vaccinations for pets, but there are a few more immunizations you can provide your pet to prevent disease and serious illnesses. Such vaccinations are also mandatory if you ever plan on an international pet relocation. 

Vaccinations can help prevent the following diseases in pets: 

• Distemper 
• Bordetella 
• Leptospirosis 
• Lyme Disease
• Parvovirus 
• Rabies 

Depending on where you live, some vaccines will be mandatory due to government regulations, while others won’t be state mandated. If you’re confused or unsure about the protection to give your pet, visit your vet so they may clear up your doubts. Your vet can draw out a vaccination routine chart, complete with booster doses and vaccination effectiveness to help you gauge the current level of protection your pet has and how long it will be in place. As a general rule, aside from rabies, you should get your pet the basic group of vaccinations when you visit your vet with them for the first time. 

1.   Practice Preventive Treatment

There are plenty of ways your pet can pick up a disease, and the more exposed your pet is to the elements, the more likely it is to pick up an affliction. Invasive parasites can also cause illnesses, as they pass along pathogens when they feed on a pet’s blood. Fleas and ticks are the most commonly found parasites in household pets, and are responsible for spreading diseases like Bartonella, Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis. 

 Due to this, internal and external parasite treatment is prescribed for pets to prevent such parasites from making home in your pet’s body. Worry not though; there are anti flea collars, anti-tick/flea shampoos, and medications available to curb the spread of blood-sucking parasites. As always, consult your vet before selecting any course of action or product.

1.   Brush Your Pet Down When Returning Indoors

If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, whether for walks or refreshment, you should give them a basic brush when they return indoors. Pets that spend time outdoors have a far greater chance of picking up ticks or fleas, so brushing them immediately is a good idea and helps prevent a potential infection. If you observe more than a tick or two, schedule a vet visit for a thorough cleaning. 

1.     You may have heard this point twice or thrice already, but that doesn’t make it any less crucial. Pets can sometimes show signs of illness that a pet parent can’t pick up on since they aren’t an animal specialist. Frequent vet visits are necessary for this reason, as a vet can judge your pet’s health across different visits to establish a baseline, against which your pet’s health is compared to check whether it is heathy or requires treatment. Your vet will conduct physical exams, blood tests, and waste tests to gauge your pet’s health. Any issues that they find can then be diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion, making sure your pet remains healthy in the long run. 

Ensure Pets and Wildlife Remain Separated

If you have an outdoor pet or one that must be taken outdoors frequently, steer clear of any wildlife in or around your area. Wild animals like stray dogs, cats, rabbits, racoons, and monkeys carry pathogens and parasites which can spread to your pet if they are scratched or bitten. Make sure to keep your pet on a leash or harness when walking outdoors and avoid wild animals. If you do run into a wild animal or have a scrap with one, visit your vet immediately and make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Call the local animal control authority to see if you’re having an issue with wild animals in your locality. during pet travel by road, avoid spaces with lots of wildlife. 

1.   Diet

While a healthy diet may seem like a massive change with loads to plan for, the reality is you’ll have smooth sailing once you plan the diet itself. Remember to visit your vet with your pet, and once you have a portion size you can measure out for each meal, stick to it. Make sure your pet only eats healthy and drinks clean water and steer them clear of any foreign food or water
sources like puddles or trashcans.

1.  Cleanliness is Key 

Your pet isn’t the only one who needs to stay clean. Diseases can pass from animals to humans as well as humans to animals, meaning you should keep yourself clean to avoid introducing any diseases into your household. Make sure to wash your hands when returning indoors, as well as after interacting with any animal.

No pet parent wishes for an illness to befall their furry baby. The good news is that it is relatively easy to avoid any serious illnesses with a few preventive measures. Provided you keep your pet clean, avoid items of unknown origin on walks, schedule annual vet visits, and feed them a healthy diet, you should have no trouble making sure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Common Dog Illnesses & How to Spot Them

No living organism is immune to diseases. Our pets are no different, and while most people assume that dogs have inherently strong immune systems, they are still susceptible to certain illnesses. Most commonly occurring conditions are not particularly serious. However, if left untreated, these conditions can become a cause for concern and pose a threat to your dog’s health and well-being.

