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Advice & More July 2012

Help Fido Enjoy the Trip Too

By Bill Siuru

Never drive with a pet in your lap, or even the lap of a front seat passenger, since it could impact the dash or windshield during a sudden stop. Worse, it could cause serious or fatal injuries to both the person and pet should the air bag deploy in a crash.

It's vacation time and many people will be traveling with their dogs. Here are a few tips to make sure they enjoy the ride, or at least tolerate it, and arrive safely at the destination.

Make sure the dog is properly restrained so it doesn't go flying in case of a sudden stop. A harness connected to a seat belt works well and lets the dog see out the windows, which can help prevent motion sickness. Dogs can also travel in pet crates. When riding in the cargo area of a station wagon or SUV, a divider will prevent the pet from leaving this secure area.

If you use a crate, secure it so it doesn't go ballistic is a sudden stop or accident. If you must carry a pet crate in the bed of a pickup, make sure it is securely tied down. Don't do what Mitt Romney reportedly did and put the crate on the roof.

Never drive with a pet in your lap, or even the lap of a front seat passenger, since it could impact the dash or windshield during a sudden stop. Worse, it could cause serious or fatal injuries to both the person and pet should the air bag deploy in a crash. A pet in your lap can be as distracting as driving while using a cell phone, maybe even more.

Pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle where on hot days interior temperatures can reach 120 degrees F or more, even with windows rolled down. This can even be a problem in cold weather. With windows rolled up, modern cars are virtually air tight and a pet left alone for long periods may not get enough fresh air. Sidewalks and parking lots can get very hot, so paws exposed to high temperatures can be burned. When loading/unloading dogs from vehicles, carry small pets to a cool area, and lay down a wet towel for a larger dog to walk on.

Never let a dog ride in the bed of a pickup. In many locales this is against the law. In some states you can get a ticket for leaving a pet alone in a vehicle. Some also are looking at making riding with a pet in your lap illegal.

Dogs love to ride with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the airstream, exposing eyes to dirt and heads to flying road debris. Open the window only wide enough so their noses can sniff the air outside, also helping prevent motion sickness.

If you traveling far from home, and especially to another state, Canada, or Mexico, take along health and rabies certificates from a veterinarian. Carry contact information in case someone picks up your pet in case of sickness or accident. Have some photos, preferably not just pictures on your cell phone, you can show people if the dog gets loose.

Many dogs suffer from car sickness. Experts say that it is more likely from stress than motion -- stress, because riding in vehicle is associated with trips to the vet or kennel. Get your dog to associate a car ride with pleasant experiences. For example, drive to a park a few times where he or she can run freely and fetch a ball or frisbee. When you get home, provide a meal or treat. Praise and pet frequently.

Some pets need to travel on an empty stomach to prevent motion sickness, so feed six to eight hours before starting out. As an added benefit, there will be less of mess to clean up if the pet does throw up. Others need a small amount of food in their stomachs to keep them from getting sick. You'll have to learn what is best for your pet. In either case make sure he or she has sufficient fresh air and water.

Stop every couple of hours for a brief walk and a drink of water. If these fail, give the proper dose of Dramamine prescribed by a vet at least an hour before the trip.

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