“Wanna Go for a Ride?” On the Road
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET BY AUTO CAN BE EITHER A JOY ride . . . or hell on wheels. It all depends on the right preparation by you (and a little cooperation from your passenger).
Safety First
Although we think we can text, talk, and drive at the same time, we can’t. Don’t let this be about you:
The police report began, “She was last seen with what a witness says looked like a stuffed animal in the crook of her arm, administering blush with one hand, holding a cell phone in the other and steering with her knee, cigarette dangling from mouth.”
I used to hold my small dog in my lap as I drove. I shamefully admit it.I finally bought a wire cage with one side that opens, large enough for her to be comfortable in (turn around, lay down, stretch out) and fit in the back seat. I put a pillow in the bottom, a blanket in the winter, and she traveled for hours. Better for her, much safer for the driver.
All pets, including cats, should be kept in cages, crates, or carriers,never let to wander free in the car. It is recommended that the carrier be in the back seat and strapped in by a safety belt. This way the carrier will stay secure around sharp corners or if an accident should occur. A cage may be impractical if you have a very big dog. In that case, use a seat belt specifically made for dogs and have him in the back seat.
I know you think Fido loves to travel with his head out the car window but it’s really not a good idea. Flying debris can get into eyes and mouth causing serious injury and some dogs can actually topple out the window, either accidentally or when going after some irresistible thing outside...read more
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET BY AUTO CAN BE EITHER A JOY ride . . . or hell on wheels. It all depends on the right preparation by you (and a little cooperation from your passenger).
Safety First
Although we think we can text, talk, and drive at the same time, we can’t. Don’t let this be about you:
The police report began, “She was last seen with what a witness says looked like a stuffed animal in the crook of her arm, administering blush with one hand, holding a cell phone in the other and steering with her knee, cigarette dangling from mouth.”
I used to hold my small dog in my lap as I drove. I shamefully admit it.I finally bought a wire cage with one side that opens, large enough for her to be comfortable in (turn around, lay down, stretch out) and fit in the back seat. I put a pillow in the bottom, a blanket in the winter, and she traveled for hours. Better for her, much safer for the driver.
All pets, including cats, should be kept in cages, crates, or carriers,never let to wander free in the car. It is recommended that the carrier be in the back seat and strapped in by a safety belt. This way the carrier will stay secure around sharp corners or if an accident should occur. A cage may be impractical if you have a very big dog. In that case, use a seat belt specifically made for dogs and have him in the back seat.
I know you think Fido loves to travel with his head out the car window but it’s really not a good idea. Flying debris can get into eyes and mouth causing serious injury and some dogs can actually topple out the window, either accidentally or when going after some irresistible thing outside...read more
Chapter Contents: Hospitality with Our Pets Hosting the Non-Humans: Our Pets ...254 Visiting with the Non-Humans ...261 “No Begging!” Be Sure You’re Welcome ...261 “Speak!” Communicate With Your Host ...262 “Ready!” Preparing Your Friend for Travel ...263 “Behave!” Mind Your (Pet’s) Manners ...264 “Wanna Go For a Ride?” On the Road ...265 “Sit! Stay!” The Well-Behaved Pet Guest ...269 Buy the Book |
“Sit! Stay!” The Well-Behaved Pet Guest
IF YOU HAVE FOLLOWED THE PRECEDING ADVICE, YOU AND your pet should arrive to your host’s home ready for a fun-and-furfilled visit. But don’t relax just yet! You’ve still got to be vigilant or the visit, which was a delight to get to, may be short-lived. Make sure you supervise during feedings and treat time. Dogs may get along like best buddies, but just try leaving one out when you give the other a treat. Separate them at feeding time. Exercise, feed, and discipline your pet just as you would, or as close to it as possible, as when you are home... Cat Confidential Cats deserve their own special tips, as the poor things are so reluctant to leave their kingdom, and who can blame them? They’ve worked hard to establish that territory and are just downright peeved you are taking them from it. Besides, they can’t stand motion or making new friends, so why go? But when they do go, here are some things to make them more comfortable: Get them used to their carrier weeks before the trip. Have it in the house with toys inside and leave the door open. They may decide to venture in. Pretend not to care and your chances are better. Take your cat on short car trips while in the carrier, and not always just to the vet or your cat will associate the carrier with that nasty person with the needles... |