Pets have a kind of love-hate relationship with cars. Some animals love to drive around in the car with their owners, while other animals get stressed and panic easily. If your pet is one of the latter, here are 3 effective tips for making car journeys with your pet more relaxing.
1. Get your pet used to your car
If your dog or cat has never been in a car before, it is very important to get your pet used to your car first. Try introducing your pet to your car and letting them sit in it for a while without starting it. If your animal becomes stressed, take a break. However, if your pet remains relaxed, try starting your car and taking a few short test drives. Some pets will behave calmly, while others may become anxious and/or vomit. Pay attention to your pet's behavior while driving and give them some treats and lots of cuddles afterwards!
https://www.freepik.com/photos/car " Car photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com
2. Make sure your pets travel safely
If your pet already loves to drive, you don't have to worry as much about #1. It may look cute when your dog sticks its head out the window and sniffs the fresh air for a bit. But this can be very dangerous. Dogs could be hit by flying objects or catch an ear infection from the cold air. An excited dog could also jump out of the open window and seriously injure itself. To prevent this, you can buy your pet a dog or cat car seat and give them a few toys. And don't forget to take breaks from time to time so your pet can go about its business and sniff out its surroundings.
3. Take enough breaks
Since we're already on the subject of taking a break, let's dig a little deeper. Food, water and gassi breaks are very important and should be well thought out before the trip. This way your pet can let off steam and get some fresh air before getting back in the car. You can also give your pet food so they don't get sick while driving.