As expert pet relocators, we understand how important your pet’s health is, even more so when embarking on pet travel. Illness means your pet cannot safely travel, especially if it is suffering from a communicable condition, and since an international pet relocation involves numerous health checks, it is necessary for your pet to be healthy if you intend on travelling together.

Common Dog Illnesses & Ailments

Dental Disease

Dogs require dental care just like people. Oral and dental issues are amongst the most prominent and common issues faced by dogs, which can increase in severity with time. Plaque, tartar, and gingivitis are the early signs of dental disease in dogs, with more severe symptoms of periodontal (gums & bone) disease like abscesses developing if no treatment is administered.

The primary symptom of dental disease is frequent bad breath, even after cleaning or brushing. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, drooling, red or bleeding gums, discolouration of teeth/gums, and loose teeth. Treatments for such conditions are administered by a vet, with cleaning, tooth extraction, or root canals prescribed depending on the disease. Frequent brushing and regular vet visits are the best and easiest ways of preventing dental diseases. Invest in a dog toothbrush and dental wipes to help you maintain your dog’s dental health, which can then be supplemented by a bi-annual vet visit for complete care.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can have a few causes. Repetitive ear infections are typically caused by allergens, especially ones present in your dog’s food like wheat or soy. Common indicators that your dog is suffering from an ear infection are scratching, pawing, or rubbing their ears on different surfaces. More advanced symptoms of an ear infection include pain, loss of balance, loss of hair around the ear, and a reddened ear canal.

Treatment of an ear infection can be done at home, provided you have it diagnosed by your vet and have the appropriate medication for it. Remember to clean and dry the infected ear and consult your vet before administering any medication, be it an anti-fungal or an antibiotic.

Itchy skin/Skin Infections 

A dog scratching themselves is a common sight, so you’ll be forgiven for not picking up on a skin infection instantly.  However, if you notice your dog scratching continuously and restlessly, the chances are the culprit is a skin infection. Such a condition has numerous causes; an allergen in your pet's diet, bacterial infections or a yeast infection are all probable causes of a skin infection, and you should visit your vet if the incessant itching hasn’t ceased after a diet change.

After diagnosing the nature of your dog’s skin condition, your vet can prescribe a shampoo or ointment that is suitable for your pet’s skin condition and fur type. Do not try to diagnose and medicate your dog’s condition by yourself, as even your good intentions can have negative results.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea 

Upset digestive systems can happen. Dogs spend a lot of time around their owners and inevitably have a nibble of something they cannot digest, which manifests itself as an upset stomach for a day or two. However, if more chronic or persistent vomiting and diarrhoea follow, you should visit your vet immediately as these may be symptoms of a more serious underlying condition.

There are various potential causes for your dog's upset digestive system. Although your dog may have eaten something they should not have, it can be caused by an illness, intestinal worms, or parasites. Head to your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis if your dog's condition does not improve after an initial bout of vomiting/diarrhoea.

Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are marked by symptoms like frequent peeing, indoor peeing (despite training), crying or yelping while peeing, or blood in the urine. Head to your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as the vet can diagnose the severity of the issue and the required treatment for it. If an infection is found, an antibiotic course will likely follow.

Stiffness and Pain

Stiffness and joint pain accompanied by difficulty in moving about are things dogs experience at roughly six years of age, depending on their breed and size. If you notice your dog is more lethargic, struggles to get up from a resting position, is slow to climb a flight of stairs, or appears less mobile than before, then it may have stiff joints and the pain that comes with it. Keep your dog’s bones and joints healthy with frequent exercise and keep their weight in check to alleviate stiffness. Some larger dog breeds are known to suffer from joint issues; consult your vet if you own such a breed for a more long-term solution.

Timely Intervention is Key

As you may have noticed, most of these diseases and ailments are easier to prevent than to cure, since you can prevent them by daily maintenance but only a professional can truly cure a serious condition. It is why it is important to know the symptoms of these common illnesses, as recognizing them and acting quickly can prevent any further issues. If you are ever in doubt about your pet’s health, make sure to contact your vet immediately, and maintain vigilance when your dog falls sick to differentiate between a general condition and a serious one. 

