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Travel
Tips
If it's your habit
not to use a kennel or harness, confine your dog to the back seat and command
him to kennel up. Protect your upholstery by covering the rear seat
with an old blanket. The blanket will make cleanup that much easier
at the end of your trip. To keep your car fresh smelling, use a deodorizer
tucked under the front seat.
How Often Should I Stop?
Many people think
that when their pets are in the car, they have to "go" more often.
Not true! Whenever you stop for yourself, let your pet have a drink
and take a walk. It’s not necessary to make extra stops along the way
unless your pet has a physical problem and must be walked more often.
Always pull your car out of the flow of traffic so you can safely care for
your pet. Never let your pet run free! Use a leash at all times.
Since your pet is in unfamiliar territory, he can bolt into traffic, be injured,
become lost or run away.
What About Car-sickness?
Just like people,
some pets are queasier than others. It's best to wait a couple of
hours after your pet has eaten before beginning your trip. Or better
yet, feed him after you arrive at your destination. Keep the windows
open enough to allow in fresh air. If your pet has a tendency to be
carsick, sugar can help. Give your pet a tablespoon of honey or a small
piece of candy (no chocolate! chocolate is poisonous to dogs!) before beginning
your trip. That should help settle his stomach. If you notice
that he still looks sickly, stop and allow him some additional fresh air.
Can My Pet be Left Alone in the Car?
Never leave your pet unattended in warm weather!!! Even if you think you'll only be gone a few minutes, that's all it takes for a pet to become dehydrated. Even if all the windows are open, even if your car is parked in the shade, even when the outside temperature is only 85 degrees ... the temperature in a parked car can reach 100 to 120 degrees in thirty minutes. Exposure to high temperatures, even for short periods, can cause brain damage and possibly death.
During the winter months, you should also be aware of hypothermia, a life threatening condition when an animal's body temperature falls below normal. In particular, short-haired dogs, toys and cats are very susceptible to illness in extremely cold weather.
When you're on vacation and you have to take your dog with you in the car, let him accompany you on errands if at all possible. Take him into buildings, in elevators and on stairs ... walk him on busy downtown streets. It will add to his socialization as well as yours.
Obviously, if your excursion absolutely prohibits the companionship of your pet --like a dinner out and a movie -- and, you cannot leave him alone in the hotel room, you can arrange for a dog sitter the same way you would arrange for a baby sitter. If that is not an option, we suggest that you check the local yellow pages under "Dog & Cat Kennels" for a temporary stay for your pet.
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