Summertime Pet Nursing Series Part 3: Transporting and Hydrating Ill Pets and Keeping Their Spirits High

Summertime Pet Nursing Series Part 3:
Transporting and Hydrating Ill Pets and Keeping Their Spirits High
By Michelle Nichols, MS, HonCAHP | Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, Mentor, and AHELP Founder
- With -
Tina Ellenbogen, DVM, CAHP | Animal Hospice Veterinarian, Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner, and AHELP Co-founder

Warm weather often brings travel—whether it’s a necessary vet appointment, a move, or a meaningful visit to a favorite place. For those receiving animal hospice and palliative care, even short trips can be stressful without the proper preparation. Many aging or ill animals spend more time resting—but still crave interaction, stimulation, and joy.

In this third installment of our Summertime Nursing Tips Series, we cover how to:

• Keep your pet safe in the summer heat
• Support hydration and cooling at home and on the road
• Safely transport your pet by car or air
• Offer mental enrichment to support emotional well-being when your furry friend needs to remain at home.

☀️ Summer Heat Safety: Comfort Is Priority One

Senior and ill pets are especially vulnerable to overheating. They often struggle to regulate their body temperature effectively, and certain medications or health conditions can increase this risk. Keep in mind that excitement and anxiety can naturally increase body temperature.

🛑 Watch for signs of overheating:

• Heavy panting
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Drooling or warm ears
• Red or pale gums (normal color is pink)
• Vomiting or collapse

Place a damp lukewarm (not cold) cloth or towel on your pet, & under their belly. Wipe their foot pads with alcohol swabs, if available, to help evaporate heat. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool place, offer water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

💧 Hydration Support: Keep Fluids Flowing

Dehydration is common in hospice pets, especially those with kidney disease, GI issues, or poor appetite. Offer water in multiple ways:

• Bowls in several rooms (ceramic or stainless steel preferred)
• Fountains to encourage drinking
• Offer low or no-sodium broth; or add to food and/or water
• Offer water-rich foods like cucumbers, melon (no seeds), or canned food
• Ask your vet about subcutaneous fluids if needed

❄️ Creative Cooling Strategies

Help your pet stay comfortable on warm days with these gentle techniques:

• Place a cooling mat in their favorite bed or resting spot
• Use a damp washcloth on their belly and/or paws
• Consider a cooling collar, such as this one by Ruffwear, available from All the Best. Browse Amazon to find a cooling shirt like these, which are widely available in retail stores. In a pinch and when tolerated, use a towel over their back – see Michelle’s pic of Rex at the Old Dog Haven’s Walk for Old Dogs in 2017.
• Offer a shaded outdoor spot with good airflow
• Create a breeze with a fan near their rest area
• Use frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel near their side (not directly on skin)
• For cats, consider placing ceramic tiles in the freezer and adding them to resting spots
• Always keep your home temperature regulated—use A/C if possible, or at least fans and open windows for air circulation

Tail/Tale #1: Cooling Comfort for Charlie
Charlie, a 15-year-old retriever with heart disease, was struggling in the heat. His caregiver placed a cooling mat under his bed, kept curtains drawn before and during hot hours, and added broth to his meals. “He seemed more relaxed and less restless in the evenings,” she shared.

🚗 Transporting Ill or Senior Pets by Car

Whether it's a vet visit, a family outing, or a memorable trip to a favorite spot, transporting ill pets takes planning. Their comfort and safety—especially in summer heat—must come first.

🧳 Pre-Trip Preparation:

• Pack a comfort kit: a familiar blanket, a favorite toy, water, incontinence pads, and wipes
• Feeding and elimination: offer food 2–3 hours beforehand, and allow time for toileting
• Use lavender on bedding or a carrier: for dogs only. ⚠️ Caution: Do not use lavender for cats as it can be toxic to them.
• Use calming pheromones: this spray and diffuser by SIGNS Labs on Amazon does not require plugging into a 120-volt outlet. Feliway makes spray bottles of similar products for your kitty.
• Consult with your veterinarian to determine if sedatives, anti-nausea medications, or anti-anxiety medications are suitable for your pet. They may also have other recommendations and products that they keep in stock.
• Learn about CBD in our blog post, which addresses generalized anxiety and is available from local retailers. We like Canna Companion because their expert veterinary professionals are available over the phone and via email to provide advice on how to use CBD for dogs and cats.
• Over-the-counter products
• Rescue Remedy, is suitable for dogs and cats and does not interact with medications. Ask for the pet or the human infant formula which have a non-alcohol base.
• Michelle likes Happy Traveler for dogs, available at Mud Bay in stores throughout Greater Seattle
• When you visit your local retailer, ask about OTC Western herbal remedies for dogs and cats that are suitable for both. Michelle has Chewy.com autoship Animal Essentials’ Tranquility Blend for Teddy to use regularly.

