This is the third of four postings on RVing with Pets.
When animal behavior expert Diana L. Guerrero was on her first book tour, her parrot was secure beside her in a belted-down travel cage during the journey. “She would preen from praise as people made a fuss over her,” says Guerrero. “She loved to travel.”
According to Guerrero, the biggest concern when traveling with pets is their safety.
1. “Always safely constrain your pet during vehicle movement and on a leash when outside,” says Guerrero. Secure pets in travel crates or with a seatbelt harness. A sleeping lap dog could easily become a flying projectile if you need to swerve or brake quickly.
2. Heatstroke is always a primary concern during hot summer months. Have fresh water in an easy to access bowl. “Take plenty of water from home,” advises SpokAnimal in Spokane, Wash. “It is water your pet is use to drinking.”
3. Never leave Fido or Fluffy in a parked RV during the heat of the day. Always provide ample ventilation, attach a battery-operated or solar-powered fan to your pet’s crate, and carry a large spray bottle of water to spritz Muffin.
“Dogs can only cool themselves through panting or licking their paws,” says Guerrero, so consider “a cooling coat or cooling bed. Both serve to help your animal to lower his or her temperature.”
4. On high heat days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
The next post talks about traveling with our feline friends.
Click on the follow links if you missed …
RVing with Pets, part 2 — ‘Before hitting the road.’
Photos: (Top) animal behavior expert Diana L. Guerrero (Bottom) Top Load Pet Carrier available at pet stores and on-line.
