As the first school holidays approach many residents will be looking to take a holiday, with the pet in tow.<\/p>\n
It is always stressful to travel with your pet, but these tips will help make the trip easier for you both:<\/p>
\u2022 Feed lightly<\/strong><\/p>\n Feed your pet a light meal two to three hours before departure, and don\u2019t feed your pet in a moving vehicle.<\/p> \u2022 Bring the basics<\/strong><\/p>\n When packing for your trip, bring the basics with you, such as food and water, bowls, leashes, a poop scoop, plastic bags, etc.<\/p>\n Unexpected delays may mean you might have to use any or all of them en route to your holiday destination.<\/p>\n \u2022 Identify your pet<\/strong><\/p>\n Identifying your pet is of utmost importance. Microchip identification is recommended. However, it is suggested that for a journey of considerable distance, you might want to place a disc on your pet\u2019s collar in addition to microchipping.<\/p>\n This disc could give your destination information and a cellphone number.<\/p>\n \u2022 Harness<\/strong><\/p>\n A harness rather than a leash is recommended for your dog inside the vehicle. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep heads inside the vehicle<\/strong><\/p>\n Animals\u2019 heads should be kept in the vehicle at all times for safety\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n If a pet hangs his head outside a moving vehicle, it can lead to injuries from flying objects, inner ear damage or even lung infections.<\/p>\n \u2022 Consider barriers<\/strong><\/p>\n Put up protective barriers for what will be the pet-carrying area of the vehicle, be it the back seat, the \u201chatch\u201d part of the vehicle or beneath the bakkie\u2019s canopy.<\/p>\n It is much safer, especially in the event of an accident or sudden braking.<\/p>\n It might be a good idea to also waterproof seat covers with a thick plastic and to do the same to floors in the vehicle for ease of clean-up if accidents do happen.<\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO READ:\u00a0Flamingos still need your help<\/a><\/h4>\n