For most pet owners, your beloved bestie is not just a pet, they are a part of the family. And as such, when you head out on vacation, no man or best friend gets left behind. If you are taking your little bundle of joy along for the road this holiday season, here are some important pet travel safety tips to follow so everyone makes it safely to your holiday destination.
Prepare Them for the Road Ahead
If your pet isn’t similar with being in the car, it can be very stressful and traumatic! Before heading out for a long journey, try a series of short distances so your pet becomes familiar with the vehicle and being in motion. Not only will it help to prepare them to know what the routine is, it will help you know if they have a problem with motion sickness. This way, you can prepare them before you’re all packed up and on your way.
Keep Your Pet Restrained Properly
You wouldn’t let your children run around the car unattached, and it is just as dangerous to let your pet roam free. Just like a human, if your pet isn’t restrained when a car stops suddenly, they are not going to stop. That can be dangerous for your pet and everyone in the car. Make sure that your pet is properly restrained with a harness, pet carrier or other safety device. Consult with your veterinarian to find the safest options. Also, don’t let your pet put their head out the window. It might seem like they really enjoy it, but it is not good for their ears.
Pet Travel Safety Tips to Anticipate Everything
The key to a good road trip is preparing. That includes anticipating all things pet-related. Make sure to bring along food, clean-up bags, grooming supplies, medications, a bowl for water, their bed or blanket, and their favorite toy or comfort object.
Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so keep a water bowl handy. Then when you get out to stretch your legs, take them for a quick walk and allow them to drink. Make sure to bring bottled water for them. If you use water from a tap that they aren’t familiar with, it can lead to an upset stomach, which will be miserable for everyone in the car! And don’t feed your pet in a moving vehicle, or you can have a real mess on your hands. Although you don’t want their feeding schedule to get off-track, building it around your stops is best for everyone.
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended
If you stop along the way, don’t leave your pet in the car unattended. If it is hot outside, opening the window will not be enough for them to cool down for any length of time. And if it is cold outside, you wouldn’t want them to freeze. Rule of thumb: Don’t leave your pet in the car for any longer than you would a child. They aren’t any more resilient to hot or cold temperatures. And leaving them locked up posses the same dangers to them as it would an infant.
If you are taking the whole family on a trip this holiday season, planning ahead can make sure you have a smooth trip without any unwelcome surprises. And before you head out on the open road, schedule an appointment at My Mechanic for a vehicle inspection to ensure its safe and ready for the trip ahead.
