No Sticking Their Heads Out The Window: Although most pets will take great enjoyment from spending the entire road trip with their head out the window, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris from the road not to mention other cars. Along this same tip, I hope that it should go without mention that traveling with your pet in the back of the pickup truck is also a definite no-no! Some states even have laws restricting this type of animal transport because it is always dangerous.
Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.
Give Them Plenty Of Water: At each rest stop make sure to have some water available for your pet to drink from. Sometimes car travel will upset your pets stomach and this will give it something to help prevent sickness. Something that a lot of people recommend is to take ice cubes on road-trips as they're a fun way for your pet to get their needed re-hydration and it doesn't take up as much room as bringing lots of water will.
Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.
Don't Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.
Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.
Comfortably Safe: Keeping your pet comfortable during the trip will go a long way in not having to deal with any flare-ups or 'accidents' during the getaway. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable, it is important to keep their area of the car pet-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing along their favorite toy or blanket, sometimes even a travel bed. - 29895
Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.
Give Them Plenty Of Water: At each rest stop make sure to have some water available for your pet to drink from. Sometimes car travel will upset your pets stomach and this will give it something to help prevent sickness. Something that a lot of people recommend is to take ice cubes on road-trips as they're a fun way for your pet to get their needed re-hydration and it doesn't take up as much room as bringing lots of water will.
Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.
Don't Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.
Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.
Comfortably Safe: Keeping your pet comfortable during the trip will go a long way in not having to deal with any flare-ups or 'accidents' during the getaway. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable, it is important to keep their area of the car pet-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing along their favorite toy or blanket, sometimes even a travel bed. - 29895