🚘 In the Car:

• Seatbelt a soft-sided carrier in the back seat for best stability or a small crate with padding for stability.
• Orthopedic bedding is an alternative to a soft-sided carrier. Use a seatbelt harness or crate tie-down to provide stability and a sense of security for them.
• Position pets sternally (upright and facing forward) if possible, especially for those with respiratory or cardiac issues. ⚠️ Caution: Never tie your pet’s collar to a stationary object or a carrier in case you have an accident or need to stop quickly.
• Shade windows, provide ventilation, and run the A/C continuously.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Ask the business if they will allow you to bring your pet so you can avoid leaving them alone. This is especially dangerous for hospice, senior, and medically fragile pets, who can’t regulate temperature as well. For them, heatstroke can set in faster, leading to irreversible organ damage—or death.

🚨 Heat Alert: How Fast a Car Can Overheat

Practical Cooling Tips for Car Travel:

• Travel during cooler morning or evening hours
• Use battery-powered fans or car seat fans if A/C is unreliable
• Bring frozen water bottles wrapped in towels to place against your pet
• Use a pet-safe cooling mat or damp cloths under your pet’s chest and belly. ⚠️ Caution: Never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle—even with A/C running. Mechanical failure is a real risk!

Tail/Tale #2: A Peaceful Trip to the Park
Daisy, a 14-year-old shepherd mix in hospice care, was agitated on car rides—until her family lined her crate with fleece, played calming music, and misted the carrier with lavender. With cool temperatures, they could open the sunroof and all the windows for airflow. She made it to her favorite pond one last time and peacefully napped under a shady tree.

✈️ Air Travel with Ill or Senior Pets: Is It the Right Choice?

Flying with a hospice or geriatric pet should be considered only if medically necessary or if the benefits outweigh the stress and risks. For many pets, travel can accelerate decline.

Key Considerations:

• Consult your veterinarian well in advance
• Most airlines do not allow ill pets to fly in cargo; only cabin travel is safe and humane
• Smaller pets (under ~20 lbs) may fly in the cabin if they are quiet and medically stable. Beware that brachicephalic animals like Bulldogs and Persian cats are at risk because they cannot cool their air when breathing.
• Secure documentation of health status and medications on some airlines. Research USDA requirements if you must travel internationally.
• Use a well-ventilated soft carrier with padding, and bring familiar scents/toys
• Avoid layovers and fly nonstop when possible
• If your dog doesn’t fit under the seat and isn’t a service or emotional support animal, they must fly in cargo—an option rarely suitable for senior or fragile pets.

Consider your options: Having your pet stay at home with an experienced sitter is usually much less stressful than a trip. If travel is unavoidable, talk with your veterinary hospice provider before flying.

When You Must Travel: Researching Pet Transport Options

When you must move an ill, senior, or special-needs companion, travel can be tricky—especially if your pet doesn’t fit airline requirements for underseat travel. Years ago, Michelle looked into this for a caregiver who had to relocate for work to Italy. She wanted to bring her senior German Shepard, but at that time, we found only cargo transport, which was not a safe option for him.

My Boston Terrier, Teddy, weighs 23 pounds and is brachycephalic (short-nosed), which makes flying in the cargo hold unsafe and underseat travel impossible. Recently, I started researching what it would take to travel across the country with him, knowing it might be well over our budget. That’s when I discovered BarkAir, a private jet service specifically designed for large or fragile pets to travel comfortably in the cabin. Reddit reviews were glowing, with many pet parents highly recommending them. While I’ve never personally used BarkAir—or any similar pet transport service—I’d love to hear from those who have. If you’ve had experience with these types of companies, please email me and share your story.

