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How to Improve Life for Both You and Your Pet

Traveling with Your Pet: Tips to Help Your Pet Enjoy the Trip

Most dogs love to ride in cars. On any given day, while on the road, you may notice dog ears flapping in the wind. They just love it! Traveling with your pet does take a certain amount of preparation, however. Here are tips to help your pet enjoy the trip.

If your pet has never been on a long journey before, it's a good idea to take him for short rides to get him used to the car.

Obtain a harness, which can be attached to the seat belt. Allowing a pet to ride in a car without a restraint of some kind can cause accidents.

Keep the pet in the back seat; never in the front where he can cause a distraction.

Ensure the collar is sturdy and has the proper ID tags, as well as your home address on it in case the pet gets away from you.

Pack the following items the night before the trip: water, food, bowls, bedding for the car, toys, pet treats, plenty of plastic bags and a first aid kit.

Stop frequently to feed, water and allow the pet to exercise as well as take the all important "bathroom" breaks. Always keep the pet on a leash.

Try not to travel on days when it is very hot. If it is mildly warm, use the AC, but always check to ensure the pet is comfortable.

Do not allow your pet to stick his head out of the window. Instead, leave the window open a crack.

If you happen to stop for a snack, never leave a pet inside the car. He can become dehydrated, especially in warm and hot weather. Either take the pet with you or have someone watch the pet for you.

If you have a puppy or kitten, a small kennel is recommended for car travel.

If you plan on taking your pet with you to another country, there are specific requirements depending upon the airline you choose. While some airlines will allow you to take a pet on board, others will only allow you to put them in the luggage compartment.

Taking a pet on a long airline flight is a bit more involved today than it used to be. With safety regulations and long waits on the tarmac, owners have to really consider the risks associated with airline travel.

If your pet has never been on a plane before, it could be quite frightening. Considering that some people find airline travel a hassle these days, it certainly would not be an enjoyable trip for a pet! Further, sedating a pet for an airline travel is frowned upon by most pet owners and experts agree. Pets can become disoriented and it may take a few days for them to rebound from the experience.

If you plan on taking a trip overseas, the best course of action would be to have a family member or friend care for the pet while you're gone. If there is no one available to take care of the pet, the last recourse would be to house the pet at a kennel. But that's the very last resort!

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