So, you're planning a family road trip. Bringing the family pet can add pleasure to your visit, but first think about whether it will add pleasure to your trip, for both you and your dog or cat. Leaving a dog or cat free roaming in a vehicle sounds fine, until he/she crawls under the gas pedal or break or on top of your head and neck! If you have to come to a sudden stop, a dog hanging out the window or riding loose in a truck bed could be in serious trouble. There are a couple of ways to keep your pet secure. The first, and the safest, is a crate or specially designed car carrier. If you decide to use a crate, make sure you purchase the right size for your pet. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down. Any more than that in an accident could have him/her bouncing around unnecessarily. You can also purchase canine seat belts, car seats and barriers (made with metal, netting or webbing). Doggie seat belts use a harness that attaches to your car's seat belt. The down side here is that if you have more than one dog, they can get tangled and even highly active single dogs can become twisted. If you're going to use any of these systems, make sure to condition your dog to it gradually. It's a mistake to think you can just buckle your puppy up and take off for a 10-hour trip. Try it for 15 minutes the first time, gradually building up the duration.
On a long trip, kyour pet's collar, complete with I.D. tags, on even while crated. Leash your pet if you need to stop for a bathroom break and put a reflective collar on your dog before letting him/her take that late night restroom break along a highway.
When taking a long trip, pets will need a rest stop every two to three hours. When possible, park in the shade so the car does not become overheated. Remember, the inside of your parked car can reach 120 degrees in just seconds on a warm day. That could mean heatstroke, brain damage or even death for your pet. In the middle of the summer, an ice pace in the crate is a good idea.
Signs of car sickness to look for would be panting or drooling excessively. It's a good idea to try the car in shorter trips first. If your dog or cat shows any signs of distress, see your veterinarian. There are medications available that may help.
Last, but not least, don't feed your pet for about three hours before beginning your trip and don't worry about dinner until you get to your destination. Keep water readily available and a fun toy wouldn't hurt either. Try a KONG, with just a touch of peanut butter on the inside or a PLANET PET with biscuits stuffed in the holes.