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Whether you have a dog or a cat, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to prepare them for a long-distance journey. No matter if it’s their first long drive or flight, you should take time to consider what they need to be comfortable and happy throughout the journey.
To help the process a little easier, we have laid out some of the things you should remember or do before the big day:
Take Them On Practice Drives
If you don’t frequently take them on drives and you have a big journey coming up, take them out for a few practice drives beforehand. By increasing the duration a little more each time, you will see how they react to being in a car and how they will be during a long drive. This is especially important if they are thinking about keeping your dog/cat in a crate or carrier – as many pets aren’t comfortable with being in an enclosed space for that long.
Feed Them A Few Hours Before Travelling
It’s simply not a good idea to feed your pet just before you head out or when you are on the road. If they aren’t used to travelling, this could cause them to become car sick – making it a very unpleasant journey for both of you. Try to give them a light meal before you leave and ensure that they are fully hydrated. You should try to make frequent stops throughout your journey, in which you can give them some water and they can go to the toilet.
At Barking Heads, we have a large selection of dry and wet pet food that is suitable for those heading out on a long journey. For dogs, our collection includes some of the best dog food 2019. Similarly, our selection of cat food flavours is guaranteed to appeal to your feline friend.
Make Sure They Have Had Their Vaccinations
If you have a puppy, they must have their vaccinations before you go away. Without vaccinations, once they are away, they could be susceptible to a wide range of diseases. So to protect them, you should only take them away once their vaccinations are complete – which will be when they are approximately 14 weeks old.
Ensure The Car is Kept Cool
There’s nothing worse than putting your dog or cat in a car that’s too warm. So before you go, make sure that you have kept your car in the shade and that it has the air con on fully. Pets can get very sick from hot cars and can even die – so make sure that you don’t put them at risk when the weather is warm.
Microchip Them
If your pet isn’t already microchipped, it might be a good idea to get this done before you go away. When you’re travelling long distances, there is a slight chance that your pet could get free. If this happens, you want to know that you will be able to find them or that the vet will be able to identify them. You should also make sure that they are wearing a collar, that has your phone number and address.
