Getting your pet into a carrier or crate
Carriers and crates are used to secure your pet, in carriers pets cannot become projectiles should the car stop suddenly. Carriers avoid the chance of your pet becoming panicked and entangled in the pedals or steering wheel. This is not only important for your pet but the safety of you as well. Carriers allow safe transport to and from the vehicle, eliminating that risk of your pet running out of the car and onto the road when the door is opened.
The first step in using a carrier or crate is to make it as comfortable and as positive experience as possible. This can be made a lot easier with crate training. Click here to read more about crate training. Once entering the carrier pets should be rewarded with high value treats to remind them of this ‘good experience’.
Synesthetic pheromone sprays such as Feliway for cats and Adpatil for dogs can be very helpful in certain situations. By spraying it in the carrier it can help your pet to achieve a more relaxed state. Remember never to spray your pet with these products. Just their bedding. If crates and carriers aren’t your thing, or you have a big dog try using a harness with a seat belt attachment. If you attach the seatbelt to your pets collar and you stop suddenly. This can put a lot of stress on their necks. Just imagine if this was you.
The car trip
The best way to teach your pet to travel well is to start at an early age with short frequent trips in the car gradually lengthening the time spent in the car. For long trips always ensure both you and your pets have frequent stops for potty-breaks.
If you’re travelling across state lines, bring along your pet’s vaccination record. While this generally isn’t a problem, you never know where you may stop along the way that requires a proof.
Pets can suffer from motion or car sickness. Fasting your pet overnight can help prevent nausea during the trips. Pets who suffer from car sickness can associate the trips or their carrier with being ill. This can sometimes pass with age or as they learn to travel. Anti-nausea or anti-anxiety tablets can be dispensed from the Veterinarian for long trips or server situations. Please be aware these are prescription and will require a consultation first. So be prepared!
If you want to know more information on this topic, please call us on 5572 1278