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Traveling with pets
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This is the height of the vacation travel season. And although high gas prices have taken their toll on people traveling long distances, vacations are still under way to points far from home.
According to recent statistics, more people are taking their pets along with them on vacations. They like the companionship of their pets during holiday and vacation travel, and from another standpoint traveling with the family pet does not require housing the animal in a shelter when the master is enjoying time away from home.
While many like to take their pets along on vacation, there are still dangers and inconveniences to be faced. According to many I have talked to, they say animals seem to enjoy sharing the summer vacation.
Recently I received information from Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance Company. According to Palermo animals are members of the family and when we take a vacation or just get away for the weekend they often go along for the ride. He pointed out that there are more than 135 million household dogs and cats in the United States and many of them share the car during vacations.
However, too often vacationers do not carefully plan the needs for the animal that accompanies them on a summer trip.
According to Palermo if the pet is not used to car trips try a few test runs to help acclimate them for the ride. Spending time in the car while parked and short drives to nearby destinations is easy practice. I remember taking our dog Sophie, which we had for 16 years, on short drives to areas like Rio Vista and other places along the Delta during weekends.
There are certain cautionary measure that should be taken. Cats should be kept in a carrier and dogs should be held in restraining harnesses. These practices will help stabilize your pet if there is a sudden movement or crash. Cats and dogs do not have the sense of observance of even a younger child.
And take into consideration how your pet feels when traveling. Palermo said, “Feed your pet a little less than you would normally. Since too much water can upset their stomachs on the road limit water by providing ice to chew on. And don’t forget to pack some toys and other favorite items or bedding.” I agree, since my old dog Sophie always had her favorite toys at home and they made her feel more comfortable while on the road.
It is important to have a collar with an ID tag that includes both your permanent and vacation addresses and phone numbers. Always keep in mind that your pet is not familiar with many of the place you are traveling. In our family we always had our pets equipped with either a secure “name collar” or an implant, which is provided by a veterinarian.
Returning to the subject of safety: Palermo said dogs like to poke their heads out the car windows. This is not safe. Insects can hit your animal, even in the nostrils, and this can cause health problems. Also there are stones and other material kicked up by other vehicles on the road that can cause injury to your pet.
Perhaps the most important part of animal safety while on the road is to not leave your pet in the car during hot weather, so frequent in California. Palermo pointed out that even in the shade, with windows open, inside temperatures can be deadly in warm weather.
According to recent statistics, more people are taking their pets along with them on vacations. They like the companionship of their pets during holiday and vacation travel, and from another standpoint traveling with the family pet does not require housing the animal in a shelter when the master is enjoying time away from home.
While many like to take their pets along on vacation, there are still dangers and inconveniences to be faced. According to many I have talked to, they say animals seem to enjoy sharing the summer vacation.
Recently I received information from Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance Company. According to Palermo animals are members of the family and when we take a vacation or just get away for the weekend they often go along for the ride. He pointed out that there are more than 135 million household dogs and cats in the United States and many of them share the car during vacations.
However, too often vacationers do not carefully plan the needs for the animal that accompanies them on a summer trip.
According to Palermo if the pet is not used to car trips try a few test runs to help acclimate them for the ride. Spending time in the car while parked and short drives to nearby destinations is easy practice. I remember taking our dog Sophie, which we had for 16 years, on short drives to areas like Rio Vista and other places along the Delta during weekends.
There are certain cautionary measure that should be taken. Cats should be kept in a carrier and dogs should be held in restraining harnesses. These practices will help stabilize your pet if there is a sudden movement or crash. Cats and dogs do not have the sense of observance of even a younger child.
And take into consideration how your pet feels when traveling. Palermo said, “Feed your pet a little less than you would normally. Since too much water can upset their stomachs on the road limit water by providing ice to chew on. And don’t forget to pack some toys and other favorite items or bedding.” I agree, since my old dog Sophie always had her favorite toys at home and they made her feel more comfortable while on the road.
It is important to have a collar with an ID tag that includes both your permanent and vacation addresses and phone numbers. Always keep in mind that your pet is not familiar with many of the place you are traveling. In our family we always had our pets equipped with either a secure “name collar” or an implant, which is provided by a veterinarian.
Returning to the subject of safety: Palermo said dogs like to poke their heads out the car windows. This is not safe. Insects can hit your animal, even in the nostrils, and this can cause health problems. Also there are stones and other material kicked up by other vehicles on the road that can cause injury to your pet.
Perhaps the most important part of animal safety while on the road is to not leave your pet in the car during hot weather, so frequent in California. Palermo pointed out that even in the shade, with windows open, inside temperatures can be deadly in warm weather.
