Pet Auto Safety

Are you traveling by car with your pet this holiday?  It’s cold out there so be sure to bring winter essentials along with other everyday pet travel supplies and emergency supplies.  Use our checklist to make sure you have all your winter pet travel supplies:

___ pet crate
___ pet car harness or kennel straps for pet crate
___ pet food
___ drinking water
___ food bowl
___ water bowl
___ blankets
___  pet bed
___ leash
___ collar
___ your pet is wearing his tags which are up to date and readable
___ veterinary information
___ pet’s medication
___ pet first aid kit
___ pet toys
___ pet waste disposal bags

Pet travel in winter can be more difficult in colder weather.  Road conditions can be more dangerous so it is more important than ever that your pet not be a distraction in the car.  Keep your pet in a pet crate or have them wear a pet car harness.  If a pet crate or pet car harness just won’t work for your pet, you can get a pet car barrier to keep them in the back seat.If you are in a car accident or get stuck in the snow, call for help and cuddle up with your pet under a blanket for warmth.  If you are stuck in a high traffic area and expect help soon, keep your car on and your heater going.  If you are stuck in an isolated area, run your car and heater sparingly as needed.  Unless you know for sure that help is nearby, you should stay in your car.

Bark Buckle Up is on a campaign to promote pet auto safety.  Take the pledge and Be Smart Ride Safe®.  It is simple to do.  All you have to do is give your name and the city and state in which you live.  You can also sign up with Bark Buckle Up to get a free pet safety kit.  I signed up for Sephi and Maya, now it’s your turn!

If you are considering traveling with your cat, check out this great article on Paw Nation’s blog titled, “Cat Travel – 5 Things to Know Before Going on the Road or in the Air“.  This article has a lot of helpful information for cat owners who are considering flying or driving with their cat.  The most important cat travel safety tip which they share for both car and airline travel – get your cat used to a carrier before you travel.

If you are moving to a different part of the country or even a different part of the world, you will probably want to take your beloved pet with you.  Moving to a different part of the United States can sometimes be a hassle.  If you are not driving, your pet will probably have to fly.  Airline restrictions are strict and complicated.  Forgetting even the slightest step could delay your pet’s travel and complicate matters even more.

If moving to a different part of the United States is complicated, moving your pet to a different part of the world is even more complex.  Not only do you have to comply with airline restrictions, you have to abide by the other country’s rules and regulations in regards to pets.  That could involve precise veterinary certifications, several vaccinations, and quarantine regulations.

Matters are already complicated when you have to move.  But you can remove the complication of moving your pet with Pet Relocation.com.  This website provides lots of information and resources needed for national or international pet travel.  They also provide a service where they will handle “every detail involved in planning and implementing safe and compassionate pet shipping”.

We have not needed to use this service yet, but the reviews are great.  Research your options carefully and if you decide to use Pet Relocation.com, let us know how it went.

Probably 99.9% of restaurants do not allow dogs inside unless they are service dogs.  However, did you know that some restaurants will allow dogs to be on the outdoor patio with you?  Yes, it’s true!  Some restaurants are even extra friendly and open about it.

So how do you find out if a particular restaurant will allow you to have your dog with you on the outdoor patio?  If you already know which restaurant you are going to eat at, call them first before bringing your dog.  If you want to get an idea of some restaurants in your area, we know of some great websites you can visit.

We liked PetFriendlyTravel.com because they provided a way for people to give their reviews of the restaurants.  And those people can review the restaurant with a one, two, or three-bone review.  A one-bone review is a restaurant which allows dogs while a three-bone review is a restaurant which not only allows dogs but makes them feel welcome too – like by giving the dogs a bowl of water.

The only thing we didn’t like about Pet Friendly Travel was that they did not have any restaurants or reviews listed for the state of Kansas (which is where we live).  We did find another great website at DogFriendly.com.  This website did not have a way for people to give review and it did not list much information other than the restaurants themselves.  But at least they had information for Kansas!

Even if you find a pet friendly restaurant on these websites, you should take a moment to call them before you bring your dog.  You never know if there has been change in management or policy since the website was last posted.

More and more people are traveling with their pets these days.  You see people and their dogs sightseeing, staying in hotels, or dining on outdoor patios of nice restaurants.  The trend is growing and so long as we practice common courtesy and safety when it comes to traveling with our pets, out pets may be allowed to visit more places.

Keep Other People In Mind
One important thing to remember when traveling with your dog is to keep in mind that not all people like dogs.  Some people are terrified of dogs.  And more still are allergic to dogs.  Be aware of your surroundings and steer clear of people who seem intimidated or wary of your dog.  And definitely stay away from those people who have an obvious look of distaste on their face.distaste on their face.

Keep Your Pet Under Control
Not only should your dog be on a leash at all times, but his leash should also be short.  While your dogs may be extremely cute and friendly, you want to keep them close to you.  One danger to a dog which is on a long lead or is not under proper control is that you could get violent reactions from people your dog gets too close to.  The violence could be on you or on your dog.  And sadly, the law may be on that person’s side.  Another danger is that your dog may pick up trash or other harmful items when you are not looking or before you can react.  The danger to people around dogs who are on a long lead include people tripping over the leash, getting tangling in the leash, having allergic reactions to your dog, your dog jumping on them, or your dog nipping, biting, or scratching them. scratching them.