Top 5 Pet-Friendly Airlines from the USA To India

Given that pets are an integral part of the family unit nowadays, it is no surprise to see services catering specifically to the needs of the modern house pet. Pet travel is one such service, with a host of airlines now offering domestic and international pet transportation services to flyers accompanied by pets. 

It has gotten to the point where a traveler has multiple pet-friendly airlines to choose from, who fly specific routes, all of whom promise a smooth journey and a hassle-free experience. 

Here Are Five of Them in No Particular Order :

Air India

Air India is extremely accommodating when it comes to pets. Not only do they let passengers fly their pets with them, but they also allow pets in the cabin, which is a rarity in India. To fly with Air India, all you need is a fit-to-fly certificate and your pet’s vaccination record. The international import requirements vary from country to country though, and you should do your research before making a booking. 

Air India does not allow pets on non-stop flights, with the only exception being made for service dogs. 

Your Pet Can Depart from These Airports in India: 

• Bangalore (BLR)
• Chennai (MAA)
• Delhi (DEL)
• Hyderabad (HYD)
• Kolkata (CCU)
• Mumbai (BOM)

Pets in Cargo: Permitted 

Pets in Cabin: Permitted 

Price: Varies 

Turkish Airlines 

Turkish Airlines fly a plethora of routes and allows pets to fly both in-cabin (as long as your pet + crate weighs under 8 KG) and in the cargo bay. They allow dogs, cats, and small birds to fly onboard. Passengers are allowed two pet crates per plane, but only one is permitted inside the cabin. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $70 USD and above 

Lufthansa Airlines 

Lufthansa welcomes pet travel. Passengers are allowed to travel with their pets inside the cabin and in the cargo hold. They impose an age limit, wherein your pet needs to be at least 16 weeks/4 months old before they can travel. The airline and its customer support teams ensure your journey is as smooth as possible, so make sure to contact them when making your booking. 

They also impose an 8KG weight limit for pets travelling in-cabin, which includes the weight of the pet and the crate accompanying it. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $90 USD and above 

JetBlue 

JetBlue is recognized as one of the most pet-friendly airlines throughout the United States. They offer a program called the Jet Paws program, which is tailor-made to cater to passengers travelling with pets. Included in this program are services like reservations and travel bookings, and special areas where pets can relax and unwind. 

 

JetBlue issues specific guidelines about the size of the crate your pet can fly in-cabin in. For cabin travel, the crate should measure 43.18 centimeters long X 31.75 centimeters wide X 21.59 centimeters high (or 17 inches long X 12.5 inches wide X 8 inches high). 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $100 USD

Delta Air

Delta Air continues the trend of pet-friendly North American Airline operators and allows pets to travel either as excess baggage or in the cabin with the pet parent. Your pet and approved pet carrier count as one personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you. 

 

The pet carrier cannot exceed 17" Length x 12.5" Width x 8.5" Height (43.18 cm Length x 31.75 cm Width x 21.59 cm Height). The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $125 USD  

To Conclude 

Do remember that most airlines will offer provisions for both in-cabin travel with your pet, and pet travel in the cargo hold, but will not accept pets in the cabin when on international journeys. This rule is in place for the comfort and safety of passengers and pets. 

 

Choosing an airline for your journey, especially one with your pet, is extremely important. Thankfully, you now have options to choose from. Always choose the option which serves your trip the best, and always make your choice with the safety of your pet in mind. 

 

Need help relocating your pet? With door-to-door pet relocations available domestically and internationally by our expert pet handlers, we have you covered. Contact 08908909020 or enquiry@carrymypet.com for a booking today

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Adjust After A Move?

Moving residences is taxing on the whole family. Whether embarking on domestic travel or on international pet relocation, leaving behind a familiar place is disorientating. Dogs are especially likely to feel anxious or nervous in the initial stages of your move. Its natural, considering that they have no familiar scent or sight in a new home. Given time though, your pet will be comfortable as ever in their new home. All it will take is a little patience and effort on your part. Here are a few things you can do to make your pup more comfortable and adjust after a move.

Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

The first thing you can do to help your pup settle in is create a familiar space. Use items which they interacted with daily in your previous home; you can make a nice corner with a bed and their toys, as well as blankets or any other items they associate with the comfort of home. Patience is key while they become accustomed to their surroundings, so be patient, and let your dog explore their new home at their own pace.

2.      Make & Maintain Routine

An unfamiliar schedule can contribute to making your dog nervous, especially as they are often creatures of habit. Plan a routine for their mealtime, play time, and walks/exercise. If your dog had a routine in their previous home, try to replicate that. Do not make sudden changes to their diet or exercise routine and minimize loud noises to maintain a calm environment at home. If not, you can always start fresh; a schedule will help them adjust in their new home and help introduce a sense of familiarity quickly.

3.      Attention & Affection

During this adjustment period, it is important to shower your dog with love and affection. You can do this in a few ways. Give them extra attention, play with them more often, and give them extra treats. The more love and affection you show your dog, the quicker they will relax in their new home.

During this acclimation period, there may be times when you have to leave your dog alone. This is something which would not have been a problem in your previous home, but in a new and unfamiliar environment, it becomes an issue. They key to teaching them to be calm is to take one step at a time.

Start by leaving your dog alone in a room and going to another part of the house for a few moments. Slowly extend this period of time, until they don’t mind you being out of the house for five minutes. Continue to gradually increase this time period, until your dog doesn’t mind being alone while you run errands or step outside for work.

To conclude, you must remain patient and loving with your dog while they settle in after your move. Don’t expect them to settle in straight away. Try to fix a routine, give them plenty of love, and let them explore their new home at their own pace. Given time, they will become as comfortable in your new home as they were in your old one. If you need any help or tips on how to alleviate your dog’s nervousness or anxiety, call us on 08908909020. Having conducted over 6000 domestic and international pet relocations, we are well versed in the anxiety preceding a move and the anxiety after it faced by a pet.

How do you Prepare Your Dog for a Long Trip?

Sometimes the need to escape monotony is overwhelming. Daily life and its routines can lead to exhaustion and burn out, which manifest as a desire to get away from it all. Need a break form this and escape the city? Worried about leaving your darling dog alone at home? Why not take them with you on your travels? Dogs are excellent travel partners and can be great fun, provided you plan ahead.​

Here’s How You Can Prepare Your Dog For a Long Road Trip.

Vet Visit

A visit to the vet is recommended before any movement, be it is domestic travel or an international relocation. Your vet can give your pet a clean bill of health before their travels, as well as help with any potential travel-related maladies, such as motion sickness and restlessness in the car.

Dummy Drives

Before embarking on a full-length journey, try shorter ones first. If your dog doesn’t have much experience being inside a car, start with just sitting in the car, then take them on shorter trips and slowly make such trips longer. This buffer period will also help identify and diagnose common issues your pup may have, like motion sickness, restlessness, bladder control, so that lengthier travels with your pet are hassle-free.

Rest & Refreshment Stops

Plan your stops ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last moment. Be sure to check beforehand whether the rest stop/hotel/accommodation you booked is pet-friendly and clean. For domestic travel, make sure to research safe spots to stop for a rest, as well as noting the locations of establishments you may need, such as a vet, clinic, or a medical store. 

Travel Essentials

As there’s no guarantee of what you might end up needing while on the road, it is necessary to be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, collars, leashes, water bottles and bowls, and toys. Bring along a spare pillow or blanket for them to sprawl on, and a few chew toys or treats. Whether you’re embarking on domestic travel or an intercontinental journey, remember to microchip your pooch, as that the only proof of identity they have, and is extremely useful if your dog (God forbid) gets lost or wanders off. 

Car Mods

While most people recommend keeping your dog inside a crate for the duration of any journey, the reality is, since you’re going on a long trip with them and travelling with them domestically, this recommendation is seldom followed. Instead, we’d like to recommend some real-world advice which people might follow. If not in a crate, make sure your pup is leashed inside the car. An un-leashed dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which is not a good thing. Make sure to belt them in their seat, and remember to tie their leash onto the belt itself or another secure location. If you have a nosy or clingy pup, install a screen or separator/divider between the front and back seats, so your focus remains on the road as your pup vies for your attention.

