A Vet’s Guide: 8 Things You Should Never Do to A Dog

Dogs are intelligent, compassionate, loyal, and loving companions. To us humans, dogs have rightfully earned the moniker of ‘man’s best friend'. However, it isn’t always the easiest thing to take care of a dog, as even people with the purest intentions can make a few mistakes in their care. To help dog owners avoid mistakes and mishaps, we’ve compiled a short list with tips from pet vets to help you steer clear of unwanted or dangerous situations, whether you are at home or embarking on international pet transportation.

Here Are 8 Things You Should Never Due to Your Dog, According to Vets

1. Do Not Let Them Run with Sticks - Most dogs love a game of fetch and watching them trot about with a stick in their mouth can be adorable to witness. However, in doing so, you run the risk of injury, as such sticks can often get stuck in the ground and lead to injuries for an excited dog who cannot notice the stick is stuck. Such a stick can impale your dog, with such injuries being distressing, painful, and in some cases even fatal. To get around this, never throw a wooden stick in a game of fetch; opt for a soft toy or a rubber ball instead. 
    
2. Do Not Use a Retractable Leash - As an owner, you should never use a retractable leash when walking your dog outdoors. Such leashes can get twisted around your hand and cause friction burns like a measuring tape, and they are also hard to retract during an actual emergency where they can injure both your dog and a member of the public. Such leashes typically extend to 10 feet or so, and grabbing such a leash while your dog is trying to dart about can lead to serious injuries. Avoid these products and stick to traditional leashes and collars. 
   
   
3. Do Not Use a Choke Collar  - Pulling on your dog’s leash occasionally is normal, as it is necessary to stop their curiosity from causing them harm in public. However, routinely jerking on your dog’s leash can lead to neck injuries and should never be done for disciplinary reasons. Frequently yanking on your dog’s leash can fracture the hyoid bone near the base of the tongue and cause plenty of problems. Additionally, such a collar chokes the dog if the dog is running away, which is also dangerous as a constriction and suffocation hazard. 
   
   
4. Do Not Use Sunscreen - While it may seem like a natural thing to do, your dog already has natural sun protection thanks to their thick fur coats. Sunscreen can be toxic to dogs due to certain ingredients, and these can be dangerous if ingested. Therefore, avoid putting any sunscreen on your dog; they have a natural layer of protection as it is. 
   
   
5. Antibiotic Ointment - Dogs will get themselves minor cuts and scrapes. This is a natural part of daily life and exploration, and it is also natural to want to tend to such wounds as they happen. However, humans and animals have fundamentally differing physiologies, and therefore antibiotic ointments and crams meant for human use should never be used on dogs. Many ingredients used in such ointments may be safe for humans but are dangerous to dogs, so keep them away from your pet and consult your vet on how to treat a cut or scrape instead. 
   
   
6. Do Not Let Them In Your Bathroom - Pets should be kept out of the bathroom as a rule. Toilet water is not fit for consumption, so keep the lid lowered and make sure your dog cannot access the toilet bowl. Toilets also contain plenty of chemicals and cleaning agents which can be toxic to dogs, so consider pet-proofing your bathroom if your dog is someone who likes to explore. 
   
   
7. Do Not Give Your Dog Ice - With summers around the corner, you're likely considering a few ice cubes in your dog's water bowl to beat the heat. However, ice can easily chip your dog's teeth, even breaking them in a few cases, with the larger teeth located in the back of their mouth being particularly susceptible to breakage. Broken teeth can easily catch an infection, which will then have to be remedied via a root canal or tooth extraction. Given that these conditions are both painful for your dog and expensive to fix, it is best to avoid serving ice to your dog. 
   
   
8. Do Not Serve Table Scraps - It may seem harmless, but as a habit, you should avoid serving your dog table scraps, no matter how adorable those puppy-dog eyes may be. Human foods can oftentimes be harmful to your dog, especially when considering the nutritional content of certain foods. Foods with too much fat or sugar will lead to various problems for your pet, such as pancreatitis or obesity. 

To conclude, there are several things that pet owners may be doing to their dogs unknowingly. Regardless of whether you are at home or travelling on an international pet relocation, these tips should help keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy. Remember to consult your vet before implementing any changes to your dog's life. 

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.

Top Tips for Moving with Your Pet

Shifting residences or states can be a cumbersome experience for all involved. It becomes particularly so when you’re attempting a move with your pet. There are many reasons for this; the “baggage” in this situation is your pride and joy as well as a live animal, so the planning process is far more detailed than with any other form of airline cargo. As this is a sensitive transaction, the sensible thing to do is be prepared for any circumstance or contingency. Here is how you can do this. 

