Many folks take their doggie with them to grandma’s house, so we’ve offered a few things you can do to help them make it a happy trip.
Since many pooches get anxious during the trip you might start them on a homeopathic for stress a day or two prior. Also see if they have one for motion sickness too just in case. Hopefully you will keep your pet in a crate so they won’t get hurt by sudden stops. Or you can put them in a harness that attaches to the seat belt. Many of us like to let our doggies ride with their head out the window. This is not safe, especially with all the toxic air on highways and the occasional bumble bee that may hit them in the eye (southern travelers only during winter). For a week or so before the trip you might get them used to being in the crate inside the car so do a few short runs and then give them a treat afterwards.
Make sure you pack water, food and a pooper scooper and bag when you travel with your dog, unless they are really good at ‘holding it’ until the rest stop that has an area for the doggies to do their business. Stops should be scheduled at least every two hours or less. If you must feed them during the trip, give them some time between food and getting back in the car or else you may have to clean up after their motion sickness. Also make sure you bring water from home (or whatever they are used to drinking). Sometimes ‘strange’ water can upset their digestion.
Cats are a little easier to carry in the crate, but most will give you lots of vocalization for the whole trip letting you know they are not happy about this. But with cats or dogs, make sure they are secured before you open the door. Harnesses are in order if you are taking them outside. Holding cats is not a good thing as most will claw their way to freedom and if that is outside the car you just may spend your vacation searching the woods for them.
There is a good booklet put out by AAA on traveling with pets: www.aaa.com/petbook.
Keep My Pet Healthy 