Weather and Temperature

Account for prevailing weather conditions before your travels. Avoid the outdoors during afternoons, especially if you’re traveling during the summer, and try to cover ground earlier in the day so you can relax during the hot afternoons. Make sure to keep your pup sufficiently hydrated, as dehydration is common when on the road. Keep your windows down; not far enough to provide an escape opportunity, but enough to allow some fresh air to circulate in the car.

Travel by yourself does not require quite as many preparations as pet transportation/travel, but choosing to bear the extra step or two while in preparation can make the journey an immensely satisfying experience. Provided that you check all the safety boxes, your longer trip with your dog will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

If you’re unsure about the preparation or can’t deal with the hassle, you can always call a pet relocation company. If you need help on your longer domestic journey with your pet, or are looking for international pet relocation services, contact Carry My Pet for safe and hassle-free solutions for your trip.

Few Facts About Pet Relocation Services And Safety

Relocation is a daunting task to accomplish. There are so many things to take care of. It becomes really tough to manage when you own a pet. It happens to be a challenge when you have to relocate to a new country. There are certain rules and regulations to follow and make it happen. This is where a pet relocation service can be a great help for pet owners.

Facts about pet relocation and shipping

Choosing a shipping company is a confusing task. When it comes to pet relocation, it becomes more confusing. There are certain facts that a pet parent should know before hiring pet relocation services in Delhi.

Pet-friendlier airlines

Once you start doing your research, you will find compatible options regarding pet relocation. There are certain airline services that are more pet-friendly. You will find immense convenience in choosing such a service. The prime concern in this aspect is to scout and find such services when time is the constraint. For this, you can always go for a dog transport service. You will not have to worry about finding the best airliner to get your pet shipped to the desired destination.

Priorities

Pets are no less than family members to a parent. They should feel comfortable and safe during the transition. Most of the airline services offer an excellent service via the trained staff. You need to find the right service provider and ensure that your pet will enjoy a smooth transition to a new destination. Your pet will not be able to understand the sudden changes in its environment. A long haul flight can be quite intimidating for animals. Hence, opting for dog transport services will be the best bet.

Travelling in different flights

It is not necessary to fly on the same airplane with your pet. It can be arranged if you want to. On choosing the right pet relocation service provider, you can arrange your necessities perfectly. Pet parents are really concerned and will feel insecure. The same will happen to the pet as well. Decide aptly by seeking consultation from the best service providers in town.

Service rate

The service rate varies from one agency to the other. It also depends on the medium chosen and a service provider for the transition. Make sure that you have acquired proper knowledge about the cost involved and choose a dog shipping service accordingly.

Absolutely safe for pets

Most of the pet parents feel reluctant to use a pet relocation service. It is absolutely safe for all kinds of pets to travel. In fact, relocation services are extremely experienced in handling such requirements.

Verdict

Contact an experienced pet relocation agency and get more details about the services.

Advantages of Using A Pet Relocation Company

Whether you are a dog or a cat parent, it is hard to leave them in a pet care when you are vacationing in an exotic destination. You will definitely think of the little one sitting alone away from your warmth in a corner of pet care.

How can you add your pet to the fun of vacations? All you need is to hire dog transport services to enjoy with your furry friend.

Why hire a pet relocation company?

Expertise in transferring pets

Even if you are fond of your dog, you might not be able to figure out how to take your pet with you in a remote location. There are many rules regarding taking your pet. For this, you might have to go through a lot of hassle when you other things to manage. This is where hiring a pet relocation service will be the best option. You will not have to worry anymore. Everything, from legal issues to making the right arrangements, will be taken care of by the experts. The pet relocation services in Delhi will arrange updated facts, accurate information, and other details necessary for the occasion.

