TCC Tip: Traveling with Pets
The best protection for your favorite animals (humans excluded).
Vacations are a great excuse to round up the family for a hundred-mile journey by car - that is, if you have enough CDs and cupholders to keep the kids busy. They're also a great time to bring along the family pet, especially if you've got a dog, cat or other animal that would enjoy the trip and would love to find some new territory to "claim."
But traveling with pets can also be an endurance ride of hourly stops, nonstop whining and a lack of pet-friendly places to stay. So before you decide against a pet sitter, make sure you're prepared for the following:
Don't make a long trip the first trip. You need to know before you depart whether your pet is car-tolerant. Make short trips with a new pet to determine whether they're ready for a longer ride. If you know that your pet doesn't handle the highway well, a veterinarian may be able to provide a mild sedative to make the trip more pleasant.
Make regular stops. Keep your pet hydrated and running on empty. Stop often for water breaks, especially if you can't stabilize a small water dish in the area where your pet will be most of the journey. And plan in ten-minute walk breaks to keep your pet comfortable and accident-free, making sure to keep it on a leash and away from areas with moving traffic.
Never leave them in a hot car! Also, never leave them in direct sunlight; always park in the shade. And leave a window open enough for airflow but not for escape; several pet-supply Web sites sell window adapters that allow just that.
Make a safe place. Don't allow your pet to ride on your lap, or wander too much around your car - set up a blanketed area and if necessary, install a pet fence to keep them from disturbing you while you drive. Also, don't let your pet ride with its head outside the windows; it can lead to eye and ear injuries, or more if your vehicle is involved in an accident.
Travel Checklist to help make sure you're prepared for your tip.
Feline Help Videos
Need help with various issues with your cat? Click on this link where you can view videos on various topics. www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu
|