Travelling
with your pets can be a difficult task, especially if you dog or cat gets
anxious, hyperactive or scared when in a moving vehicle. Whether you are
planning a journey to the local play park or you are planning on embarking on a
cross country motoring adventure, there are several dos and donts that you need
to follow to ensure that you pet has a safe journey.
The
first thing to ensure is that there is adequate space in your car for your pet.
A car dog guard is a great choice for those looking to give their dog or cat
dedicated space to relax during the journey. Although many people do choose to
keep dogs on their knee on placed on the back seat, unfortunately this can
cause problems especially if your pet gets agitated. A dog guard separates your
pet from other areas in the car, ensuring that all mess is kept to one area and
allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy the drive in peace. Do not place your
dog in a cage or carry box if they are unfamiliar with it, the shock of a
confined space may lead to a very unpleasant journey for your four legged friend.
If you do have a cage or box, do try and allow your pet enough time to get used
to the look and smell of it before a journey.
Do
ensure that there is enough water in the car for your dog to enjoy during the
journey. Regular stops to rehydrate are a must and will allow you pet to
stretch their legs at the same time. You can also get specially designed pet
bowls that will affix to the bottom of your trunk space; the non-spill
varieties will also limit any mess in the car. Typically dogs should not have access
to food during car journeys as it could trigger mess, if you do need to give
your dog a snack stick to dry biscuits or treats that they can enjoy over a
prolonged period of time.
Do make
the travelling space as comfortable as possible for your pooch by adding one of
their dog blankets or cushions to the trunk space. This will give them a sense
of calmness along with the comfort they need to relax during the journey. Try
not to over stimulate your pet with a car full of toys, keep their attentions focused
on one toy to keep them calm.