Top 10 Tips for Safe Car Travel With Your Pet

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

 2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

 3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

 4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

 5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

 6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

 7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.

 8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side.

 9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

 10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

 SOURCE: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/car-travel-tips

Maple Knoll Welcomes Dr. Kressin-Veterinary Dentist

On May 15th 2014, the staff at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic was pleased to welcome Dr. Dale Kressin, board certified veterinary dentist and owner of Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery Specialists, LLC. for an afternoon of continuing education with a focus on dental radiography.

 Dr. Kressin has dedicated his career to learning and practicing cutting edge veterinary dentistry as well as providing support and education to other veterinary professionals. All four of our veterinary technicians as well as Dr. Julie Johnson worked with Dr. Kressin in a hands on lab, taking dental radiographs with the goal of improving our skills. Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic has included dental radiography as part of our Oral Asessment and Treatment Plan since February 2011 and it has proven to be an invaluable tool that provides necessary information used to diagnose and treat dental disease. The staff at Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic is always excited to sharpen our skills and learn ways to improve the quality of service we provide to you and your pets. We are looking forward to using the additional knowledge and tools provided by Dr. Kressin to help keep your pet’s smile healthy!