Roadtrips with Pets
Whether a roadtrip newbie or a seasoned veteran, long car rides with our pets can be tough. Safety should always be our number one concern. Keeping our pets calm and content can certainly be an issue for many pet parents. Of course we can’t forget… well, the easily forgotten!
Safety
Ruffwear Dirtbag™ Seat Cover
Keeping our pets safe and secure can be an easily overlooked task, as many of us keep our pets loose in the back seat on when driving around town. Our pets jumping up to ride shotgun or in our laps may be very cute, but can be dangerous. For longer hauls, properly securing dogs is key. The most ideal tool for this is a sturdy kennel. Tying down a kennel in the trunk can ensure your pet would be safe in the event of an accident as well as keep them from roaming the car during the drive. Another option would be an auto harness or doggy seat belt. These both help keep dogs secure in the back seat. It is crucial for optimum safety to use a harness and attachment system that was created for this purpose. These may help prevent injuries in the event of an accident. There are many crash tests rated auto harnesses out there such as the Ruffwear Load Up Car Harness or the Kurgo Impact Car Harness that will ensure safe and secure tethering. A seat cover can be a great addition if an auto harness is used, keeping your seats clean and debris free. If you have a dog like mine, it comes in a pinch when the roads get rough and our dog’s tummy can’t keep up. The Ruffwear Dirtbag Seat Cover is an absolute lifesaver with it’s waterproof and durable material. Just unhook and rinse off at the nearest gas station.
Keep calm
Keeping our pets’ nerves down during a long drive can be tough. Setting our pets up for success before we even hit the road by introducing them to driving in short spurts can be super helpful. Having your cat or dog accompany you on short drives can really cut down on the stress induced by driving. Even after prolonged exposure, some pets simply hate car rides. Frequent stops can certainly help this matter but do get in the way of an already long drive. Other methods of calming can come from calming aids, which tend to be herbal and holistic, or CBD/CBG.
Ark Naturals’ Happy Traveler which uses valerian root, chamomile, tryptophan, and St. John’s wort
Progility Calming Aid uses theanine, thiamine, tryptophan, melatonin, and colostrum
Rescue Remedy uses rock rose, clematis, impatiens, cherry plum, Star of Bethlehem
Herbal and holistic methods tend to include calming herbs, melatonin, and tryptophan. With the inclusion of melatonin and tryptophan, your pet may experience drowsiness. If you want a general calm without the drowsy side effects, CBD or CBG can be a great alternative. Working with your pet’s endocannabinoid system, produce and prolong a sense of calm. On top of that, hemp oil supports normal hormone production to promote a general sense of balance. Regular use of CBD or CBG tends to increase the efficacy of any individual dose, so implementing CBD/G before a trip is planned is recommended.
Don’t Forget!
We have all been there. We are a few hours down the road and realized we forgot our pets’ favorite toy or treat. Maybe we forget their medications or forget to pack enough food for the trip. Keeping things well organized and having some system to double-check our packed belongings can go a long way. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is also a vital consideration when traveling to areas where it those pests may be prevalent. Keeping our pets fed, safe, and healthy should always be key, and that doesn’t change (but can be harder) as we travel.
