|
 ‘Tis the season to be stressed out when
it comes to planning holiday trips with pets.
Many dog and cat lovers want to bring their furry
beloveds along for the ride--but this can pose
a stocking full of potential problems. Owners
know that traveling can spark fear and panic
in even the most docile pooch or kitty, leading
to destructive behaviors that may disturb other
passengers or cause harm to the pet. There are
also safety concerns to consider when an anxious
critter acts up while in transit, all of which
can send pet parents into a tailspin.
So what can be done to smooth out the trip
for frenzied owners and their four-legged passengers?
Preparation and aids to comfort pets can help
during travel situations.
“It’s nerve-wracking whether you
choose to bring your pets on the trip, or leave
them at home. If the animals do come along, the
dog may bark obsessively and pace in its crate,
and the cat may howl the entire time, frustrating
everyone. If the pets stay behind, then the owner
feels guilty for leaving them at a boarding facility
or with other caretakers. Comfort Zone offers
a natural solution that helps reassure the animals
in these situations, and can prevent the animal’s
destructive behavior from occurring,” said
Tammy Senter, marketing manager for Farnam Pet
Product’s Comfort Zone products.
Comfort
Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing
Pheromone) and Comfort
Zone® with Feliway® for
cats mimic pheromones that pets naturally use
to communicate with members of their own species.
These pheromones help to reduce the behavior
associated with fear and phobias without drugs
or electronic training devices. They are undetectable
by humans and are nontoxic to people
and animals.
The pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers
or sprays. While in transit, spray D.A.P. on
a bandana adorning the dog’s neck, or spray
the crate and bedding prior to travel. Feliway spray may be used in the cat’s carrier
and on bedding as well. When you arrive at your
destination, use the plug-ins where you will
be staying to help ensure that your pet adjusts
to its temporary living quarters.
How Do Pheromones Work? Comfort
Zone with D.A.P. reassures dogs by
mimicking the pheromone of a lactating mother
dog. By replicating this soothing maternal signal,
Comfort
Zone with D.A.P. has been clinically
proven to end or reduce canine destructive behavior
by 86 percent and excessive barking by 70 percent.
Comfort
Zone with Feliway mimics the friendly
facial pheromones that cats use to mark their
territory when they rub their cheeks against
people and objects. Studies show Comfort
Zone with Feliway has a 95 percent success rate in
reducing or eliminating two of the most common
problem in cats--urine-marking and vertical scratching.
Pet owners can ask their veterinarians for D.A.P.
and Feliway, or go to a specialty pet store and
look for the retail brand names, Comfort Zone
with D.A.P. and Comfort Zone with Feliway.
Traveling Tips for Pet Owners “If you plan to fly during the holidays,
check the specific requirements of the airline
well in advance of your trip. Airlines have strict
rules about allowing pets in the cabin, from
how many are permitted per flight to the size
and type of carrier, so don’t leave your
research to the last minute. Plus, costs vary
as well,” Senter said.
Other details to remember while packing for
your adventure include:
- The pet’s favorite toys
- Treats
- Medications
- The pet’s “security blanket” or
special bedding
Taking the family pet along for the holiday
ride can make it a more joyful season for everyone—but
only when the needs of the animal are considered
before embarking on the trip. This also ensures
that the owner can relax and enjoy the celebrations.
D.A.P.® is
a registered trademark of Ceva Santé Animale.
Feliway® is
a registered trademark of Ceva Santé Animale.
|
