Some animals love riding in the car, while other dogs and cats don’t. Traveling with your pet can be a stressful experience for animal and human alike. Fortunately, there are several steps professional veterinarians recommend you take to make a long trip easier for you and your furry companion. Take the stress out of traveling with your dog or cat with these helpful pointers from the animal wellness experts at Waipio Pet Clinic in Waipahu, HI.

Whether you are going on a car trip or taking a flight, always make sure your pet is properly secured. For cats, use a pet carrier with enough room for your cat to comfortably stand, sit, and turn around in. Secure the carrier with a seatbelt, and never let the cat out until you’re safely parked. Even if your cat seems perfectly calm, it’s far too easy for a roaming cat to distract a driver. Dogs can either ride in a crate or in the back of an SUV or wagon that has a pet barrier installed. If your dog loves to ride up front, consider investing in a seatbelt harness. This will allow your dog to enjoy the fresh air, while still providing protection in case of an accident.

When traveling long distances, make sure you stop often to let your dog out to exercise and use the bathroom. Also, let them have water and food as needed. You may also want to bring a few favorite toys along for the ride. Long-lasting chewable treats are also great for keeping dogs occupied on long trips. If you own a cat, line the bottom of the carrier with familiar bedding from home to ease travel anxiety. Most importantly, you should never leave any pet alone in the car, even for a few minutes. The temperature in a hot car can rise dangerously fast, causing severe problems for your pet.

Before taking your pet on a trip, stop by Waipio Pet Clinic. Your veterinarian should make sure your pet is in good health and is able to travel long distances. If your pet suffers from an upset stomach or anxiety when riding in a car or plane, discuss with your vet safe ways to deal with these issues.

Waipio Pet Clinic offers comprehensive cat and dog care and emergency veterinary medicine to pet owners in and around Waipahu. Visit the clinic’s website to learn more about the wide range of services these veterinarians offer, or follow them on Facebook for more expert advice and adorable dog and cat pictures galore.