Those who always have a pet as a travel companion on their journeys will know that they are not immune to the ups and downs of the vehicle . As many of us do, cats and dogs also get dizzy and it is not uncommon for, after lying still for a long time or yawning frequently, they end up vomiting their stomach contents in the back seat of their owner’s car.
We must also bear in mind that the effects are more common in puppies and young pets than in those that are already adults, since the bone structure of the ear responsible for maintaining balance has not yet fully formed.
Vomiting can persist in the case of dogs even over the years, since they sometimes associate travel with nausea, so it is advisable to change vehicles or take them from time to time to a pleasant place in the same .
Preparations and change of environment are also a source of stress for animals and, although some are more sensitive than others, even a short trip to the vet can upset their spirits .
If instead of a trip by car, bus or train, it is a journey by plane, the consequences can be even worse . In air vehicles, pets can only be locked in their corresponding carrier, stored together with the luggage at the bottom. During landings and takeoffs, containers can be hit hard and pets are severely bruised or injured from impacts.
In addition, although they are not aware of exactly what is happening, they feel uneasy in the face of pressure changes and can be too hot or cold in the cargo area. For all these reasons, certain airlines prohibit the transfer of those breeds of dogs and cats with congenital respiratory deficiencies, such as English bulldogs, chow chows or Persian cats.
To avoid unnecessary suffering, experts advise leaving them at home as much as possible , always in good hands. When this option is not feasible, it is advisable, for air travel, to try to choose direct flights, avoid flying during the summer and try, when the company allows it, to reserve a space for them in the airplane cabin.
If the transport is to be carried out by road, the previous measures include reducing or eliminating the food supply before leaving and ensuring that the animal travels as comfortably as possible. In the case of dogs, they will feel less dizzy if they look straight ahead instead of out the windows, something that can be achieved with special belts designed with this function. There are also sedative drugs: the vet will decide if your pet really needs them and which one would be the right one.
