Traveling with older pets

(This is the third in a series of articles about traveling with pets based upon my experiences as an Innkeeper here at the Silas Griffith Inn and my almost 30 years in the Hospitality business.)

As we age, although we don't like to admit it, we start feeling more aches and pains that weren't there when we were younger. The same holds true for out pets, no matter how good out care is of them, no matter how wonderful our vet care of them is. Arthritis, joint pain, stiff muscles, and love handles are all aging problems for cats and dogs, as well as us humans. But do these issues mean that Fluffy and Fido can no longer go with you on your traveling adventures.

No. It just means you have to prepare a little mores for their comfort and be prepared to make certain allowances for age.

Fluffy and Fido might not be able to take that 10 mile hike with you, but a 5 mile hike would be fine. Their stomach might be sensitive to new water or food, or even too many snacks. And, if they are tired, they may show it a little more a be a little crotchety. Here's a few tips to make your traveling experience more fun for everyone.

• First of all, call the Inn or hotel where you will be staying. Explain that you are traveling with an older pet and see if anything can be done to accommodate Fido or Fluffy. Here at the Silas Griffith Inn we have 4 rooms that open onto a wrap-around deck that allow easy same-level access to the meadow and fields for ease of walking. In the Winter we shovel a path to the deck, and in the Spring, Summer and Fall you walk across nice, soft, pesticide-free grass.
• Talk to your vet about traveling with Fido and Fluffy. He or She might have some insights and suggestions such as pet-safe pain killers or even mobility exercises and stretches to reduce stiffness.
• Bring your pet's regular food. A change of diet in an older pet is the commonest cause of upset tummies and intestinal issues. Keeping them on the same food also reduces stress and gives them something familiar every day. The stress of traveling can also cause tummy issues, so the more you can reduce stress for all of you the more you will enjoy your vacation. Write the feeding directions on the food container so that housekeepers or pet sitters know when Fido and Fluffy expect to eat.
  
• Bring water from home or use bottled water. As for humans, a change of water can cause digestive nightmares.
• If you are traveling to an area with different weather than your pet is accustomed to, plan accordingly. Older pets get cold faster, as do smaller pets. And in the summer, your pet's may overheat faster. Sweaters and blankets for your pet (although I have yet to see a cat keep a sweater on) are a blessing when traveling to snowy areas. And make sure your room has air-conditioning if you are traveling in the warmer months or to warmer areas.
• DO NOT leave your pet in your car for extended periods of time. Extreme heat and extreme cold are very dangerous to your pet. Many Inns (including us) and hotels have pet-sitting services available and either the housekeepers or Innkeepers would be glad to check on Fido and Fluffy while you are away and even take Fido for a walk if needed. But it is up to you, the Innkeeper to ask for this, as the pet sitter will need to schedule times and meet your pet and have written permission from you to care for your pets.
• If your pet is on medications bring enough to last your whole trip plus 2 days. This gives you extra just in case Fluffy decides to spit the pill down the heat vent one morning. Make sure the medications are clearly labeled to prevent any problems.
• Bring copies of all rabies vaccinations and other vaccines and inoculations with you. This is extremely important. If you are traveling most vets also recommend Kennel Cough vaccines just to be on the safe side.
• Spend time with Fido and Fluffy when you travel. From their point of view, they are going with the family to a new and exciting place, and then left alone in a room without mommy and daddy. Take time to play with them and explore the grounds with them safely on their leashes. Find out which channel has animal shows on and leave the TV on low for your pet. The Discovery channel and Animal Planet channels are perfect choices. Move a chair with a pillow beside a closed window so Fluffy can look out and watch birds and people, or just sleep in the sun.
  

Above all, traveling should be fun for all involved, and not a stressful hassle. Fluffy and Fido deserve a good vacation as well as you. Remember that in calendar years they may only be 10, but in dog and cat life-years that's equivalent to early 70's in human life-years. Fluffy and Fido might be a little slower, and more apt to watch the kids play ball than join in the fun. This is to be expected.