Less stressful for everyone

On hiring a pet relocation service, it will be less stressful for you and for your furry little friend. The experts will know how to make dogs and other pets comfortable during a transfer service. You can rest assured that your pet is safe and secure in the hands of professionals and will soon meet with you in a new destination. As mentioned earlier, you will not have to make any arrangements. It will be entirely done by the service provider. Concentrate on other important things you have on the line and make it less stressful when a dog shipping service is here to help.

Save your time and resources

By hiring, you can easily save time. There is no need to hustle for finding out the new rules and making arrangements to stick to it. You can rely on the services and save time on arranging such things.

Matching the travel plans

All the pet transport services will definitely match the travel plans with that of your pet. You will not have to stay away from your pet for long as the transfer plan will be done accordingly.

Verdict

These are the reasons why hiring dog transport services service is so important. Whether you are going for a vacation or relocating, you will need it.

4 Mistakes to Avoid when Hiring Dog Transport Services

All the ones who love their pet so much need to be careful while choosing the company that can help in transporting the pet at the right place accordingly. Now, with the growing demand of online platforms, now one can easily know about various dog transport services without any hassle. All you keep in mind is the safety of your pet at the time of choosing the company that can transport the pet at the desired location. One should make sure that they collect all the required information about your pet so as to avoid all the troubles that might occur in the future.
Some of the things that are to be kept in mind are as follows-

1. Pet safety- One of the biggest mistakes the person might conduct at the time of choosing the transport company is knowing their complete detail. It is vital to keep in mind that the safety of your pet is a must. Make sure to ask from them how they are going to move their pets and whether it is safe or not. Do collect all the required information about dog shipping before availing of their services.
2. Don’t believe all that you read- Though you are considering the online website for selecting the right pet shipping company, on the other hand, make sure that you do not completely rely on what you read. It is because most of the time, the information was written by the people online is not reliable. So, do make sure to visit the companies office and get the paperwork done on your own. So, avoid being the victim of the information that is not correct.
3. Enquire about the services- One should make sure that before handing over your pet, make sure that you collect all the required information about the service that is offered by them. It will help in making the right choice. Do not avail of the services in a hurry. Try and know-how each service works for the pet and choose the right one.
4. Looking for a less expensive service company- One of the biggest mistake that one can do while hiring the company is by looking for the services for the pet that are less expensive. It is suggested that one should make sure that they go through the complete detail about different services and make the right choice accordingly. 

 If you wish to know about the pet relocation services in Delhi, then make the right choice from the online website. On the other hand, try and avoid all the problems that are mentioned above so as to relocate your pet at the desired position without taking much time. Do make sure to complete the paperwork on time.

How To Plan A Pet Relocation For Your Animal

Relocating to a new place is a hassling task. It becomes more confusing when you own a pet. You will have to plan it well so that you can take proper steps and accomplish the job well.

Steps to plan a pet relocation 

Pet relocation is easy when you know how to do it. Here is a proper guide to follow suggested by the leading pet relocation services in India.

Veterinary 

The first step for your dog shipping stint is to get your pet checked by the experts. You need to make sure that your pet is fit to travel long hours in a flight or in a different transport medium. No pet is accustomed to travel to a long-distance without its parents. A certification from your vet will give you relief in this case.

Health records

The protocols of a country might be different. You will have to abide by the set of rules regarding pets. For this, you will need the health record documents ready. Visiting your pet’s vet will deliver the health records and a certification of fitness. You can show them to the authorities when necessary. Get the necessary medications for your pet as well.

Check pet laws in the new place

When you are planning a pet relocation, you will have to check the new set of laws amended in that particular location. Whether you are traveling in India or abroad, you should be aware of the pet laws beforehand. Research well to know the laws and make sure you follow them so that you can avoid any kind of trouble after reaching there. The dog transport services educate their clients beforehand and make sure that they can live with the new laws or not.

Talk to a pet relocation service

This is the most essential part of the plan. Talk to a few agencies providing a pet relocation service and know how the process is done. It is hard for a busy parent to arrange all these things. When you are talking to a pet relocation agency, find out its process elaborately. Check the conditions in which a pet will be transferred to the desired location. Also, confirm the budget quoted by the agency. You will get an idea of the service charges in the market and decide.

