6 Tips for Taking Four-Legged Friends on Holiday Trips

As travelers make their ways to holiday destinations this year, many
will be taking pets along for the ride. If you are planning a road
trip with your pets, here are some tips to make the trip safe and
enjoyable:

1. Dogs and cats need to be secured properly, both for their safety and
yours. The first and best option is to crate your animal for the
duration of the trip. For large animals, a more feasible option is to
use a special harness that attaches to your vehicle's seatbelt. Both
crates and harnesses are available at your local pet store.

2. The ASPCA cautions against allowing pets to ride with their heads out
the window of a moving vehicle. Not only do they risk being hit with
a flying object, but also they can be subject to inner ear damage and
lung infections.

3. The noises and movement from car travel make many pets anxious. This
anxiety can be expressed through barking, shaking, excessive drooling
or even vomiting. Prepare your pets for a long trip well before you
plan to leave. Start slowly by getting them used to being in the car.
Once they are a little more comfortable, condition them with short
trips around the block, gradually extending the duration of these
trips. If your pet still suffers car anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about
medications. Also consider keeping stain and odor remover in the trunk,
just in case of an accident.

4. Don't feed your pet right before you plan to leave. Instead, give him
or her a light meal a few hours in advance. Never feed your pet in a
moving vehicle.

5. Just as you will on a long trip, your pet will need periodic pit
stops and stretch breaks, too. Bring along water and small treats, as
well as a favorite toy the pet can play with for some exercise.

6. If you're planning overnight hotel stays, be sure to check in advance
whether the hotel has pet-friendly policies.

Source - http://www.jiffylube.com/Seasonal/Holiday_TravelWithPets.aspx

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec. 24, 2003