Going on vacation with your pet is always a pleasant experience … provided you follow a few rules!
If you own a pet, you have necessarily traveled with him by car, whether for a short trip or an appointment with the vet, or for a longer trip, such as going on vacation. Generally, taking your animal with you, whether it is a cat or a dog, is a pleasant moment, as long as you follow a few basic rules. Because traveling by car can be a source of stress for animals that are not necessarily used to it, not to mention the constraints related to safety. Auto-Moto offers you a little reminder of the five things not to do especially when you take the wheel with your pet, and gives you the right gestures to adopt for a serene trip.
Leave your pet in your car
We cannot repeat it enough, but you should absolutely never leave your pet in your car, especially if you are parked in direct sunlight, even for five short minutes. Indeed, the temperature inside the vehicle rises very quickly, even if it is not necessarily very hot outside. For example, the cabin can reach 42 ° in just twenty minutes, while the outside temperature is only 21 °, which may not seem like much. This is why it is imperative to take your pet with you when you take a break, which will also allow them to stretch their legs and to defecate.
Do not accustom your animal to its transport cage
It’s a mistake many pet owners make: buying a pet transport container just before the trip and install your animal there as if nothing had happened. A practice that nevertheless generates a lot of stress for your companion, who has not had time to assimilate this unknown object, yet so harmless for you. Because a transport crate must above all be a soothing place for your animal, and it is therefore essential that it can take its marks and get used to it. To do this, take out the cage several days in advance and leave it open so that your friend can discover it quietly. If he goes there, you can reward him with treats, so that he associates this place with relaxation and fun.
Feed him before the trip
While it may be tempting to give your pet a little treat before you hit the road, your best bet is to avoid feeding it when you leave, especially if your pet tends to be sick in the car. The ideal is to give him his meal several hours before, so that he has enough time to digest it, thus avoiding the risk of vomiting. On the other hand, do not hesitate to give your animal a drink regularly, either before departure or during breaks on your journey. If your dog or cat tends to get very excited when you hit the road, you can also give them tranquilizers prescribed by your veterinarian, which you will give him before leaving.
Leave your pet free in the car
Whether you have a dog or a cat, make sure you never let it roam freely in the car. Because even if he is very wise in normal times, a panic attack or a sudden movement can make him change his behavior, then increasing the risk of accident. It is indeed not impossible for your friend to slip under the pedals or climb on your lap, reducing your ability to react in an emergency. The best is still to install a separation grid if you are traveling with a dog, and to secure the latter. If you have a cat, put it in its transport box in the back seat, not in the trunk.
Let your pet hang his head out the window
While it is important to leave the window slightly open to allow your dog to stay cool, it should not be able to put its head or legs out. Because if it is a natural reflex for him, it can be very dangerous for his health. In addition to being able to catch a stone if you ride at high speed, your dog is also at risk of getting an ear infection or conjunctivitis, because of the wind in his eyes and ears. In addition, if you are stationary, it can bite a passer-by or a cyclist, even if it is usually very calm. Indeed, the stress of travel can indeed cause aggressive behavior in some animals.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Five mistakes not to make when traveling with children
Pregnant woman: what you should definitely not do in the car
In practice: travel well by car with your animal
