Taking Pets On Road Trips – What You Need To Know
No Sticking Their Heads Out The Window: Although most pets will take great enjoyment from spending the entire road trip with their head out the window, it’s not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris from the road not to mention other cars. Along this same tip, I hope that it should go without mention that traveling with your pet in the back of the pickup truck is also a definite no-no! Some states even have laws restricting this type of animal transport because it is always dangerous.
Stop Often: Take lots of small little rest breaks so that they can get out and use the bathroom. Remember that your pet has a smaller bladder than you do so they’ll need to use the bathroom more frequently. When taking your pets on bathroom breaks or short walks, try to stick to any pre-determined pet area that can be found at most rest stops. Also make sure that your pet stays on a leash and has proper collar identification any time that you venture outside the vehicle.
Give Them Plenty Of Water: At each rest stop make sure to have some water available for your pet to drink from. Sometimes car travel will upset your pets stomach and this will give it something to help prevent sickness. Something that a lot of people recommend is to take ice cubes on road-trips as they’re a fun way for your pet to get their needed re-hydration and it doesn’t take up as much room as bringing lots of water will.
Watch Their Food Intake: It is suggested that you keep feeding to a minimum while traveling. This also means feeding them their regular pet food and not whatever part of your fast-food that you didn’t finish. Pets and french fries, burgers or any other sort of fast-food item usually are not a good mix.
No Leaving Your Pet Alone In The Car: Don’t ever leave your car with your pets still inside. On your typical warm days, the temperature in your car could rise up to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows open for them.
Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.
Comfortable and Secure: The number one thing to focus on should be your pets comfort. If your pet is comfortable then the ride will go smoothly. Their comfort is as important as your own. Imagine having to drive on a long-trip sitting in a seat that hurts or is uncomfortable. It’d make for a pretty un-fun trip! Same goes for your pet. An easy trick to put your pet at ease is to bring along their favorite toy or blanket.
Get answers to your own pet questions by visiting the Online Pet Vet.
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