Happy Traveling!

Travelling with Fluffy - Cats and the Holiday Adventure

Let's face it, most cats hate to travel. I don't know how many times we've had to move beds, couches or even empty closets trying to find the cat and get her into the carrier. And for some reason, the smallest cat will expand about 10 times in size when you try to put her in that little, tiny box on wheels. One or both of you end up tired, exhausted and angry. So here's a tip to help survive traveling with Fluffy.

Don't do it. Get a pet sitter. I'm serious.

There are many bonded and insured companies that will come in and feed and water your cat, sit and talk to her, make sure she's just fine, and sometimes even scoop the cat box. Your vet can probably suggest someone to you. Or you can ask a friend you trust to check on Fluffy and give her fresh food and water.

Cats get very attached to "their" house. It is "their" bed, "their" window seat, "their" favorite chair, "their" pillow, and especially if you have a multi-cat household, "their" litter box. They have their favorite toys, when they hide during the day and only bring out at 3 AM when you have an important meeting in the morning and really have to get a good night's sleep. And they have a routine that is very important to them, even though we don't understand it at all. So the best vacation travel for your cat is the one which lets her go from room to room as normal.

Now if you just have to pack up Fluffy for the Holiday pilgrimage to Aunt Beulah's house, then here are a few tips that might make things a little easier for everyone no matter if you are staying at an Inn, with a relative, or in a hotel.

1. DO bring Fluffy's favorite sleeping pad or pillow. This will make Fluffy feel a lot more at ease and might save wear and tear on chair cushions and other pillows.
2. DO bring Fluffy's favorite toy, even if it is the obnoxious squeaky one. Fluffy will probably ignore it in a new environment, but might get malicious glee out of waking you up at 3 AM just like at home. Besides, the familiar toy might just distract Fluffy from playing with all the knick-knacks on the mantle. Or might not.
3. DO cat proof your room when you arrive, or ask the Innkeeper to do it. That pretty little antique pitcher will not bounce when it drops onto the floor. Likewise, dangling tassels, crocheted shade pulls and lace curtains are just ready-made entertainment as far as Fluffy is concerned. Anything small and portable is a potential cat toy, including the coffee packets, shampoo bottles and remote control for the TV.
4. DO bring a scratching pad for Fluffy. Unfamiliar carpet, the back of a pristine chair, and the wall in a closet are just waiting for Fluffy to claim them as her own. Another favorite scratching place under a new bed and the bottom of the box spring.
5. DO bring a clean litter box and Fluffy's favorite brand of cat litter. Cats get attached to the smell and texture of their litter. Different litter may lead to Fluffy refusing to use her box and leaving you and the Innkeeper presents all over the room.
6. DO bring copies of Fluffy's up-to-date vaccinations. Cats get cranky too, especially in new surroundings. They get tired of the "awww, Isn't she cute" comments, being ruffled by unfamilar people, hugged too tight, and competing with resident animals for space and attention. Other people cannot read your cat's emotions as well as you can, so they might miss the subtle signs that precede an angry swipe. Fluffy's paperwork might just prevent a prolonged stay for observation at the local vet.
7. Tell your Innkeeper if anything happens in the room. Your Innkeeper will appreciate your honesty and being able to clean up an "accident" immediately will reduce your cleaning costs. Cat urine is very destructive and once it sets it is almost impossible to remove. Cat urine rots wood and just a little will destroy floors, antiques, dresser tops and more. If it soaks into wall-to-wall carpeting then the whole rug and pad might have to go, as well as repairs to the underfloor.
8. Spend time with Fluffy. She will be anxious in a new situation, and might have a tendency to run away if she spies an open door. Contrary to popular belief, most animals that run away in unfamiliar areas do not get home.

So, if you must travel with Fluffy, be careful, be attentive, and pack well. And above all, have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday trip.