December 11, 2009 by admin
Traveling with Your Pet
Pets make great travel companions. Over 49 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider their pet to be part of the family, and 18 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers usually take their pets with them when they travel.1 Here are a few tips from the Humane Society of the United States to help make sure your furry best friend has a safe and comfortable trip with you on the road:
- Put your dogs and cats in the back seat during car trips to avoid potential injuries should a passenger-side air bag deploy.
- Make sure that the animal is wearing a collar and ID tags at all times. Your name, address and telephone number should be on the tags.
- Place cats in a car carrier. This is optional for dogs. These carriers should be secured by a seat belt.
- Use restraining harnesses (found in most pet stores) for dogs.
- Do not allow unrestrained dogs to stick their heads outside the window. Dogs can ingest dirt and other debris this way or become sick by inhaling too much air. Dirt and debris can also get in their eyes, ears and nose, causing injury and infection.
- Do not let your dog ride in an open truck bed.
- Stop every couple of hours to exercise your dog and allow a bathroom break.
- Avoid leaving pets unattended in cars. On warm days, temperatures can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the window opened slightly.
Minimize motion sickness
Like humans, pets can experience motion sickness. Take along ice chips, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water, keep feeding to a minimum during travel and provide a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave.
Packing for your pet
When you pack for your pet, be sure to bring food, bowls for food and water, bedding, leashes, pooper scooper and plastic bags, grooming supplies, any medications, treats and toys, litter and litter box for cats and first aid supplies like bandages and ointments. And always carry a current picture of your pet.
Pet-friendly hotels and more
OnStar can help you find pet-friendly hotels, veterinary clinics and pet supply stores along your way. Just push the blue button and tell the Advisor what you need.
1 Source: travelhorizons, TM July 2009 .
Christmas gifts – for pets: What Christmas gift will you give your pet this holiday season? Share your answer with others in the OnStar Connections forum.
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