Summer is upon us! For many, that means it is time to hit the open road. Taking our pets along on these adventures is practically commonplace. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, nearly 40 percent of pet parents travel by car with their animal companions. That number has almost doubled in the last decade.
Planning ahead can help reduce the stress associated with pet travel for both you and your companion. Below is our step by step guide to help you prepare.
Introduce your pet to his/her carrier at least two weeks before traveling
Start by letting your fur baby get used to the shape and smell of the carrier. Keep the door open and natural curiosity will encourage exploration. Line the bottom with a towel or garment that has your pet’s scent so your pet feels some ownership. Placing treats and/or toys inside will help form a positive association.
Let your pet explore the car
The more familiar the vehicle, the more comfortable your pet will be. Keep in mind that cats rarely travel anywhere by car except for trips to the veterinarian. Let your pet walk around the car, look out of the windows. If possible, take them on a few short trips. This can help make the car feel less threatening.
Be sure doggie car seats or restraints are in good shape and work correctly
Keeping your pet secure during travel is paramount. Discovering and handling any issues prior to your trip will help you avoid stress.
Plan your stops and lodging in advance
Not all pet-friendly hotels accept all pets. Some allow dogs, but not cats; some have weight or breed restrictions; many will not allow pets to be left alone in the room, etc. That is why it is essential that you understand each hotel’s pet policy. It is also important to familiarize yourself with rest stop rules. If you are traveling alone, confirm that your pet will be allowed in the restroom or other public areas with you (never leave your pet alone in the car)
Get ahead of your pet’s stress or anxiety
Most pets thrive on routine. Travel is anything but routine. Even the calmest dog or cat can feel a bit out of sorts when in unfamiliar surroundings. This is where Treatibles Organic Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Oil products for pets can help. When we say Treatibles helps provide Harmony for the whole family, we mean it. One of the many great benefits of hemp oil is how well it addresses and manages anxiety. Most dogs respond quickly to our chews, mellowing in front of their human’s eyes. Larger dogs also respond to our capsules. While some cats enjoy our soft chewables, most take more easily to our oil dropper bottles. We recommend 1 mg of CBD per every 10 pounds of body weight, however, each pet is an individual with individual needs. In stressful situations, increasing the servings of Treatibles can be beneficial. Getting pets used to the flavors or administration of the chews, chewables, oil dropper bottles, cream and capsules a week or so ahead of time is recommended. This will also provide the opportunity to observe how well each pet responds. Keep in mind that Full Spectrum Hemp Oil is safe, non-toxic, non-psychoactive and can be provided to pets several times per day (as needed).
Make Sure Your Pet Is Wearing Current Identification
If the unthinkable happens and your pet goes missing during a vacation, having your name and cell phone number on your pet’s tag can make all the difference in the world.
Bonus Tips
- Line your pet’s carrier with an absorbent towel covered by a puppy training (pee-pee) pad. This will make it easy to clean up potty accidents. Pack extra pads.
- Pack a small first aid kit containing pre-soaked povidone iodine pads to clean wounds, bottled water to flush wounds, triple antibiotic ointment to apply to cleaned and rinsed wounds, saline solution to flush debris out of your pet’s eyes, sterile non-stick pads and bandage materials, small scissors, Treatibles Topical Cream for skin irritation, cotton balls, styptic powder, and a towel
- Plan to let your pet stretch his/her legs when you visit a rest stop to do the same. This is also a good opportunity to allow cats to visit the litter box, which should be located on the floor behind either the driver’s seat or the front passenger’s seat
- Keep all windows and the sunroof closed when traveling with pets.
- Research contact information for emergency veterinary clinics in close proximity to your vacation spot.
All of this preparation may seem like a lot of effort, however, it becomes routine the more you travel with your pet. Vacation should be fun and drama-free!
Are you a well-versed traveler with some tips of your own? Please share them with us in the comments below!
Happy Travels!!
