2 minute read
Travelling with your pet by car
How to make a road trip with furry babies as smooth as possible:
✓ Before departure, visit a vet for a health check
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✓ Acclimatise your pet to a longer journey by taking them on a few short trips first
✓ Small dogs should travel in a seatbelt harness or in a crate on the back seat
✓ Large dogs should travel in the rear of a hatchback with a cargo barrier, or secured with a leash, or be in a cage on the back of a vehicle
✓ Cats, birds and guinea pigs should be in a travel carrier cage with good airflow and a waterproof bottom
✓ Regulate the temperature in the car
✓ Stop for regular walks, snacks, toileting and stretching
✓ Put familiar blankets into carriers and cages
✓ Use a pheromone spray to calm anxious cats and dogs
✘ Don’t drive with your dog’s head out of the window
✘ Never travel with your dog unsecured on the back of a truck, ute or trailer
✘ Don’t leave pets in a warm car
✘ Don’t let your pet out of the vehicle unrestrained
✘When you’re taking them out of the vehicle, avoid placing your pet in direct sunlight
Feeling Off?
It is hard to know if your pet is going to be a good traveller or suffer from motion sickness until you hit the road. Sometimes they will outgrow it or get used to car journeys but these tips may help.
Edmund & Huxley © Danielle Carter / Dog & Co. Photography
> Stress can be a major trigger for sickness so try to make sure your dog is comfortable and not moving around too much in the car.
> Try a natural calming aid such as Pet Remedy spray.
> Your vet can prescribe something a bit stronger to help with anxiety.
