Road Tripping with Pets

Road Tripping with Pets

This holiday season you and your family might be heading to your favorite family spot or extended family members home. You may also be taking your other furry family members too and why wouldn’t you. If your dog is anything like ours, they freak out by the mere mention of going for a ride anywhere and that excitement will last the whole ride. Unfortunately, their cute excitement can cause stress or become a distraction during the trip. Luckily there are a few things you can do during and ahead of time to make it a memorable trip.

Planning Ahead

You might be going on a short trip or one that will take a few days, either way, The Zebra has a list of a few helpful tips that can make it stress-free and maybe a few you didn’t think of.

• Invest in a travel crate. These crates are more spacious than carriers, allowing cats or dogs to get comfortable without risking your safety while you’re driving. They can also more easily house travel-friendly litter boxes for cats, compared to less-spacious carriers.
• Plan rest stops ahead of time. Pack a leash — for both cats and dogs — so they can get outside and explore without the risk of an escape.
• Check that microchips and tags are up to date. Even with the best preparation ahead of time, you’ll want to ensure your pets’ information is up-to-date should an emergency occur and you are separated.

During Your Trip

• Keep your pet secure. There’s nothing more dangerous than a scared cat or dog interfering with you while you’re at the wheel. For dogs, have a designated area for them in the back of your car. For cats, keep them in a travel crate, so they don’t sneak up to the wheel. If your pet is in a crate, make sure the space is well-ventilated to avoid overheating.
• Medicate in emergency situations. Car rides can be anxiety-provoking for animals, so if you know your pet is stress-prone, consider a vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
• Stop for frequent bathroom breaks. Let your animal stretch out and use the bathroom every couple of hours. Make sure to grab those extra bags you packed for cleanup.

Visit The Zebra to read the full list of tips to help with your drive.

Reliable Pet Boarding in Abilene

If you can’t take your cat or dog on your holiday road trip, bring them to Diamonds in the Ruff. We offer pet boarding for short-term, and long-term stays. Message us today on our Facebook page, call 325-695-2931, or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about what we have to offer.