SEAT - tips for travelling with pets 19.07.2017: Not without my dog Every year, 600 million dogs are abandoned by their owners all over

Not without my dog



Every year, 600 million dogs are abandoned by their owners all over the world according to figures supplied by ESDAW - European Society of Dog and Animal Welfare - a non-governmental and non-profit organisation at the service of animals.



 In countries such as England, an estimated 200,000 cats and 126,000 dogs are left homeless every year. This practice becomes more prominent in the summer, when many pet owners shirk their responsibilities when they go away on holidays. However, there are several practical solutions for pets to travel with their owners.



-Valid documents: When travelling to a destination within the European Union, you must carry a valid Pet Animal Passport. Having them microchipped is also important in case they get lost or injured in an accident.



-Tips for reducing stress and travel sickness: Before starting a journey, make an appointment with the vet to check your dog’s health and prevent any unpleasant surprises. “Your dog should not eat anything at least two hours before setting out. Only give it fresh water to drink and anti-nausea medication to prevent vomiting and travel sickness”, recommends veterinary Dr. Armand Tabernero. “In order to relieve stress, there are natural remedies such as valerian or passionflower, which cause no harmful side-effects”, he adds.




-Never leave your dog loose in the car: Animals must travel securely to ensure they do not interfere with the driver’s abilities or vehicle stability. Dogs cannot be loose in the car, such as on the rear seat, as they could get thrown around violently in the event of an accident and could cause mortal injury, either to themselves or the driver.



-Pet carriers, harnesses or dividers for everyone’s safety: Small dogs can travel in a pet carrier placed on the floor of the rear seat or fastened with the seatbelt. According to Miquel Contijoch, who is responsible for accessories at SEAT, “large dogs can be placed in the luggage compartment with a rigid divider that separates it from the other passengers”. For dogs of any size there is the option of securing them in the rear seat with a one or two-point harness that is attached to the seatbelt.



-Protective covers for the rear seat and luggage compartment: Dogs usually shed a lot of hair and tend to drool due to the stress of travelling or the heat. “Protect your upholstery and keep the seat cushions clean by placing protective covers on the seat and floor of the luggage compartment", says Contijoch.



-Open the windows, but don’t let your dog stick its head out: While driving it’s a good idea to open the windows from time to time to ventilate the interior, even though the air conditioning is on. However, prevent your dog from sticking its head out as that may cause ear or eye infections.



-Park in the shade and let everyone stretch their legs: On all trips, and especially in the summer, it is important to take a rest break at least every two hours so that all the occupants of the car can stretch their legs. It’s a good idea to keep the windows slightly open and never leave your dog inside the car. The break will be a good time to rest and let your dog drink some water.





-A treat when you reach your destination: After a long trip, your dog has to become familiar with its new surroundings, eat something, get some fresh air and play. It’s an appropriate time to reward him with one of his favourite treats for good behaviour.





Elisabet Anglada- photos Seat