Pick Up After Your Pet
Always pick up after your pet when you are in a public place.  Leaving dog feces in public places is unsanitary and probably illegal in most cities.  The last thing you want on your vacation is an expensive fine.  Also, despite popular belief, dog feces kills grass, it doesn’t fertilize it.  Dog poo is just as unsanitary in the grass as it is anywhere else.  Always keep dog poopie bags on hand so you don’t have to be too embarrassed when your dog takes a dump right in the middle of a public place for all to view.  Also, don’t allow your dog to hike his leg in public places.  Sometimes, especially when outside, your dog may be tempted to hike his leg on something he shouldn’t.ouldn’t.

Know Beforehand If Dogs Are Allowed
Don’t take your dog to any public places unless you know for certain that he is allowed.  While some restaurants with outdoor patios allow dogs, many more do not.  Some parks may only allow dogs in certain areas.  Some recreational areas may not allow dogs at all.  I went to an outdoor botanical garden once which did not allow dogs.  So just because a particular place you want to visit is outdoors, it does not mean that your dog will be allowed.  Be sure to call ahead before you visit.  This way, if they don’t allow dogs, you won’t be tempted to leave your dog in the car while you sightsee and you won’t have to take your dog back to the hotel.the hotel.We dog lovers would love to be able to take our dogs everywhere we go.  The only way society will learn to be more acceptable to this idea is if we act responsibly.  The more we can show the public that we will control our pets and be responsible pet owners, the more open society will come to be.  If you have any other ideas on how we can practice pet travel and public etiquette, please share your thoughts with us.

Some dogs absolutely love to ride in the car and some absolutely hate it. If your dog is one who hates riding in the car, there are a few things you can do to help him learn that riding in the car is not such a bad thing and potentially enjoyable.

Help Alleviate Car Sickness
Some dogs may hate riding in the car because they get car sick. A dog who is car sick may not show obvious signs such as vomiting. But he may drool a little bit more than usual. If you suspect your dog hates the car because he gets car sick, make sure he is sitting in the center of the back seat. This may help alleviate some of the motion sickness. Have a window rolled down so that your dog gets fresh air. Encourage your to sit up and look out the window. Being able to look out the window tends to help some dogs acclimate to the motion. If your dog is too small to look out the window, consider getting him a pet booster seat. A pet booster seat may help with your dog’s motion sickness, and it will definitely help with your dog’s safety.

Have Fun In The Car
Another thing which may help with motion sickness is to help keep your dog from thinking about the motion. Have someone sit in the back seat with your dog and distract them with a fun toy and/or treats. Make the car ride as fun as possible. Perhaps the person sitting in the back seat with your dog can also help encourage your dog to look out the window by pointing and saying, “What’s that?” in a happy voice. Have them point out fun stuff like other people. If your dog does not get aggressive when they see other dogs, point out other dogs as well.

Take Small Trips
Get your dog used to riding in the car by starting out with short trips. If you need to go to the bank or to a fast food drive through, take your dog. Take your dog anywhere where you will not have to get out of the car and leave your dog unattended. Small trips may help your dog come to understand that nothing bad happens on car rides.

Go Someplace Fun
It may also help to take you dog somewhere fun. This way, your dog learns to associate car rides with going somewhere they will enjoy. Take them to visit their favorite doggy pal. Take them to the park or to the dog park. Go to a restaurant with an outdoor patio which allows dogs. Or take them to the pet store. You don’t have to buy them anything at the pet store for your dog to enjoy visiting the pet store.

Don’t Console Your Dog
The above are tips on things you can do to help your dog enjoy the car ride. But here is a tip on what not to do. Do not soothe your pet. Do not give them a reason to think there is a reason that they need to be consoled. Ignore your dog if they seek you for comfort. And ignore them if they whine or cry. Don’t use harsh words against them. Instead, if your dog whines or cries, talk to them in a happy and encouraging voice. Or just sing happily out loud like nothing is wrong.

With some time, more experience, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn that riding in the car is not such a big deal. And maybe they can even learn to love to ride in the car. When that happens, traveling with your dog will be much more fun for both of you.

Today, I saw no less than three different people over a 5 minutes time period leave their dog in the car while they went inside the grocery store!  It was an overcast day but 80 degrees outside.  Can you imagine how hot it was inside the car?  I am absolutely appalled that despite all the media information given out on TV, in the newspaper, and online, that people still leave their dogs in the car.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, “…the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade.”  Since dog’s don’t sweat, they cool down by panting.  And if they are panting hot air, they are not getting cool.  Every year, thousands of pets die because they were left alone in the car.  Most owners claim that it was “only for a few minutes”.  Sadly, it is too late for them to realize that a few minutes is too long.  So PLEASE don’t leave your dogs alone in the car.

 And do your part to educate the public.  Don’t confront anyone.  You can call 911.  That is what I did.  Or you can slip a flier in through the car window.  There are some great fliers at http://mydogiscool.com/b_flyer.php.  My favorite is the one that says, “”A Hot Oven or a Hot Car… It’s the Same Thing”.