Plan in Advance 

If you have a pet and are planning a relocation, it is best to plan early. Any overlooked preparations can present themselves as problems near the date of departure, so plan in advance. Plan your bookings early, plan your visit to the vet before time, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are in order. If you feel like the process is too cumbersome, you can always hire a pet relocator or service to take your hassle and make it their own. 

Specify the Correct Crate 

No matter what mode of transport you end up choosing for your relocation, you will need a pet crate. As your pet will spend a lot of time inside this crate in transit, it is important to select the appropriate crate. Pets can only fly in IATA fiber crates. Standard crate sizes should be used for a comfortable journey. To make their experience more comfortable, consider crate training your pet before embarking on any journey so they are not stressed by the new sights and scents. 

Visit your Vet

If your pet is injured or unhealthy, then they may face difficulties when travelling. Visiting your vet before any movement with your pet is a must. Aside from a general check-up, make sure their vaccinations are complete and ensure that their vaccination record states the same. If you’re moving by plane, then the vaccination record is crucial, as it acts as your pet’s passport. As the rules pertaining to pet flights are stringent, you may be denied boarding if all the vaccination formalities are not met. 

Choose a Reputed Airline 

All airlines are not pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. To ensure the safety of your pet, it is important to select a pet-friendly airline during the booking process. An aircraft with a temperature and pressure-controlled cargo bay is central to the safe transportation of a pet in the air. A pet-friendly aircraft also makes its flight attendants check on the pets while flying. If you’re anxious about the airline you’re selecting, you could always hire a pet relocator. A relocator takes care of the paperwork formalities and airline background checks, and can also tell you if an airline has a reputed history of transporting pets. 

Pet Microchip 

A pet microchip is a small chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is painlessly implanted in your pet. A pet microchip is important while travelling, as it is the only ID proof your pet has which can be verified. The standard ISO 11784/11785 microchips are used for pets globally and are necessary for pet export movements. Regardless of whether your country mandates a microchip for pet travel, it is wise to get one nonetheless. A microchip reader can then read this chip; these chips are applicable at pet boardings, the vet, with the transit authorities, and so on. 

5 Things to Know About Moving Your Pets

Traveling with your pet can be a challenge. The health and safety requirements combined with airport customs & regulations can make the experience a hassle. Not every airline is pet friendly, and neither is every airport around the world. The documentation for your pet must be complete and up to date, otherwise, they can be denied boarding. Therefore, it is important to know all requirements before embarking on any journey. To keep your pet comfortable, there are a few tips you can follow: 

1. Plan in Advance: if you want to relocate your pet, it is best to plan ahead. There are a lot of documents which have to be filled, checked and re-checked, so make sure nothing is left to the last minute. Book your flight tickets well in advance, ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and make sure they are microchipped. 
2. Get a Health Checkup: Flying with a pet is not a risky process, but it can become so if a health check-up has not been conducted before flying. To ensure your pet is healthy, happy, and injury-free. Schedule an appointment with your vet and get a check-up along with a clean bill of health before travelling anywhere. 
3. Get Your Tags/Identification: Flying without any ID is dangerous; consider getting your pet microchipped. A microchip is the only proof of identity a pet has. India uses the standard, ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 as the rest of the world. Ensure that your pet is microchipped before flying with your pet, if you're flying into a different country, a microchip is likely a mandatory requirement. 
4. Check regulations: Different countries have different requirements for different pets. To avoid pet quarantine in a foreign country, your preparation has to be perfect. Make sure to research country-specific guidelines and adhere to them, fulfilling the documentation procedure and routine checks performed during import. Failing to meet the requirements may result in your pet being quarantined until the formalities are complete. 
5. Pick a Pet-Friendly Airline: Not all airlines are pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. It is essential for the safety of a pet that their aircraft has pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, which not every airline can guarantee. If you are unsure or afraid of the process, hire a relocator. They will take the burden and headache of meeting the paperwork formalities upon themselves for a fee.

What You Need to Know About Moving With Your Pets

Well, coming to the basic topic that is pet relocation you need to make sure that the steps you take while travelling are fine and your pet is comfortable during the journey. Even if we talk about a couple serving dishes which breaks during the journey, so be it. If you misplace a box of clothing, that won’t bother you that much to as you will have an excuse to go shopping. However your pets are priceless and packing them up can be really tricky. If you are planning a trip, the first thing that should come into your mind is to make sure that your four legged family member reaches the destination safely. Whether you are planning to move to a new town or to a different country, you can make you need to follow few steps vigorously. Therefore, amid all this you need to make sure that you choose the best pet relocation services.

