As the holidays are fast approaching, many families are planning their vacation that often requires hours in the car. As all pet owners know, holidays are made that much better when your pet can come along too! This is why Petplan has put together some important tips to make the road trip enjoyable and safe for both you and your pet.
Pets and cars
Not all pets love cars immediately as they can get car sick and therefore associate it with a bad experience. Before you set off for your road trip, it is important to get your dog or cat used to travelling in cars by doing a number of short trips. Whilst doing these short trips, try not to feed your pet before taking off as this may lead to them throwing up all over the car of a passenger ??? which nobody wants!
Supplies
As they become more comfortable with car rides, you can start to feed them before trips as they will need to get used to having food in their stomachs if you???re doing long trips. When you do start your road trip, be sure to pack an abundance of water and the same food that they will have at home. By keeping their diet the same, you will reduce the stress of change that they will experience as well as make them more comfortable and minimise the chance of your pet becoming sick.
Microchipping
Although microchipping cats and dogs is compulsory almost all over Australia, it is in your best interest to get it done ??? especially before a road trip. As they will be in unfamiliar areas, there is a greater chance that they will wander off and get lost. Having a collar on them constantly with the correct details will also help if something goes wrong whilst travelling. By doing all this, you will have a greater chance of being reunited with your pet if they get lost.
First aid
Packing a first aid kit specifically designed for your pet is a must. You never know what mishaps may happen on your trip and you should be prepared! This should contain all their medication, general first aid bandages, scissors, and the numbers of veterinarians of towns you are visiting ??? in case of an emergency!
Bedding
As your pet will be away from home and not in their comfort zone, it is important to take anything that will make them feel safe and homely – starting with bringing their bedding. Your pet will be so much more at ease if they???re sleeping with similar smells around. You can also help out by packing their favourite toys, blanket or anything else that you may think will help them with the stresses of being away from their kingdom.
Breaks
Similar to humans, dogs and cats will need toilet breaks and time to stretch their legs. This will not only allow them to get rid of some energy, it will also mean that they won???t be any accidents in the car. Be sure to keep your dog on a lead when stopping for breaks and never leave them in the car by themselves ??? especially with the summer heat.
Travelling with pets should be an enjoyable experience for both parties. It is up to you to take care of your four-legged friend and make sure that they are well equipped for the road trip. Safe travels!
Let us know in the comments below if you have any more travelling tips!