Pack your pet’s bag

Only the pet accessories will make your pet comfortable and feel safer during a transfer. Pack your pet’s bag and include the things that your pet likes the most. Toys, bed, and utensils should be on the list,

Verdict

These steps will be aptly covered when you hire pet relocation services in Delhi. Discuss everything before you sign an agreement and ensure your pet’s safety. 

How To Assure Safety Of Pets And Animals While Transport

One of the most common pet travel concerns is the carriage of a pet by cargo. Contrary to popular belief, in a deep dark hole at the bottom of the plane, pets are not packed with luggage. In fact, pets are loaded separately from luggage into a temperature compartment and pressurized compartment. They are the last to be loaded onto the aircraft as well as the first to come off. Therefore, the pet transport service is very important for your pets as it helps them to travel without any hassles!

Before Travel:

• You should make sure to introduce your pet to the cargo crate as early as possible, so that he/she doesn’t feel sick while travelling. The more comfortable your pet is inside the crate, the more it will be better. Also, remember to never use it as a scolding tool. The main goal is to curb your pet’s anxiety and anxiousness while inside the crate and it will surely help your pet a lot and will him feel safer.

• Consider transporting inside the cabin whenever possible.

• Traveling in the heat of the summer or in the cold of the winter create a whole new set of variables to consider for a pet. These times should be avoided whenever possible. If you can plan accordingly, do so. Contrary to popular belief, in a deep dark hole at the bottom of the plane, pets are not packed with luggage. In fact, pets are loaded separately from luggage into a temperature compartment and pressurized compartment. They are the last to be loaded onto the aircraft as well as the first to come off.

During Travel:

• This especially helps your pet a lot in the journey while the cargo stops at multiple airports. Contrary to popular belief, in a deep dark hole at the bottom of the plane, pets are not packed with luggage. In fact, pets are loaded separately from luggage into a temperature compartment and pressurized compartment. They are the last to be loaded onto the aircraft as well as the first to come off.

• In case your pilot is available for a quick chat, then let them know your best friend is loaded in the cargo hold and he will surely take care. Your pilot might know about this already, but there’s nothing wrong with a reminder and it will give you re-assurance for your flight too which isn’t bad at all.  Traveling with multiple pets? They are the last to be loaded onto the aircraft as well as the first to come off. Therefore, you should opt for dog transport services in order to make sure that your pets are safe!

How to Find the Best Dog Transport Services in India

Have you planned to have vacations or are you permanently moving to some other part of the world? Is there too much pressure to transport your belongings? Are you already going crazy with talking to shipping companies? Do you have enough of the shifting stress? Then calm down and first think of your family, which includes your dog. Have you thought how will you take him/her along? Though carrymypet.com - the popularly known dog transport services can solve your problem in a jiffy but you have to plan in advance and get in touch them now, to avail their services and ensure yourself a carefree shifting.

Before you think of pet transport, make sure of these:

Book an appointment with a good vet

Just like humans, dogs are always not prepared to travel. They might be sick inside which you won’t be able to judge, take them to the vet who can perform whole body checkup and in case any medication is needed it can provided well in advance.

Documentation

When you are handing over your dog to the dog transport services for transport, make sure that you provide with all documentation to them be it vaccine related or otherwise so that there is nothing left out due to which your pet has to suffer. 

Pet container

Being the guardian it becomes your duty to transport your pet in the most comfortable condition. Buy the container that fits best for your dog/cat in terms of size so that he may sail easily.

After all the homework done, now, how would you find the Best Dog Transport Services? Though ‘Carry My Pet’ is the simplest answer to this question however, here are some tips which will help you a great deal in understanding on what basis must you pick a company:

Assistance in documentation

A successful pet transport is not as easy as it sounds. The companies have to make all preparations, be it certification or providing with import permit. Make sure that the companies you are hiring take charge of this.

Live tracking

Just like your kid, you are also curious to know where he/she is currently specially when you are travelling separately. Therefore live tracking is important to keep you confident.

Thus, its time to say goodbye to more stress that you might have to bear due to your lifeline – Pet. Visit carrymypet.com today!