Can you bring your pet on the road? Being on the road for days or even weeks at a time can sometimes get a bit lonely. Spending time in your truck alone can be difficult, with no one to talk to and no one to spend time with. This is why many truckers decide to bring their four-legged family members along for the ride!
Having your pet (and best friend) along as a co-pilot can really combat loneliness and make the days pass by much faster. Pets are some of the best companions to bring with you on the road because they can keep you company but won’t talk your ear off. Also, they are easily amused and won’t have differing opinions about the type of music you play or when and where you stop for a meal.
If you choose to bring your furry friend along with you for the ride, there are certain things you need to take into consideration before doing so. Although they can’t talk, they still have basic needs that you must be sure to meet while on the road. When considering taking your pet on the road with you, you must be fully prepared and know how to properly care for them. This article will take a look at some things to consider on how to care for your pet on the road. Let’s take a look.
Must-haves for long trips with your furry friend
There are certain things that you will absolutely need to bring with you in order to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable on long trips. Just like you, they have needs and you don’t want to be stuck on a long trip without these necessities. Some things to make sure you bring with you are:
- A cage/kennel or a nice bed for them to sleep on. Just like you, animals need to sleep and they want a comfortable place to do so. Make sure you bring their favorite blanket or a warm, comfortable bed for them to sleep in. Also, some pets sleep in kennels or cages, and if this is the case, then make sure not to leave this behind. Your pet will want some semblance of home while on the road as well.
- Plenty of food and water are a must. Of course, just like you and me, animals must eat and drink. Be sure to bring enough food and water to make it at least until you can find a stop to buy more. Also, a water dispenser is a good idea, as you won’t want water splashing all over your rig.
- Any toys or treats that will keep your pet occupied and relieve boredom. Yes, that’s right. Your pet can get bored too. Make sure that doesn’t happen by bringing any toys they like or some treats to keep them occupied during your time on the road.
- Consider bringing a harness that will attach to the seatbelt. Sudden stops can send your pet flying, and we don’t want them to be hurt. Using a harness that attaches to the seatbelt can prevent these accidents from happening.
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Keep your pet healthy on the road
Being on the road might be a big adjustment for your furry friend. Making sure that you are stocked up on things to keep them healthy is a must. Let’s take a look at some ways to keep them healthy on the road.
- Pack any and all medications your pet uses on a regular basis. If your pet needs special medicine or takes vitamins, then make sure to bring them with you on the road. It is important to keep the same medical routine as you would at the house.
- Pack things like Pepto-Bismol, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, etc. In case your pet gets into something and has an allergic reaction or their stomach gets upset on the road, or perhaps there’s an accident and they get injured in some way, you will be fully prepared.
- Keep their vaccination and health records on hand, just in case you need to make a trip to the vet while on the go.
- Investing in pet insurance is a great idea when taking animals on the road. There are several companies that offer this and it can be a real money-saver in case something happens while you are on a trip with your pet.
Pet-proof your truck
This is an important thing to consider before taking your pet with you. Things happen and the best way to make sure that you and your pet remain safe is to take all of the necessary precautions to ensure that there are no accidents. Here are some ways you may want to consider pet-proofing your rig:
- Block access to the driver’s area, especially the pedals. This will prevent your furry loved one from accidentally getting below your feet and hitting either the gas pedal or the brake pedal when you don’t want to (which can be extremely dangerous for everyone involved).
- Ensure that all food is stored properly so that your fur baby doesn’t have access to an all-they-can-eat buffet, resulting in illness and (more than likely) a big mess.
- Have an area in your rig for your pet to stretch out and walk around some in between stops.
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If you are considering bringing your beloved pet along with you on the road, then make sure to check with your company first. Many companies have policies in place when it comes to bringing pets along and some don’t allow it. However, if your company does allow you to bring your pet with you, make sure to read carefully all of the guidelines they have put in place for you and your animal. These are for your safety and the safety of your animal.
Animals are a great way to beat the loneliness of being on the road and to bring a piece of home with you. However, before you do so, you want to ensure the safety of both you and your pet by following the protocols mentioned in this article. After all, you want your pet to have a good time and enjoy quality time with you at all times.