Traveling with your Dog – part 1
With the Melbourne Cup long weekend approaching, many people plan for a weekend away. Traveling with your pet whether it be on vacation or to a dog show or vet clinic, should be hassle free and enjoyable for the entire family. If your dog is house trained there should be no problems with accidents in the car.
Dogs MUST be restrained in the car for their safety and the safety of the family. The dog should be seated on a rear seat and fastened with a three point harness. The harness restrains the dog across the chest and is buckled in as a regular seat belt. This prevents the dog from running and/ or jumping around the car which increases the risk of an accident and injury to the car passengers.
It is important that the dog has regular rest stops where they can be taken for a short walk and allowed to go to the toilet. This will help prevent any agitated behaviour. Ensure you carry your pooper scooper even on holiday. At rest stops, also ensure the dog has fresh water to drink. A portable drinking bowl can be kept in the car for this purpose.
It is always best to be prepared for your dog becoming sick. Many dogs suffer travel sickness and dogs tend to vomit easier than humans. It is a good idea to pack plenty of towels just in-case your dog develops travel sickness. Signs that the dog may vomit will include rapid panting and increased salivation. If this is noticed you may be able to pull safely off the road and get your dog out of the car before it vomits. Dogs who sit on the floor of the car have a higher risk of suffer motion sickness and the car floor vibrates and rocks more. If possible the dog should be restrained correctly on the seat.
Part 2 coming soon.
