No more whining: Make travelling with pets a breeze!
If you’re planning a trip with your furry best friends, there are many things you have to add to your to-do list. After all, they’re the ones who rush to the door when you arrive from work and never complain when you vent about the challenges of daily life.
With the school holidays around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about taking your pooches with you on vacation – after all, they’re part of the family! Here are a few tips that may come in handy.
Prepare them for the trip
Although your best friends won’t be the ones protesting when you crank up the sound on Who Let The Dogs Out?, it’s a good idea to prepare them for a road trip. Before you hit the road, make sure that your beloved pets are buckled up with a harness or safe in a carrier case.
Also, make sure your dogs are well socialised by taking them for walks where they will encounter other animals and strangers. It is also a good idea to take them on short trips in the car in which you will be travelling, leading up to the long haul. Start by taking them around the block and gradually on longer journeys. This is a great way to test if they suffer from motion sickness or get anxious in the car. Frequent trips will help them get used to the sensation and motion. If necessary, get appropriate medication from a vet before you hit the long road.
Pack their luggage
We can easily get carried away when packing for ourselves – and forget to pack an extra bag for our four-legged family members! Pack their cushions, a brush, some healthy treats, their favourite toys, plenty of water, food bowls, harnesses, leashes, jerseys, fly repellent, a poop scoop, a waste bag and a record of their inoculations and treatments in case they get sick and need to see a vet.
The blanky
Dogs shed – and that’s a fact. Pack an extra clean blanket even if you’re going to be sleeping over at a pet-friendly establishment en route. When possible, air the blanket in full sun.
Dogs welcome?
Not many places welcome pets – especially large animals. Before arriving at the door, make sure they’ll be welcome.
Be patient
You may have waited a long time for your trip and be completely amped when the day finally dawns – but what is exciting for you may be stressful for them. If they get overexcited and are hesitant to get into the car, lure them in with a tasty treat. A reassuring cuddle will also work wonders.
So that’s your four-legged friends taken care of! But what about your four-wheeled beast? Make sure you have comprehensive car insurance [https://www.miway.co.za/car-insurance] before setting off. If you do not have insurance yet, get with the programme already! Contact MiWay for an online insurance quote [https://www.miway.co.za/insurance-quotes] today and you’re sure to get the best bang for your buck.
