7 tips for traveling with your dog or cat in the car

If you have to travel with your dog or cat by car, it is important to take some precautions to ensure their well-being and safety. Here are some tips for a peaceful journey!

If your pet is used to it from a young age travel by carthe journeys should not be a problem for him. If this is not the case and you have to make a long journey, do not hesitate beforehand to get him used to it several times on short trips. For a dog, for example, you can take him to a place he likes so that the car is associated with something positive, and not just with visits to the vet. Whether used to it or not, for an animal to feel good during the journey and for safety conditions to be respected, it is necessary to follow some advice.

Precautions to take when traveling with your dog or cat in the car

So, how do you go about traveling with your dog or cat in the car with peace of mind?

Avoid feeding him 2 to 3 hours before departure

To prevent your pet from getting car sick, It is essential to avoid feeding him approximately 2 to 3 hours before departure.. It is better to give him time to digest his last meal and ideally to relieve himself. During this time, leave him water available.

Read also: Feeding your cat well: 7 golden rules to follow

Do not leave your pet loose in the car

Even if the highway code does not say anything explicit, the owner of the animal must meet all necessary security conditions so that he can remain in control of his vehicle. It is therefore not imaginable to let an animal circulate freely in the passenger compartment.

Indeed, even if you know your cat or dog well, their reactions can sometimes become unpredictable in the car. For example, they can sneak up on the pedals and cause an accident. Similarly, in the event of an impact, an animal weighing only a few kilos on the rear shelf can turn into a projectile weighing around forty kilos. So there is no question of taking any risks.

Place your pet in a suitable transport crate

For their safety, as well as that of your passengers, cats and small dogs can travel in transport boxes. Attached to the seat or placed on the floor (but never in the trunk), they will ensure your pet appreciable comfort during the journey. You can place a terry towel or a mattress pad in the bottom of the crate to have a quick solution in case of pee! Indeed, it is not uncommon for stressed cats to urinate on the road…

If you own a station wagon, have your dog travel in the trunk, behind a protective net or grid. Otherwise, there is also harnesses which allow the dog to be securely attached to the seat.

Manage Your Pet’s Anxiety During Transport

A car trip can of course be a great source of stress for a cat or a dog. Vomiting is even possible and Some animals suffer from motion sickness. To avoid these inconveniences, do not hesitate to turn to natural remedies. There are solutions to prevent travel sickness in your pets, such as: ginger biscuits for dogs.

Traveling safely with your cat © Africa Studio

Pay attention to the temperature

During the trip, Pay attention to the temperature of your vehicle. The ideal is that it is neither too hot nor too cold, just like for us. So no air conditioning or excessive heating blowing directly on the animal: be careful especially if the crate is placed on the floor and cold air reaches it.

Also be careful with the heat! Remember to put sun visors so that it does not suffer too much from the heat. Be careful when your dog travels in the trunk (with a protective net, never closed, we agree!), this is where it risks being the hottest without you realizing it.

Take regular breaks

Traveling with your dog or cat by car requires discipline! As for you, Breaks are necessary for your pet. Every two hours, they will allow him to relax. You can therefore take advantage of this to walk your dog and give him something to drink. This little walk will do him the world of good! Remember to always keep him on a leasheven if you usually let him run free. Indeed, he is not in the same conditions as in normal times, he can be frightened by something and run away. So we remain vigilant!

To give your cat a break, you can: take him out of his box for a few minutes when the vehicle is stopped and the doors are securely closed. As with the dog, offer him something to drink and put some kibble in his crate. A few strokes later, he will be ready to get back on the road!

Never leave your pet alone in the car

At any rate, never leave your pet alone in the car. The temperature inside can quickly rise, even if the temperature outside is not that high. This mistake could well be fatal for him! Also watch out for animal thefts which are still frequent.

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