For many of us, pets mean a lot, and we cannot think of leaving a pet behind for a vacation or weekend getaway. So, the only option left is to tag them along. But you cannot just put your pet in the car without taking a few precautions. You have to ascertain your pet's safety during your trip.
We have made a list of five safety tips that you must take to make traveling by your car with your pet a more enjoyable experience.
The best way to keep your pet safe during a car trip is to use a restraint system. Preferably, your pet should be driven in the backseat so that does not get injured if a front seat airbag is deployed. However, the best restraint system for your pet depends on the size and the breed of your pet. Here are a few tips that will help you: It is best to carry cats and small dogs in a carrier. They feel much safer and don't run around un the vehicle.In case you use a crate for your pet, cushion it well so that in case of an accident, the pet doesn't hurt itself.
Like we said before, during your road trip make sure to stop often so your pet can stretch its legs, relieve itself and burn off some excess energy.
Another important thing to take care of on your road trip with your pet is the food. Although water is fine, refrain from feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. It is advisable to feed your pet no less than three to four hours before your trip begins, to minimize motion sickness. If your pet requires feeding during the trip, feed it at a rest shop and give it some time to digest.
And while you are doing so, never let your pet out of the vehicle without a leash. In a strange place, your pet can behave in an unexpected way, and a tragedy may happen.
While some of the pets sleep in the car, some of them get restless too. It is utterly fun to let your dog hang its head out the window, but this practice is equally dangerous. In such situations, your pet dog may get hit by and the wind and cold air can cause inner-ear damage and lung infections. And in worse cases, if they get too excited, they can jump out of the window, which can cause serious injury or death.
Instead of that, you can bring along your pet's favorite chew toy, treats and other objects that will keep your pet entertained and busy as well. Also take regular breaks to let your pet out (on a leash, of course) and stretch its legs and sniff out its new surroundings.
The way you put a travel kit for yourself on a journey, pack one for your pet too. If you are travelling to another state, carry along a copy of your pet's health records. It is safer to have them in case your pet bites someone or gets bitten by another pet. Put a tag on your pet's crate containing your name, destination address and cell phone number for emergency. Also carry some small first-aid items like nail clippers and liquid bandages. Take some portable water bowls for the trip, you can even pick up those that fold up.
If you plan to take a day or two off with your pet in the car, it is advisable that you prepare in advance. If your pet has never take a ride before in a car, make some short outings first to see how it reacts to the environment. Some of the pet animals react just fine, but some of them suffer from anxiety or even motion sickness. If latter is the case with your pet, solicit your veterinarian's advices, and while you are at it, also get your pet up to date on vaccinations.
Usually, cats find it safer in the car if they travel in a small crate. In order to get your cat used to the crate, leave the crate in the house for a few days, so that your dear pet gets familiar with it. The same rule goes with your dog too. Also, make sure to tie identification tags to pet in case it manages to wander off during the trip.
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