Are you planning on taking a trip with your pet in the car? If you’ve already attempted this task, then you are most likely familiar with the various difficulties that can ensue. If you’ve never traveled with your pet in the vehicle, then you may want to incorporate some tips to make the experience more enjoyable. Below, you will find some guidelines that may prove to be useful.
Practice
You may find this idea to be a little silly, but it will actually be quite beneficial. If your pet has never been in the car before, then you will want to practice — take short little trips around the block to better prepare your pet for the longer journey.
Be Prepared – Have a Travel Kit
Just as you’ll pack a bag for all of you needs, you will need to have essential items at the ready for your pet. Depending on your pet and your pet’s specific needs, the items you choose to pack will definitely vary. However, to get an idea, you may include the following:
- Portable Water Bowl
- Pooper Scooper
- Treats
- Leash
- Toys
Food wasn’t included on the list, as you don’t want to feed your pet right before or during a car ride. You never know what might make your pet car sick. Therefore, by avoiding food you could potentially be avoiding a mess.
Bathroom Breaks
It’s important to make sure you make plenty of stops to allow your pet to get a break from the car, as well as go to the bathroom. Just like humans, pets need to stretch and take a break from the enclosed vehicle.
Keep Your Pet Entertained
Though it’s likely your pet will sleep for most of the journey, there will be times where they’ll be awake, as well. Therefore, having a chew toy, treat, or some other form of entertainment easily accessible may prove to be helpful.
Be Cautious
When driving, it’s important to always be cautious. However, if you have a pet in the vehicle, you may want to be even more cautious and/or alert. You don’t want to allow your pet to distract you and affect your driving. In fact, if you’re behind the wheel, you need to remember that your most important task is still the road in front of you.
