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Useful Pet Accessories For Traveling
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By Kimberly Newman

Taking your pet with you on a car trip may be a hassling and harrowing experience. Here is a list of 5 items that help lighten the traveling load for both you and your pet when on the road. These items are listed in no particular order:

1. Pet Net Barrier

This is ideal when traveling with a larger dog. Many people will take out the back seat of their SUV or van and set up this easy net barrier. The net utilizes micro-mesh material that allows for clear visibility for checking up on your doggie in back; it is commonly recommended over metal barriers. It is also easy to set up: it contains wiring that snaps open and shut and stays put on the road. It also has adjustable side panels that allow it to fit in virtually any vehicle; it also securely connects to the inside of the car with fasteners.

2. Backseat Hammock

This is an easy and comfortable option for a seat cover when traveling with your pet. This backseat hammock attaches to the backs of the two front seats and then slings and attaches to the top of the back seat. This keeps you car clean from your shedding pet, as well as keeping your dog safe from jumping into the front seat.

3. Car Seats for Smaller Dogs

There are many different varieties of car seats for dogs, and most attach to the seat by using a seatbelt. The primary reason for doggie car seats is that it is a safe and comfortable option for your traveling pet. Some car seats are raised to aide in pet visibility to and help avoid carsickness. And hey, what pet doesn’t like a comfortable throne to sit on?

4. Portable Pet Ramps

Pet ramps are an excellent idea for small or elderly pets who are unable to get in and out of the vehicle on their own. Most ramps hook securely onto the back bumper of your car. A folding ramp is highly recommended because it does not take up much space; some fold up and are about the size of a briefcase. Be certain to get a ramp that has some kind of traction for sure footing, as well as a little edge on the sides to ensure the safety of your pet.

5. Travel Food and Water Dishes

An important thing to remember when traveling with Fido is he needs food and water to stay hydrated. This can sometimes be difficult in the car, and it is easy to spill. Travel dog bowls with funnel lids are helpful because the design allows for your pet to access his food with relative ease, and you don’t have to worry about food spilling everywhere.

Travel water dishes are also designed for the easiest distribution of water without the spills. You will normally see these water bowls being used on boats and in RV’s, but they are also excellent for automobile use. These water bowls are designed to keep the water level in the basin to avoid spills and splashes, so your pet can stay properly hydrated for the trip.

About the Author: Kimberly Newman is a writer for Discount Pet Mall a site featuring dog beds and elevated dog feeders.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=193572&ca=Pets

Comments

By Gail Murphy @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:27 PM

This article is a very helpful tool for both newbie pet owners that travel and oldies like myself. It gives us new ideas to making the trips we take much more enjoyable. I use to travel constantly and when I took my pets with me it was always a 15 hour drive . I most definitely plan a lot of breaks, at least every 2 hours and this not only helps my pets but myself as well, as I would push myself to drive longer without a break when I drove alone. Don't rush your dog when you take them out for their break or to do their business, especially if they are not use to travelling a lot. They get frightened of the cars, trucks and all that noise from other people and dogs in a strange area. The breed of animal matters as well . Some animals and breeds are more skittish then others. Check with your vet to see if there isn't a mild sedative that you could give your animal(s) to make the journey less harrowing for them. Also , nowadays there are many motels and hotels that permit pets to stay with you in your rooms, so check it out. I have traveled with as many as 4 dogs and 2 cats at a given time in my car. Being prepared is the key. Drinking water is a must and occasional food during a long trip. I also use puppy papers, in case of any accidents, on the floor of my vehicle. My pets don't like to be separated from me for long periods of time so I try, whenever possible, to take them with me during those times. If you can't take them, try to use the same pet sitters or kennel so your animals are less stressed about your leaving them. Always check out the kennel, both inside and out, before taking it for granted that the kennel is a good one for the care of your pets. Leave favorite play articles, blankets, etc. with your pets so that your pets will feel more comfortable in a strange place. If at all possible and you feel you can trust your pet sitter with a key to your home for home sitting your pet (s), you might consider this as an option that you would care to take .

By petbuddy @ Sunday, March 23, 2008 3:00 PM

My only problem with this article is that it gives you the idea that you don't need to restrain your dog. It is never safe to travel with your dog(s) unrestrained! A 35 lb. dog travelling at 30mph generates 1,135 lbs of force during impact. Unrestrained, they can kill themselves but also someone else they are traveling with.
I recommend the Pet Seatbelt from Petlane, www.petlane.com/petbuddy has a wonderful harness that is easy to use. Save your dog and yourself!

By lostthenfound @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 11:26 AM

I agree, I think a dog should be restrained while riding in a car. I have had situations where I've thought the dog would fine in the car, only to have a quickie situation happen in front of me , and my dog has flown up and hit the dashboard. My dog is newly adopted and as of now doesn't have all the necessities of car travel. My plan is to get a restraining vest and a soft crate to try out, to see how they work with Maggi , a 60# lab mix. I don't think, for my situation, that a mess barrier is sufficient. Great for some but not for us.

By mysweetmolly @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:20 PM

Kimberly, your article was very nice but I feel an important item to take is zip lock bags so we can pick up poo and place it in a trash container. This makes everyone happy.

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