Keep pets safe on a road trip

Heading out for summer vacation with your pet? Here are a few tips for a smooth ride:

*  Prevent illness. If you’re worried your pet might suffer motion sickness, see your vet before you leave and ask for a prescription to treat the condition. When you hit the road, cover the pet’s carrier with a towel so it won’t see scenery whizzing by, making it dizzy. It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding your pet too much during the car ride—this should stave off stomach upset. Give your cat or dog a light meal two or three hours before you leave, advises the Humane Society of the United States.

*  Take frequent bathroom breaks. Be sure pups are leashed at gas stations or rest stops so they don’t get lost. Put a small tray of litter in your cat’s carrier but also bring a regular-sized litterbox. Many cats won’t go in a small tray if they’re stressed, and “holding it” can cause urinary tract infections. Let them go in the bigger box during stops and hotel stays. Make reservations at pet-friendly hotels ahead of time; locate them at petswelcome.com. Get a room with a door that opens into an inside corridor, not outdoors. If your animal gets loose, you’re more likely to find him indoors than out.

Source: Sue Farinato, program assistant for companion animals at the Humane Society of the United States

SEE ALSO:
DIY: Make your own pet toys
Safeguard your pet this summer
Are famous dog breeds right for your wallet?
Make your pet comfortable with a sitter

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor