Eight expert tips for taking your pet on a road trip

Taking furry friends on holiday doesn’t have to be painful. Experts give their top tips for a stress-free outing.

Melanie BurgessSMARTdaily associate editor

@melanieburgess

3 min read

November 30, 2021 - 9:24PM

News Corp Australia Network

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Summer is the perfect time for a road trip but it’s not always straight forward if you have a family member with four legs and fur. Pet experts recommend planning ahead to make sure the trip is as smooth as possible.

DO A TEST RUN

Pet Lovers Club chief vet Lydia Matheson recommends that before the road trip, you take your pet on smaller, local car rides to provide positive experiences and find out if they experience travel sickness.

“If they have any travel sickness issues, discuss treatment options with your vet,” she says.

DON’T LEAVE THEM IN CAR

Matheson says this is the most important consideration.

The temperature inside a car can take as little as seven minutes to go from airconditioned to 40C, Petstock vet Kathy Macmillan says.

“Even if it’s just for a ‘quick’ trip, you must never leave your pet unattended in a car, especially during the warmer months,” she says.

Experts suggest taking your dog on a shorter test run before a long trip. Picture: iStock

TAKE REGULAR STOPS

This allows pets access to fresh water, toileting and on-lead exercise.

“Carry plenty of fresh water in the car in case the stopovers do not have water available,” Matheson says.

Macmillan says it is important to look out for signs that your pet is not comfortable: “Regular pit stops with rest areas to stretch legs and toilet breaks should be mapped out in advance.”

PROTECT THEM

Matheson advises checking pets are protected against fleas, intestinal worms, heart worm and ticks.

“The area that you are travelling to may have a higher risk of tick paralysis or heartworm disease than where you normally live,” she says.

She also recommends having their vaccinations up to date and packing a copy of their vaccination card.

“Also double check that your contact details are correctly linked to your pet’s microchip number and consider a collar ID tag in case they get lost while you are away,” she says.

LOOK OUT FOR SNAKES, BEES

Macmillan recommends bringing a toy on walks to distract your dog if they begin sniffing or scratching at a hole or sand dune.

“Pets are curious creatures that love to follow their nose and explore their surroundings,” she says.

“Though snakes don’t want to interact with pets, they will try to defend themselves if they feel threatened.”

Macmillan says owners should also be aware of signs their pet has been stung by a bee.

“Monitor them closely for any swelling, licking of the sting or excessive scratching,” she says.

“If your pet starts to vomit or has difficulty breathing, take them to the vet immediately.”

Dr Lydia Matheson says. Picture: Supplied

CHECK LOCAL LAWS

Pet restraint requirements for car trips differ from state to state, Macmillan says.

“Making sure your buddy is secure by travelling with a drive harness and anchor, pet carrier or cargo barrier installed will ensure you and your pet’s safety during transit,” she says.

Matheson also advises having pets in a transport container or crate, or secured by their harness to a seatbelt.

“This tries to limit the injuries that could occur to them and you in the unfortunate case of an accident.”

TRAIN THEM

Petbarn Pet Academy head trainer Meredith Gallanty says a road trip can also run more smoothly if animals have learned helpful behaviours beforehand.

“Teach your dog to toilet on cue to make roadside stops easier,” she says.

Get your cat used to toileting in a variety of litter boxes and substrates to help with holiday changes to their normal litter availability.

“Get your dog and cat accustomed to their travel carrier by using it as a bed or treat space in the lead-up to travel.”

HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

“If you’re going somewhere on the water, like a fishing or beach holiday, pack your dog a flotation device to ensure you keep them safe,” Gallanty says. “Pack a collapsible bowl and portable drink bottle to limit mess in the car.”

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