Pet Travel Tips – Traveling With Cats and Dogs
Pet Products, Safe Dog Travel & How to Transport a Cat in a Car
Sep 9, 2009
Traveling with animals can be stressful for both pets and pet owners. Travel pet gear can help ease that stress and anxiety, and make transporting pets or taking a pet friendly vacation a more enjoyable experience.
Pet Travel Safety
Keeping pets safe is the most important concern. Pet owners should update pet ID tags with current contact information, and make sure vaccinations are up-to-date before leaving for a trip. Even if a dog or cat will be traveling in a pet carrier, pet identification tags are important, just in case. A microchip for dogs and cats will help pets be returned to their owners even if they are not wearing a collar.
When riding in the car, dogs and cats should be restrained in pet travel crates or by other means. Car pet barrers, designed to keep dogs in the cargo area or from getting into the front seat, are made to fit different several different types of vehicles. Dogs can also be restrained by a dog car harness which helps protect them in case of an car accident.
Another concern is keeping animals cool on hot days. Animals should never be left in a hot car, even for a minute. Dogs have higher body temperatures than people and have less ability to cool themselves by sweating. Dog crate cooling fans can help. Some of these come with car adapters to plug in to the cigarette lighter.
Pet Meds for Anxiety
Many pets who are not used to traveling, especially cats, can get very anxious in the car. Pet owners can buy meds online that will help curb anxiety in dogs and cats. Homeopathic anxiety medicines for pets include flower essences and calming pheromones. Some of these are available in liquid form while others are time-release supplements. Stronger pet sedatives can be purchased with a veterinarian's prescription from pet pharmacies online.
Using treats and food rewards to train cats and dogs to go in their carriers,rather than forcing them inside, will help them develop a positive association with being kenneled and ease travel anxiety. Playing soft music on the car stereo can also help soothe pets who do not like to travel. Pet owners can also bring along favorite pet toys, treats and, if there is room, familiar pet bedding to help pets feel more at home in the car and in strange places.
Travel Cat Litter Pan
When taking cats on trip, a travel litter box is a necessity. There are several disposable litter pan options, including litter pans that fold up between uses, and biodegradable cat litter pans made from recycled paper. Another option is a travel litter box with a locking lid. A shallow plastic storage container works well for this purpose. Clumping clay litter can be used and a cat litter scoop brought along. The lid allows for easy transport between cars and hotel rooms without spilling litter everywhere.
Dog owners should bring along bags for picking up pet waste. The biodegradable pet waste bags that come in small rolls can easily be tucked into a purse, pocket, or glove compartment. Clip-on bag holders can also be attached to a belt loop or leash.
Easy Pet Travel
Traveling with dogs and cats does not have to be an overly stressful situation. Being patient and making efforts to keep pets safe and calm, having pet supplies and cleaning tools on hand, and staying in pet-friendly hotels will make traveling with pets a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
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