MOVING TO ECUADOR

[KRISTIN REGAN]

MY DOG HATES, HATES, HATES KENNELS. I NEED TO GET HIM INTO ECUADOR VIA A PLANE, OR ARE THERE OTHER ALTERNATIVES (CRUISE SHIPS, FOR EXAMPLE)? I'LL MEDICATE HIM FOR HIS OWN GOOD...HE DOESN'T LIKE STRANGERS ANYWAY BUT ESPECIALLY NOT WHILE IN A CAGE. WHAT MEDS ARE GOOD FOR A 65 LB. DOG: I REALLY WANT HIM "OUT COLD" UNTIL I GET HIM HERE. HELP! P.S. NO ONE ELSE WANTS HIM IN THE STATES AND HE IS MY DOG AND MY RESPONSIBILITY...I WANT AS LITTLE TRAUMA AS POSSIBLE.

[Kathryn]

Well it would be a good idea to get him a medicine that would keep him asleep until you got there.

[Dr. Stephen Zawistowski]

I am not a veterinarian so I can not speak to the question of medications, other than to recommend some caution here. This must really be addressed with the help of your regular veterinarian who would be familiar with the overall health status of your dog.

There are companies that specialize in the shipment of pets and other animals. You can check the telephone book or look on-line. They will be able to help you come up with the safest way to move your dog.

[KRISTIN REGAN]

The problem with this is lack of money...I work for an NGO helping to conserve natural resources for indigenous people and animals. If you were low on cash, but didn't trust anyone else to care for your pet (he is a one owner dog rescued from Nigeria: he is healthy due to my care): What would you do (as a semi-poor person)? Your input is invaluable to me! Thank you in advance, Kristin

[Dr. Stephen Zawistowski]

Your first step should be to find out some additional information on your upcoming assignment. Where will you be, and will you be able to have a dog there safely. Will you have time, and access to dog food and veterinary care if needed.

You will need to work with a veterinarian on the medication question. Keep in mind that strong sedatives have a depressing effect on respiration.

I'm not sure if you will be able to get a direct flight from where you are to Ecuador. Probably not. I would suggest that if you have a lay over somewhere, that you stagger the trip so you can take a day at the lay over so the dog does not need to be medicated for a very long period of time.

Once you get to Ecuador, you may want to see about doing the final part of the trip over ground. If you are going to a small town somewhere, air service may be sporadic and uncertain.