by Jennifer Sharpe
Summer vacation can be extra fun for the entire family when you bring your pets along. Road trips with cats and dogs, when planned and practiced, can be manageable. Consider these tips for safer, easier car travel with your furry friends.
First, your pet needs his own place in a vehicle.
“It’s unsafe for both driver and pet to have the pets roaming free in the car, especially if they interfere with driving in an emergency,” said Robert Miller, D.V.M., at Woodland West Animal Hospital in Tulsa. “It’s essential to provide pets with a comfortable, dedicated space where they won’t be jostled or stressed.”
When choosing among a crate, harness, or carrier, consider your pet’s size, comfort, and behavior, said Miller.
“Crates work well for larger dogs or pets that need a secure, familiar space, and they are also ideal for overnight stays in hotels. Harnesses are great for medium to large dogs, keeping them safely restrained while allowing some mobility. Carriers are best for smaller pets like cats or small dogs, offering cozy confinement,” Miller said.
Practice your options in the car with shorter trips before making a longer road trip so your pet can get used to his place in the car and any crate, carrier, or harness, Miller added.
Take Breaks
For long road trips, know your route in advance and identify places to stop.
“Plan to stop every two to three hours to let your pets stretch, relieve themselves, and burn off some energy. These breaks also help reduce restlessness and stress for your furry friends,” said Miller. “Even if you’re in a hurry, these brief pauses are important for keeping your pet comfortable and healthy throughout the journey. Make sure to be a good neighbor and clean up after your pet during rest stops.”
In the car, make sure your pets always have access to water, and use spill-proof bowls, said Miller.
“Bring their favorite toys to keep them entertained, and provide familiar items like blankets to create a sense of security,” he said. “Using positive reinforcement with treats can encourage good behavior, while seat covers and portable vacuums can help you manage any messes along the way.”
Keep Medications Handy
When traveling, your pet might experience fear, anxiety, stress, and maybe nausea, said David Bailey, D.V.M., clinical assistant professor, small animal primary care at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to help ease these conditions. Common medications used for fear, anxiety, and stress associated with travel include trazodone and gabapentin. These can be used individually or in combination and last about 12 hours and eight hours, respectively. For nausea, Cerenia is a common choice, and it lasts 24 hours.”
As with any prescription medication, consult with your primary-care veterinarian to discuss whether those drugs are appropriate for your pets and their situations, said Bailey.
“If you are planning to use a medication for travel, it’s best to administer this medication several days in advance of your trip while you are home to observe your pet,” he said. “This will help make sure that your pet tolerates the medication well and does not have any undesirable side effects.”
Bailey added, “If your pet is on long-term medications, make sure that you bring an adequate supply for the planned length of your trip, in addition to several extra days in case you encounter delays or interruptions in your travel.”
Before a trip, Miller recommends updating your pet’s ID tags and microchip with current contact information.
“Bring vaccination records, a first-aid kit, and waste bags for emergencies,” he said. “Research pet-friendly accommodations and destinations in advance to avoid any surprises.”
Never leave pets in a hot car, and exercise extra caution with short-nosed dogs, said Miller, because they have a high risk of overheating during a car ride, even from stress.
“These dogs should have adequate ventilation and cool air. Watch for heavy breathing, vomiting, tremors, or collapse when traveling with a short-nosed breed,” he said. “Make sure you know where emergency centers are located along the route.”
