Two weeks ago something absolutely terrible happened to my neighbor’s dog. The dog’s name was Emma and she died from heat exhaustion as her owner kept her waiting while he went inside the mall to run some errands.
Don’t let this happen to your pet. I know you have heard this advice before but it’s worth repeating a thousand times over: Never leave your dog stuffed in a parked vehicle with the windows rolled up, especially when it is hot.
Even if the car is parked in the shade with a slight crack open for air, the temperature inside a car on a warm summer afternoon can reach unbearable levels. Some dogs have went into heat exhaustion on days where the temperature was less than 80 degrees. But the inside of the car, left in the sun, can hit temperatures of up to 105 degrees or higher, and in less than half an hour.
And if you happen to see someone else’s dog locked in a car during a hot day, especially if the animal is under obvious distress, call the police immediately. You can also contact your local humane society. Do not worry about what the owner might say. It’s the life of that dog that counts!
Motion Sickness
Another dog travel tip, one that is not nearly as series as being locked in a hot car, is helping your dog avoid sickness when traveling. Just like people, animals can sometimes get car sick. And when they are not feeling well there is no way for them to tell you to stop the car until it’s too late.
Many dogs can overcome car sickness with time by getting used to the driving. Others may not. The good news is that there are several things you can do to help keep his stomach settled:
1) Do not feed your dog within three to four hours of the planned trip.
2) Prepare and keep ginger to give your dog to soothe the nausea that comes with motion sickness. Simply set aside small capsules of ginger powder, approximately ½ full (more for larger breeds), and administer it through the mouth.
3) There is a product called “Rescue Remedy” which is designed to prevent motion sickness before you begin your trip. It comes in liquid form so that you can either give it orally or rub it on your dog’s ears and paws.
4) If all else fails, at least be prepared to clean up the mess your dog might make by packing several thick towels to cover the carrier or the back seat area.
Related posts:
Travel