Traveling, especially in the car, is stressful for many pets, who can become easily confused and frightened in the pooch caboose. This means you, at the wheel, spend your time being both pet parent and taxi driver, dividing your focus between the road and your fur baby… an accident waiting to happen. To prevent any faux-paws, here are a few ways to calm frightened pets on a road trip:
1.Plan ahead for road trip bliss
- Invest in an “away toy”- the purr-fect way to keep pets distracted for many miles to come!
- Bring Fido’s bed with him, and let him lay on it wherever he’ll be riding. His bed will give him the familiarity that will soothe his nerves. Smells like home!
- Collapsible pet bowls are a great way to keep puppers full and hydrated during stop and go’s. They fit compactly in a purse or gym bag when not in use, and pop out to be a full-on watering holes for pit stops.
- Bring your furry friend’s regular cuisine. The key to comforting pups when away from home is sticking to their routine as much as possible. Even if switching to wet food might be more convenient on the road, now is not the time to switch Fido’s food! (You’ll thank us later.)
- Scout out off-leash dog parks before you dispatch to periodically release pent-up energy and stress. A pup with thirty minutes of hardcore play under his fur-belt will be too tired to stress!
- For big dogs, a dog safety belt or pet harness is a must-have. A wide range of onboard harnesses allow freedom of movement while making sure that he doesn’t end up under the floorboards.
2. Schedule a vet check-up beforehand
If you plan on taking your pet on a long distance trip, a vet check-up is a must. Explain your travel plans in detail to your veterinarian and ask if your fur child will be able to handle the stress that comes with unfamiliar noises, movements, and smells. At the vet, make sure your pets’ vaccines and pet tags are properly registered and up to date. We always want to have your best friends with you while you travel, but be sure to plan ahead and ask yourself the question, “Will traveling cause more stress to your pet than traveling with your pet is worth?”
3. Run through your trip
If your pet is new to traveling, you may want to see how they hold up. Consider putting your pup in a carrier or on puppy stroller and going for a walk (jumpy cats should always be in a carrier). How they handle it is indicative of how well they will adjust to life on the road. If driving is overly stressful, flying on a plane will be even more so. Make sure your pet wears a pet harness and is secure in its own safety belt. Consider a Plan B!
4. Protect the whole family with FIGO Pet Insurance
Health emergencies can happen to anyone at anytime- including our furry family members. These days, pet healthcare can be incredibly expensive, leaving pet parents to make difficult (and sometimes devastating) choices. Accepted at any licensed veterinary practice across the U.S., Figo Pet Insurance is the optimum choice to cover illnesses or injuries that could occur either at home and on the road.
FIGO’s convenient plans include full coverage with no limits, reimbursement up to 100%, affordable customizable plans, and the most comprehensive and inclusive coverage in the industry. Plus, the Pet Cloud (see below) makes traveling a breeze.
5. If you decide to hit the road, take Figo to go
Eliminate stress with apps like Figo’s Pet Cloud– it’s free when you sign up for Figo. This app allows you to find pet-friendly hotels, emergency vets, off-leash dog parks and more when you hit the unfamiliar road. Additionally, the Figo Cloud stores all your pet medical records, which you should never leave home without. Should you need them while on the road, they’ll be waiting on your smartphone. Lastly, we recommend looking for pet-friendly options before you leave. This will make you and your pet will feel at home no matter where you roam.
Bon Voyage!