Pet Travel – What Do I Need To Do/Know?

Every pet owner knows the stress it causes traveling with pets However, there are a variety of methods that can be a more enjoyable travel experience for everyone.

Cats and their owners on the road

The first thing to think about is a suitable cat carrier, make sure it’s sturdy and spacious enough for your cat.
Second, make sure your cat is able to be identified should they get out of their carriers. It is best to make sure that your cat has a microchip as this will be a permanent method to identify them. If it’s the first time your cat has made a trip, a collar or tag is fine until a microchip is inserted.
Once all of these are organized, the next difficult task is to get your cat in the travel bag – much easier to do than say! One of the most effective methods in this regard is to place your cat backwards, when it’s a front loading cat carrier, to make sure they don’t know the direction they’re heading to.
Introduce your cat to the carrier and put it away for a couple of days prior to the time they travel to help them get used to the idea of.
After your cat has been in the car, ensure that the cat is secure and the pet carrier doesn’t move because this could be stressful to your pet. It might be worthwhile putting the seatbelt in into the handles of the cat carrier and wrapping it in blanket.

Walking with your dog

Be sure to have the right safety harness for your seat or cage your pet to travel in. certain dogs are less stressed when they feel secure inside the vehicle. This restraint method can also help keep the other passengers inside the vehicle protected while traveling.
It’s essential to know the rules that govern tags and collars, as well as the mandatory microchipping that became law at the beginning of April in 2016. This is important when traveling when your dog is scared and attempts to flee prior to or during the trip.
For many dogs, the primary reason why they travel in a vehicle is a visit to the vet and it is an anxious time for your pet. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize your dog and alter the relationship they have with the vehicle. For the first step, you could allow your dog to be in the car while it’s parked. Sit with your dog all the time the time, offering praise and/ treats. When they’re content within the car can take your dog out to the ocean or a local park, so that they are taught that traveling in the car isn’t just going to the vet.
Make sure that the entire experience is enjoyable for your pet.

Calming your pet

Pheromones

There are a variety of products which mimic the pheromone that a female dogs releases in order to soothe her babies after birth. The primary one is Adaptil. It is available in a spray which allows you to spray your car prior to your trip to ease anxiety in your pet. For cats, there’s an option that is based on the cat’s facial pheromone, called Feliway that provides comfort to cats. It is also available in a spray bottle and you can spray their car and their carrier prior to travel to alleviate stress. Consult your physician for more details.

Conditions inside the car

Certain pets are more comfortable in a car with ambient air and calm music or sounds inside the car. If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure that the windows aren’t open to much, as you do not want your dog to stick his head through the windows since it could cause head injuries for your dog. Some dogs feel more secure in a crate , and often they’re more comfortable if their cage is secured.

Medication

Sometimes, regardless of the effort you make to soothe your dog,, they might still require medication. If this happens then you must call your vet’s office to schedule a visit with a veterinarian to discuss the matter.

Travel sickness

Everyone is susceptible to getting sick on the road including dogs and cats. The majority of the time, this can be cured by regular short desensitisation trips and ensuring that the journey isn’t just about taking pets to the vet or kennel, but also to the cattery. It is worth making sure your pet isn’t eating an excessive amount of food for at least three hours prior to departure to minimize the chance of vomiting in the course of travel. If your pet continues to vomit during travel, there are anti-sickness medications available from your veterinarian.

Hyperactivity

Are your pet’s bonkers present inside the vehicle? Are they screaming, panting and squealing? They are showing symptoms of hyperactivity. If all the above methods for calming been unsuccessful, please consult your vet for help.

Finally

Watches focused on road

Your focus should be on the road in all circumstances and not focused on what your pet might be doing. If you can, it’s recommended to have another person beside you to keep your pet at ease.

Be aware that you’re not alone. There is advice available at the veterinary clinic near you to ensure a secure and tranquil travel for your pet regardless of where your journey may be.