• While you decide to go- You should make sure that you start taking your pets to new places and to dropping them around open houses. When you are looking for new homes, you need to make sure that the place is good for your pet. Will your dog be able to walk for long or climb three staircases or your pet is okay with the concept of open homes. Also, additional to it, some breeds need better environment to stay in. Depending upon the breed, you need to make sure that the environment of the area you are shifting in is appropriate for your dog or not. Can your pet live in a place like that or not?

• The things ahead of it- As you are ready to say goodbye to your home, you need to understand that pets especially cats take time to settle in a new environment. In order to help them, bring on the packing boxes in advance so that they are used to the transition process. Look around for places where your pet can roam freely nearby the place you are shifting to. In addition to this, look for a 24 hour emergency hospital where you can take your pet in case of any mishap.

• While travelling by car- If it’s possible, then try to take your pets by cars and not airplanes. This will help your pets in a lot of manner. Take your pet on a drive on alternative days, so that your pet gets used to travel by car. Give your pet light food before taking them out in cars as they may feel nausea and this may be fatal for them. Both cats and dogs will require crates for traveling by car also make sure that you don’t leave them free as it may cause damage to them. While you are thinking to take them to your new home, consider Carry My Pet for the pet moving services.

A Complete Guide How to Travel With Pets Internationally?

Carrying a pet with you when you are on board is not an easy task to do when some agencies that provide pet moving services make it easier for you to do so. There are plenty of rules that you have to follow at all times and especially when you are moving to countries which are rabies free.

As an owner, you need to ensure that your pet remains safe while on board. They must be fit enough to be taken for international pet travel as well. Here are some of the tips that you can consider while you travel with your pet internationally-:

1. Make sure they are vaccinated

Pets like dogs can get a bit disturbed while they are on board due to a variety of changes in them and sometimes also because of the changes in surroundings. Before you decide to move your pet, you must make sure that they are injected so that other people on the flight doesn't get distracted or disturbed. Moreover, it helps the pets to keep their calm and stay composed. In rabies-free countries, moving a pet without proper vaccination is considered as a crime.

2. Connect with them through a microchip

Microchips help you to keep in touch with them at all times during international pet travel you can keep a track of where your loved ones are just in case you get apart. The microchip gets connected to your smartphone and proves to be beneficial when you are with your pet or during the process of off boarding and onboarding. It adds up to their security and your restfulness.

3. Rehearse with them before the travel

Are you sure your pet is too good to go for a long flight just like you are? It is recommended that before the moving day you must give them short trips to different places in the city so that they are fine with the aura of the outside world. If you can then a long drive would be best for your pet to understand things in a better way. Taking your pet directly for the flight on a moving day might trouble you and your pet big time.

Although, there are multiple companies that provide pet moving services just in case you do not want to take the responsibility of your pet moving. They can assist you in doing so in a smooth way.

Things to Consider When Moving With a Pet

Pets are the most indispensable part of almost every pet loving family, when shifting to a new city or going on a long vacation, we often ignore their importance in our lives and abandon them either to a relative or sell them, without a thought that they had been beside us through all our thick and thins, so now it’s our duty to keep them with us and love them until their last breath. To make such things possible pet relocation companies offer pet travel services by safely carrying your beloved pet from one place to another. Here are some important things to consider when moving with a pet:

• Visit a veterinarian- Before moving with your pet make sure to visit a vet and give your pet proper vaccination, medication and don’t forget to take a medical record from the vet as it would be demanded by the pet shipping company.
• Properly labelled food- The most important thing a pet needs is food, if it doesn’t get sufficient food it won’t be able to stand the long and tiring journey so, to avoid such untoward situation prepare properly labelled food packets for pet along with a measuring cup. A time chart must also be prepared mentioning the time and quantity of food that should be given to the pet, it would be needed by pet moving services company.
• Air travel- If you are heading to a new city or country by air then make sure to check all the rules and regulations regarding pet travel and don’t forget to keep your pet’s special documents handy as you would be needing them frequently at airport.
• Scrutinize your pet carrier- Another important thing to take care of is ‘cage’ or the ‘pet carrier’ in which the pet would be carried. Make sure the locking mechanism and the overall body of the carrier is in good condition because an inappropriate carrier might allow your pet to escape or get itself injured in course of the journey. If you are hiring pet travel services then you need not worry about it as company would be providing the cage.

Moving with a pet is not an easy job, one has to complete many important tasks before setting out on a journey with pet, be it a dog, cat or bird all pets require special care and precautions. To make your job easier it’s always advisable to hire pet moving services of a good company.