How to prepare for a trip with a cat or dog to keep yourself and your pet on edge

1. Learn to travel gradually

Some cats and dogs are sensitive to changing environments and routines. Others, on the contrary, explore the world around them with curiosity. But even if you have a calm pet, you need to prepare it for the trip in advance. So, if the cat is used to staying at home, for starters leave transportation in a conspicuous place. When she examines the basket and climbs into it, try to close the door. Let the cat sit inside the carrier for a few minutes, then you can take it to the entrance, and then to the yard. After she gets used to it, try driving a car for a short distance.

The dog should also be prepared for the journey. Invite her to sniff the car and sit inside. Next time, try starting the engine so that your pet gets used to the unusual sound. Then you can plan short trips - literally 5 minutes is enough.

To make it easier for your pet, try to distract him. Make sure that the trip is associated with something pleasant. For example, treat your pet to a favorite treat after you arrive at your destination. When the dog barks and jumps in the cabin, try to

calm down. If you do not react in any way, the pet may decide that such actions are acceptable.

2. Specify the rules of transportation

If you plan to travel around Russia by train or plane, you need to design veterinary passport with vaccination marks. It is important to have a valid rabies vaccination. And on the eve of the trip, it is worth visiting the animal disease control station, where the cat or dog will be examined by a veterinarian. If everything is in order, the specialist will put a note in the passport that the pet is ready to travel.

When traveling by train or plane, find out what the rules are for cats and dogs. For example, on long-distance trains it is sometimes necessary pay extra for transporting a pet or even to buy out the entire compartment, and dogs of large breeds must ride in a muzzle, leash and under the supervision of the owner. The conditions of different airlines may vary - some have restrictions on the number of animals on board. Therefore, contact the carrier in advance to understand the requirements and book a seat.

3. Choose the right carrier or car hammock

Let it be strong, light, reliable and easy to care for. The size is needed so that the pet can easily curl up inside or stretch out while lying down. But too spacious models are not suitable - then the pet will shake from side to side. Focus on approx. one and a half times more pet. If you have two cats, buy them separate carriers. Even if they get along well, due to stress they can exercise aggression towards each other, especially if they find themselves in a confined space.

Carriers are of different types. For example, plastic cages are spacious, durable, and easy to clean—the top can usually be removed. But this option can be more bulky than a soft and light fabric bag. Carriers on wheels are easier to move around, but the loud noise when you roll a basket along the sidewalk can scare your pet. Try different options to choose the one that suits you and your friend.

A carrier for a large dog will come in handy if you are flying. You can take your pet into the car just like that. And to protect the interior from dirt and wool, buy a special cape for the salon - an autohammock. Choose from a dense, waterproof fabric that will be difficult to tear or chew through even for an active dog.

4. Get the necessary vaccinations

You need to vaccinate your pet, even if you are driving a personal car and are sure that he will not come into contact with other cats or dogs. Some diseases can be picked up from the environment. Let's say that in order to become infected with the parvovirus enteritis virus, it is enough for a dog pass the next to the remains of the feces of a sick animal.

Mostly dogs instill from parvovirus, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis and rabies. Cats also need protection from rabies, but also from panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis. You won’t have to do many injections - there are complex vaccines against several diseases.

The first vaccination of a kitten or puppy should get at the age of eight weeks, then you need to be revaccinated at 12 weeks, and then once a year you need to do a booster. But you can also vaccinate an adult pet for the first time. Just do not plan a trip immediately after vaccination, when the pet's immune system is weakened. It is also important to treat your dog or cat for fleas and ticks before traveling. You can choose pills, drops on the withers or put on a special collar that protects against parasites on the road.

5. Grab your travel accessories

Grab bowls for food and water, a small tray, a bed and a couple of toys, as well as wet wipes - they will come in handy to wipe your paws after walking in the parking lots. To prevent your pet from getting lost, put a GPS collar on it - it tracks where the cat or dog is and transfers the data to your smartphone.

Do not forget about stress relievers, especially if your pet is going on a trip for the first time. When a pet is panting, shaking, and trying to hide, it is most likely got nervous. Take soothing drops on the withers and tablets on the road - just discuss with your veterinarian in advance whether such remedies are suitable for a cat or dog. Some drugs act quickly, the effect of them appears within 30-60 minutes, but there are also drugs that you need to start taking in advance - at least a couple of days before the trip. Discuss with your veterinarian which option is right for your pet.

6. Make sure your pet doesn't get sick

Dogs and cats can feel bad for a variety of reasons. For example, puppies motion sickness due to excessive stimulation of the balance organs during the trip. Many dogs outgrow this problem, but some become sick even into adulthood. And sometimes motion sickness is caused by stress. Cats are especially prone to this drive in the car once or twice a year to the veterinarian and associate the trip with the subsequent unpleasant experience. If the pet is drooling, he has become lethargic or, conversely, restless, it is likely that his nauseated.

Try to provide your pet with maximum comfort in the car. A large dog can be placed in the back of the middle seat so that he faces forward. And for a small dog or cat, a carrier with solid walls is suitable. If weather permits, open your car windows a few inches to let air in. And don't feed your pet right before the trip, or he might vomit.

Take on a trip something that a cat or dog associates with home - a favorite blanket or even your old T-shirt. And you can also buy a toy that you will give only on the road. So the pet will have a connection between the trip and fun.

7. Stock up on familiar food and fresh water

Sudden change in diet sometimes causes upset stomach or diarrhea, and the pet may refuse to eat unfamiliar food. Therefore, leave experiments for the home, and take proven options on the road. You can feed your pet not only dry food, but also canned food. But then it is better to choose small packages for one serving - in the heat, food in an open jar will quickly deteriorate.

Don't forget about clean water. Average dog need to 60 ml of liquid per 1 kg of weight. That is, if the dog weighs 25 kg, he needs about 1,500 ml of water per day. cats drink less - a pet weighing 4.5 kg will need about 240 ml of liquid. In the warm season, take water with a margin: when it's stuffy in the car, the pet will drink more often.

If you have a long road ahead, plan stops during which your pet can eat. It is advisable to calculate the time so that a friend can rest in the parking lot, run around and stretch their paws. At the same time, the food will settle down a little in the stomach - there will be a lower risk that the pet will get sick.