As the holiday season draws near, everyone's travel plans start getting more and more concrete. Of course, for animal lovers, no trip is complete without your favorite furry, four-legged friend. Here are some tips for that awesome road trip you are planning with your dog or cat.
Traveling With Cats
Though cats are generally not as inclined to travel as their canine counterparts, they actually are capable of enjoying a road trip too. Cats will get quite fidgety during the first few minutes of the trip, but once they get over their jitters, they can actually be very calm and docile during the trip, reported Pets Weekly.
If your cat does get a bit too tense, be prepared to make a few stops along the way so you can make adjustments. Since your cat will be in a carrier most of the time, make sure that the carrier is lined with training pads. If possible, get the ones that can hold a lot of water. Get a container that is designed to hold in odors too.
Also, make it a point to bring a litter box with you. That way, whenever you stop, you can give your cat a chance to stretch its legs. Disposable litter trays — or even the tops of printing paper boxes filled with cat litter — are sure to make the day for your feline friend.
Traveling With Dogs
Dogs thrive on routine, so it is very important to make your canine companion feel at home in your vehicle. Make sure to pack a generous amount of your dog's favorite food, as well as his favorite blanket and toys. Doing so gives your pet the impression that the car is full of familiar things, thereby promoting an enjoyable and non-chaotic trip, according to iOL Travel.
Make a point to bring something that your dog can chew on, too. Everyone loves a road snack, so why not your dog too? Apart from this, practice your "stay" command just in case your dog makes a mess in the car and you end up cleaning it. After all, the last thing you need is a hyper canine while you're cleaning stuff off your car.
Barry Hundley, executive director of the Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI), also recommends making an appointment with your vet before the trip. This ensures that your dog is indeed physically ready for the long road ahead (literally).
So there we have it! Some practical tips on how to give your pets a road trip they will surely enjoy. If you have any quirky, awesome anecdotes about your travels with your pets, do mention them in the comments below!
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