Does your pet like riding in the car? You don’t want this important family member to miss out on weekend getaways and camping trips, but you should make sure like everyone else in the family, your furry friend is safe when you’re on the road.
You don’t let your kids run around the backseat while you are driving, and you shouldn’t let your pet either. Just like a seat belt, the animal should be restrained with some sort of safety harness – find one that fits comfortably and attaches to the seat belt. Never use a child’s car seat for a cat or dog. Even better than a harness is a carrier that is well-ventilated and is large enough for the animal to sit or lie down. Add comfort with a blanket or towel and face the carrier forward so your pet has sufficient air.
Our pets are far less familiar with riding in vehicles than we are, so their stomachs may be somewhat sensitive to the movement. Rather than having a large meal before hitting the road, give them a small meal and smaller snacks throughout the trip. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water to keep the animal hydrated. Bring some of his or her favorite toys to keep them happy and entertained for the duration of the trip. The familiar smells from home will also calm the animal down.
Don’t open windows wide enough for a dog to stick its head out the window; this is very unsafe. Aside from the obvious dangers, dust and dirt can get into the dog’s eyes and injure him or her. Open the window just a few inches – this will allow plenty of air to get into the vehicle and will prevent the risks mentioned. Similarly, never leave your pet in an unattended car, for any period of time. It is not only dangerous; it is illegal. Even in cooler temperatures, it is warmer inside a vehicle than outside, which could make the animal sick. Leaving windows rolled down is not a viable solution, as it could result in theft.
Enjoy your trip!
Courtesy of Veterinarian Pet Insurance
http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-owner-topics/Car-Safety-for-Pets.aspx
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