Last month we provided general tips about planning for a vacation with your pet including confirming needed documentation for out-of-state or out-of-country travel, properly identifying your travel buddy, and familiarizing your pet with its travel crate or carrier.  This month, we focus on planning a road trip with your four-legged friend.  If you’re hitting the road with your pet(s) this summer, here are five tips to keep them happy and healthy!

  • Take short “practice” road trips prior to your vacation.  This is especially important for cats and dogs whose only car trip is to and from the veterinary clinic!  Start by sitting in your parked car for a short period of time with the engine off then transition to a longer period of time in your parked car with the engine running.  Once your pet seems comfortable sitting in the car with the engine running, take a few short rides followed by longer rides to acclimate him or her to car travel.  To create a positive association for dogs, consider taking several rides to a local park for playtime.  Reward your pet with treats and praise after each ride.
  • Make sure your pet is secure behind the front seat or in the cargo area.  This includes placing them in a carrier on the floor, a travel crate in the cargo area or, for dogs, securing them in the back seat with a seat belt leash or harness.   Lap sitting and restraint-free movement within the car is not recommended as a loose pet can be distracting or dangerous if they interfere with braking or accelerating.  Heads and paws should remain in the car to avoid unexpected obstacles that can cause injuries and, under no circumstances, should a pet roam freely in a truck bed.
  • Monitor your car’s internal temperature and air circulation.  Make sure the internal temperature of your car is comfortable for your furred best friends and that there is proper air circulation, particularly for short-muzzled dogs and cats who tend to experience breathing problems when the temperature gets too high.  Never leave your pet alone in the car, regardless of the outdoor temperature.  It takes only minutes, even in the shade with the windows cracked open, for the inside temperature of a car to drastically exceed the outdoor temperature.
  • Take frequent breaks when traveling with your dog.  Plan to pull off the road so s/he can take a bathroom break or get some much-needed exercise every two to three hours.  Many highway rest stops and large truck stops include a dog-friendly grassy area that Fido can investigate.  In a pinch, look for a local Petco, PetsMart or other chain pet store where your pet (and you) can take a quick break.
  • Feed a light meal more than four hours before leaving.  To help avoid car sickness or bathroom accidents, feed your pet a light meal more than four hours before leaving and avoid feeding while traveling in the car.  You may find waterproof seat covers or rubberized floor mats help prevent damage to your seats or cargo area if a bathroom accident can’t be avoided.

It’s always a good idea for your pets to see a veterinarian before traveling to make sure vaccines are updated, you have enough prescription medications or food to last throughout the trip, and that s/he is healthy enough to travel.  If you’re planning to hit the road with a pet that needs veterinary services before you leave, please call us at 630-598-0600.