| Many of us will hit the road this year to visit | | | | themselves or the driver. For large and older |
| family, friends or for a vacation. Many of us will | | | | dogs, there is also a restraint that allows your dog |
| take our pets with us. A pet has special needs | | | | to sit or lay in the back seat of the vehicle safely |
| when traveling that you must consider. Here are | | | | and is especially good if you're going off road or |
| some tips for traveling safely with your pets. | | | | going to travel rough roads with many turns and |
| Food & Water | | | | bumps, as these harnesses will keep your dog in |
| You'll want to carry enough food and water for | | | | place. |
| the pet for as many days as you will be traveling. | | | | Car Sickness |
| In addition, there are special collapsible dog food | | | | For dogs that throw up during car rides, there are |
| and water bowls available that allow you to serve | | | | options to help. There are prescription drugs for |
| your pet at anytime, and then collapse the bowl | | | | pets that you can get from your veterinarian. |
| down so it doesn't take up alot of room. And | | | | There is also the over the counter drug |
| don't forget the treats! Have plenty of treats to | | | | Dimenhydrinate, also known as Dramamine. You |
| give your pet when they are restless. Some | | | | can give your pet the same type of Dramamine |
| treats will work better than others in a vehicle. | | | | as for for adults. About 30 to 50 milligrams is the |
| Pick treats that won't make a mess, won't make | | | | recommendation for medium size to large dogs |
| alot of noise and will keep the pet busy. For dogs, | | | | and about 10 to 15 milligrams for smaller dogs and |
| consider a Kong treat, which is a rubber like treat | | | | cats. Dramamine should be given about an hour |
| that you can insert smaller treats into. Your pet | | | | before you leave. Many dogs will be less carsick if |
| will be distracted trying to get the treats out of | | | | you let the dog look out the window and/or let |
| the toy. | | | | some fresh air hit the dog in the face. For some |
| Comfort | | | | dogs, by distracting the dog with a new and |
| Don't forget to bring along your pets favorite | | | | exciting dog toy or treat, they will overcome their |
| blanket, pillow or stuffed animal, the familiarity | | | | fear of riding in a car. |
| with these items will decrease any shock or | | | | Potty Breaks |
| homesickness the pet might feel. Bring along | | | | Don't forget to take breaks for the dog to go |
| extra blankets so the pet can take a nap or rest | | | | potty. Take your time letting the pet find just the |
| in it. It will also keep pet hair away from your | | | | right spot to do his or her business, it may take |
| seats! | | | | longer at a rest stop or other unfamiliar place, |
| Safety | | | | especially if the area is frequented by many other |
| Nowadays, there are special safety harnesses | | | | dogs and animals. Take a quick jog for a few |
| and belts for different sizes of dogs. For small | | | | minutes to rid the pet of excess energy, if |
| dogs, there are modified car seats that have a | | | | needed. Also, in unfamiliar places, keep your dog |
| padded area for the dog to sit in. The car seat, | | | | on the leash at all times. |
| or pooch seat, is strapped into the seat using a | | | | Red Alert |
| seatbelt. In addition, for medium and large size | | | | You must not ever leave your pet in a vehicle |
| dogs, you may be worried about them jumping | | | | when the outside temperature is even slightly |
| around in the vehicle while you are driving. For | | | | warm for more than 30 minutes. Your vehicle will |
| larger dogs, there are harnesses which basically | | | | act almost like an oven and the inside |
| keeps the dog in their seat using a specially | | | | temperature of a vehicle sitting in the sun, even |
| modified version of a seatbelt. These restraints | | | | when it's only a little warm outside is often too |
| allow the dog to sit in the seat and still enjoy a | | | | much for a pet to stand. In fact, it is illegal in |
| view out the window without endangering | | | | many states. |