 The road trip is back, baby! Now that some COVID restrictions are being lifted, thoughts are turning to going anywhere but home. But there’s someone who’s just loved having you at home, and that’s your pet. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, your pet’s going to miss you. A lot. But if he or she is the adventurous type, taking your pet on the road might be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever share. Is Car Travel Right for Your Pet? First, you’ll have to decide if traveling by car is a good idea for your pet. All pets are individuals, just like people. Some will relish car travel, and others will be unsettled by it.
Seat Belts Save Animal Lives, Too As a passenger in your car, your pet will face the same hazards that any person would. A seat belt could save their life. For some pets, like dogs, there are car safety seats that incorporate your existing seat belt. Some allow for limited but comfortable movement (and the all-important ability to stick their head out of the window) while still preventing fatal impact in the event of an accident, or even a short stop. Some dog safety seats resemble car seats for children. Others are more like dog beds that allow the dog to nestle in while staying securely tethered to the seat belt. Other pets may feel more secure in a crate stowed safely in the back of the vehicle. When deciding whether or not car travel is right for your pet, keep in mind how they respond to the confinement of a travel carrier. Sit, Stay, Eat! When traveling with a pet by car, it’s important to plan ahead. For example, you may be able to control your bladder or ignore your rumbling belly through the next couple of rest stops, but your pet may not. Be prepared to meet your pet’s needs promptly when they arise.
If your pet eats refrigerated food, it’s easy enough to pack a cooler and replenish fresh ice along the way if necessary. You can also buy coolers and mini-fridges that plug into your car’s dashboard. Fast food is never a good idea for pets, as it can easily cause stomach upset. Eating in a moving car can do the same. (Do you really want to deal with vomit or diarrhea in such close quarters?) Perhaps more importantly, fast food can contain ingredients that are outright toxic to pets, such as onions and garlic. However, you might get lucky and find yourself near an eatery with a pet-safe menu. Here’s one website that maps them.
Never Forget: Overheated Vehicles Can Be Deadly to Pets You might think leaving your pet in the car is safe enough on a mild day, but cars can heat up quickly in all kinds of weather. On a 70° day, the inside of your vehicle can quickly climb to 90°. Within half an hour, that temperature can escalate to 120°. Never leave an animal alone in a closed car, as this can cause fatal heat stroke. For your animal’s comfort on the move, consider buying a cooling mat. Taking a road trip with your pet is possible, and it could be a ton of fun. You’ll never forget the quality time you spent with your best friend. And you never know – the next time your pet has a pleasant dream, it might be a remembrance of the fascinating sights they enjoyed on their great adventure with you.  CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
0 Comments
 A first pet is a magical part of childhood. First pets awaken our compassion for vulnerable creatures and introduce us to one of life’s sweetest forms of love. Bringing home a new pet also creates a hands-on opportunity for kids to learn responsibility. But how can you be sure that your child will take their caretaking role seriously? These tips will help ensure a mutually rewarding experience for your child and your pet. 1. Have a Pet Chat. Talk with your kids about the responsibilities of pet ownership before you welcome the new pet into your home. Introduce them to the idea that a pet is not a toy; it’s a living being, just like them. Ask them to reflect on what their own needs are throughout the day. Do they feel hungry? Thirsty? Sleepy? Do they yearn to go outdoors and play? Explain that pets feel the same way, and that the pet will depend on the child to meet its needs. 2. Assign Specific Responsibilities. Every child, regardless of age, will need some guidance in how to participate in the pet’s care. Establish routine responsibilities for the child, like feeding, walking, or cleaning up after the pet. 3. Explain Safety Issues. Pets can face dangers indoors and out. Make kids aware of these hazards and explain what must be done to protect the pet. Here are some common examples:
4. Demonstrate Kind Hands. Pets invite affection, but children may not realize how their touch can be uncomfortable and even painful to the animal. Demonstrate the correct and gentle way to pick up, hold, and caress a pet. 5. Perfect Their Walking Technique. Walking a dog requires skill – especially a dog with abundant energy. Show your child the right way to:
A few sessions of professional dog training can be a bonding experience between dog and child. 6. Respect Rest. Some pets are more social than others, but even the most gregarious pet needs wind-down time. When you bring home a new pet, kids will be excited and may inadvertently overtax the animal with attention. That could lead to a grumpy pet who’d rather avoid your children than bond with them. It helps to remind a child of how it feels to be sleepy, and that animals often need more rest than people. Encourage them to “let sleeping dogs lie”. To learn more about dog sleep patterns and cycles, check out Your Dog Advisor's recent post. Now it’s time to pat yourself on the back. You’ve made the decision to bring home a new pet to your kids, and it’s one that will enrich your child’s life in so many ways – with love, compassion, and by teaching important life skills like patience and responsibility. By laying that foundation of conscientiousness and care, you’re giving your child one of the greatest gifts to humankind: the loving connection that’s possible with an animal. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
KIM BRITTINGHAMKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
Barktique + Meow MusingsPets make the world go round. From our heart to yours. Archives
September 2021
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
|