For most of us, the $3,000–$5,000 price tag for BarkAir is beyond reach. Still, it’s worth knowing that other safe pet travel options exist. A quick search for “pet travel transport” will reveal a variety of businesses, including concierge ground transportation for pets across the U.S.

Photo caption: Michelle’s mom Carol demonstrates how to administer subQ fluids to Puddy’s Mom

💉 When Oral Hydration Isn’t Enough: Giving Subcutaneous Fluids at Home

Even when you’re doing everything right—offering fresh water, hydrating foods, and favorite broths—some pets just can’t stay hydrated on their own. This is especially common for pets with chronic kidney disease, cancer, or other terminal illnesses. You might notice their gums feel dry (or "tacky"), their urination frequency may change, or their energy seems to dip during warm weather. Suppose trips to the vet are becoming difficult due to your pet’s condition or mobility challenges. In that case, your veterinary team may offer a solution that brings hydration directly into your hands: subcutaneous fluid administration, also known as “SubQ fluids.”

What Are SubQ Fluids?

Subcutaneous fluids are a type of fluid electrolyte therapy delivered via injection just under your pet’s skin (often between the shoulder blades or along the back). It’s a way to gently rehydrate your pet at home without the need for an IV. Your vet may suggest this if your pet needs extra hydration between visits.

This process may sound intimidating at first, but with the proper training and support, many pet parents find it’s easier than expected—and even comforting to know they can help their pet feel better.

Guidelines for Safe Use at Home:

• 💊 Only give fluids prescribed by your veterinarian. The type and amount must be tailored to your pet’s condition.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Get hands-on instruction you can adapt for home. Your vet or animal hospice coach can show you how to do this safely and comfortably. Dr. Tina and AHELP like using a bathroom sink padded with a soft towel as a comfortable “nest.” Just as AHELPer volunteer Carol taught Puddy’s mom to do, as in the picture. You can hang the IV fluid bag by the light fixture above them.
• 📚Practice makes perfect. Learn gradually and don’t expect to do it easily the first time.
• 👀 Watch for signs of concern, like swelling at the injection site, restlessness, or signs of discomfort.
• 🩺 Keep your vet informed. SubQ fluids are not a replacement for regular veterinary care—they’re a way to support hydration between appointments.

AHELP clients who learn to give fluids at home often say it gives them peace of mind and a sense of purpose during a time when they may otherwise feel helpless. We recommend they review multiple sources online, for instance, check out this YouTube video by DVM360.

🐾 Tail/Tale #3: How Fluids Helped Frankie Stay Comfortable at Home

Frankie, a 14-year-old Maine Coon mix with chronic kidney disease, had begun to refuse his water bowl during the summer heat. He seemed more withdrawn and sluggish, and his caregiver, Alice, was worried he might need to be hospitalized again—something she desperately wanted to avoid.

With her veterinarian’s guidance, Alice learned how to administer SubQ fluids to Frankie at home. At first, she was nervous, but after a hands-on demonstration and printed instructions, she felt more confident. Frankie responded beautifully—his energy and his appetite both perked up, and he started climbing into his favorite window bed again.

“Now, instead of panicking when he has an off day,” Alice said, “I know there’s something I can do. It’s one of the most empowering parts of our hospice journey.”

Would fluids at home help your pet?

Consult with your veterinary team first, and then you may contact us at AHELP for support and additional tips. We can support you in building confidence, learning the steps, and incorporating hydration into your pet’s comfort care plan.

🧠 Emotional Health: Enrichment for Senior and Hospice Pets

Even when physical activity declines, pets still need emotional and mental engagement. Enrichment supports quality of life, encourages connection, and reduces boredom, stress, and isolation.

🌿 Sensory Enrichment:

• Scent exploration: place interesting (safe) smells on towels or toys
• Wind chimes, soothing music, or a bubbling fountain nearby
• Let them safely enjoy fresh air on a deck, porch, or open window

💕 Social Connection:

• Speak gently and often—even just being nearby helps
• Touch therapy: T-Touch, Reiki, gentle massage, or simply stroking feels good to both of you
• Allow other animal companions to visit briefly if appropriate

🦴 Low-Energy Enrichment Activities for Senior and Hospice Pets

Even with limited mobility, many pets benefit from simple, low-stress enrichment that stimulates their senses and strengthens your bond.

• Puzzle toys or snuffle treats – Great for food-motivated pets, helping to engage the brain.
• “Licky mats” or stuffed toys– Spread soft food or peanut butter for a soothing, slow enjoyment experience. KONG makes stuffed toys favorites and/or they are available online and in retail stores everywhere.
• Hide treats in rolled towels or paper egg cartons to encourage gentle foraging.
• Rotate 2–3 favorite toys or comfort items every few days to spark interest.
• Grow fresh or spread dried catnip anywhere for your feline friend. Cats may enjoy the beneficial fresh fiber of catnip, and many will roll in ecstasy with dry catnip.

🧠 Try This: “Find It!” Game

Hide small treats in easily accessible areas and encourage your pet to find them. Many caregivers even feed their pet a full meal this way—combining nutrition with enrichment. The extra attention you pay to them can also make it more nurturing for you.

⚠️ Note: “Find It!” works best for pets who are still eating eagerly. If your pet tires easily, is immobile, or has a reduced appetite, consider simpler, more passive forms of enrichment.

✋ Simple Brain Games: Teach “Touch”

Gently teach your aging dog to “touch” by offering your fingers and rewarding them for contact. It’s a low-energy, high-reward brain activity that builds engagement and trust.

⚠️ Note: Like “Find It!”, this game is most rewarding for dogs and cats who respond well to treats. If your pet isn’t food-motivated, try these instead: soothing touch, scent enrichment, or calm interaction. See Ollie’s “tail” below. 👇

👃 Sniff Walks for Mental Stimulation

For dogs who can still go outside, “sniff and stroll” walks offer essential mental exercise. Let your dog lead the way, sniffing along fences, grass, and trees. These relaxed outings are especially valuable for dogs with cognitive decline, mobility issues, or who need to be monitored for elimination habits. Use a harness if they are unstable, as we discussed in the June 2025 article of this series on mobility.

💡 Tip: Even special needs pets retain strong olfactory abilities. Scent-based games can be deeply satisfying and calming—almost like a walk for the mind. Walks with your pet in a cart or stroller can serve the same function.

Tail/Tale #4: Enrichment for Elderly Ollie
Ollie, a 16-year-old cat with declining vision and arthritis, no longer played like he used to. But when his caregiver gently placed a feather toy on a heated pad next to him, he batted at it with one paw. Later, a small sachet of catnip beside his bed helped him settle and sleep more soundly.

💗 Final Thoughts

Even as their world slows down, our senior and hospice pets still deserve joy and dignity. With proper preparation, a car ride can be a pleasant experience rather than a stressful one. And at home, small moments of hydration support, creative cooling, and enrichment can light up your pet’s day—and yours.

Your presence is the most potent medicine you can give. Just do your best and do it with love.

What works for you? Please email us and share with us!

NOTE before you go: In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of our Summertime Nursing Tips Series, where we explored mobility aids for bucket list days and Part 2 on bedding and hygiene tips to promote your pet’s comfort and independence.

What did you think of our Summertime Nursing Series? Please offer your input and share ideas for future blogging by completing our feedback form here.

Remember, my virtual door is always open, so feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Thanks for your continued reading and for being an AHELP Community Member!

( Blog post banner photo: A bath can be a great way to cool off a HOT DOG in the summertime - friends and family running the outdoor hose on dog to cool off on the lawn. )

About the Co-Author: Michelle Nichols Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, and Nonprofit Leader I'm Michelle, the Founder of AHELP Project. I am dedicated to caring for my pets with love, healthy choices, and trusted providers. I'm grateful to share lessons on life and loss through the AHELP Project. I'm looking forward to connecting with you!

About the Co-Author: Tina Ellenbogen Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian and Human Hospice Volunteer “Dr. Tina” Ellenbogen is a pioneer in mobile animal hospice care with over 36 years of experience in the Seattle area. A co-founder of the AHELP Project and Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner, she offers distance consultations through her practice, Mobile Veterinary Services / Animal  HomeCare and Hospice, based in Bothell, Washington. She shares her home with her beloved wire-haired Dachshund, Lincoln.