Traveling with Your Diabetic Pet

by R. Brooks Bloomfield, DVM
Truckee, CA

Bringing our pets along on trips adds both a dimension of enjoyment and one of challenge. One would think that having a diabetic pet would make it all the more difficult but in fact that is usually not the case, though it may not be best for the pet and each must be assessed individually.... Most of us that have diabetic pets that are on insulin (like one of my cats) actually have a pretty strict schedule of insulin and feedings and a diet that the pet is used to and regulated on. That makes it easier. Keeping the insulin chilled is one of the biggest challenges in all reality. Whether dog or cat one of the most important components to diabetic management is a consistent environment and activity level, and changes in either can change insulin needs fairly significantly. For that reason many of us that travel choose to leave our diabetic pets at home and have a house sitter come in.

If you are going to travel with your diabetic pet obviously bring along plenty of insulin and syringes and a safe way to contain the used syringes. Know where any emergency facilities are along the way and at your destination and bring a copy of your pet’s record and any recent bloodwork with you. Carry an adequate supply of your pet’s normal food and some safe treats like carrots and green beans or low cal dog treats. Bring a source of sugar in case of hypoglycemia (too little blood glucose usually from getting insulin and not eating afterwards at the appropriate time). If at all possible bring your cat’s usual litter box and litter and plan on pit stops along the way or a space in a carrier for a box. I always recommend carrying a day’s worth of fresh water for everyone in the vehicle in case of an emergency. If your pet is properly regulated theoretically he or she shouldn’t be drinking and peeing excessively but realistically that isn’t always the case and bringing extra water for a diabetic is a good idea. Bring toys for cats and a leash for dogs and give them as much exercise as they are used to. This will help keep their metabolic rate and insulin needs more steady, and help keep you in shape too. Remember that you may enjoy the local cuisine and special treats and food can even be the reason for a trip but the diabetic dog and cat don’t need to know about that so no “doggy bags”.
-----------------------------------------------
Everything a dog might need in an emergency whether at home or on the road. The Canine Companion kit contains 42 first-aid, health care, wound care, bandaging, and comfort/safety items; with easy to follow instructions written by Dr. Bloomfield, specifically for each product. RV Education 101 feels this kit is a smart necessity if you are going to travel with your dogs. Canine Companion - "Emergency First Aid and Travel Kit for Dogs"
http://www.rveducation101.com/detailpages/Canine_Companion.htm?SiteID=0