On The Road With Your Pet
Driving With Pets
Taking your pet dog, cat or whatever along on a long trip is for many drivers an absolute necessity. Some pets and some owners too can't stand being alone. Besides this, there are all the costs and headaches of searching for boarding for a pet, or asking friends or family to take care of your pet.
For making your trip as smooth as possible, some preparation, for both the vehicle and the pet, is necessary.
First, take into account, that your pet has to get accustomed to cars. That is not normally a problem for a dog, since most owners take their dogs in their car with them. However, almost no driver takes his cat for a ride. So, start small and try a few short trips within your neighborhood. Many pet associate trips to trips to the veterinary, so it is important that it associates driving with something pleasant. Giving some form of reward after the trip, will make your pet feel more comfortable in a car.
All cats, no matter how peaceful they are, should be confined to a cat carrier. No exceptions are allowed. Cats are unpredictable within an automobile. Putting it in a cage will make you both feel more comfortable.
Dogs can also be dangerous for the driver. Don't let your dog ride at your side -whether on the floor nor in the passenger seat- or lay on your lap. Sometimes drivers have to make unpredictable movements and you will need the security that your dog won't hinder you in your movements.
The best option for dogs is buying a divider to create a compartment separating the pet from other areas of the vehicle. If you have a big automobile like a SUV, you can put your dog in the rear area. The most important is that you keep it separated from the driver.
Further minor points are taking enough food and water with you, taking general medication and planning to stop every couple of hours. And don't let it ride with an open window, although it seems funny for him, this is a focus of infection for him.
Tags: cats, dogs, driving with pets, safety
