If you are planning to go on a road trip it is important to realize that Traveling With Dogs involves much more than simply loading him or her in your car’s back seat and driving off, particularly if you will plan to be away for an extended period or will be driving long distances. Here are a few tips to ensure that you have a safe and smooth road trip.Before traveling with dogs you might want to take some extra precautions and buy some special gear.These tips make your trip with pets better
Tips for Traveling With Dogs
Keep all pets secure and safe in a properly ventilated carrier or crate. There are various hard plastic, wire mesh, and soft-sided carriers you can buy – Dog Product Picker have a good selection. Whichever one you choose, ensure that there’s enough room for your beloved pet to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down in. It is also a good idea to get your pet used to the carrier in your home before you leave for your trip.
Prepare your pet for a long trip by first taking him/her on a series of short drives and gradually lengthen the time spent in the vehicle. It is also important to make sure that the crate is always secure so that it does not shift or slide in case of a quick stop.
Start your pet’s travel-feeding schedule with a light meal 3 to 4 hours before you depart. Never feed your pet in a moving vehicle even if it is a long drive.
Don’t leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. A parked vehicle can become a furnace within a very short time on a hot day, even with the windows open, which can lead to heatstroke. In cold weather, a vehicle usually acts as a refrigerator holding the cold in thus causing your pet to freeze.
The contents of your pet traveling kit. Besides a leash, bowl, food, travel papers, grooming supplies, pet first-aid kit, medication, and plastic bags, don’t forget to pack a favorite pillow or toy that gives your pet some sense of familiarity.
Ensure that your pet wears a collar with a tag that bears your home address and is micro-chipped to allow for easier identification and along with a temporary travel tag with your destination phone number, personal cell phone number, and other relevant contact details. Always choose flat collars for your canine friend to prevent choking.
Never allow your beloved pet to ride with their head outside the window. He/she may be injured by flying objects. Always keep pets in the back seat with a harness attached to a seat buckle or in their crate.
If you will be traveling across state lines, you should carry your pet’s rabies vaccination record because some states require such proof at some interstate crossings. While this is not usually an issue, it is always advisable to be on the safe side.
When it comes to water, it is advisable to stick with tap water stored in plastic jugs or just bottled water. Drinking water from an area that he/she is not used to may result in your pet suffering from a tummy upset.
If you frequently travel with your pet, you can consider investing in waterproof seat covers and rubberized floor liners available at auto product retailers.
Do you have any other tips for Traveling With Dogs? Share them with us!
