Pet Party Line is a column written by Beth Byrd and is featured weekly in The Citizen News, one of our local newspapers.

Travel Tips for You & Your Pet

• Make sure your dog is seated in a secure area in the back seat or back area of your car. An air bag in the front seat can decapitate a dog as well as a child. If possible, buckle your dog in, use a carrier or bank the area with pillows for his protection.


• DO NOT LET YOUR PETS RIDE IN THE BACK OF A PICK UP TRUCK UNRESTRAINED. Debris can hit your pet (especially in the eyes) and if you happen to swerve or slam on the brakes, it could badly injure your pet.


• Older dogs may need a ramp to comfortably get in and out of a vehicle. Senior dogs and puppies can hurt their backs jumping in and out of a tall SUV or truck seat.


• Before you take your dog on a major road trip, plan your route accordingly. Sporting breed dogs need to be active, so plan plenty of long stops for exercise. A bored dog can destroy a car’s interior. It also helps to pack a couple of his favorite toys and dog bed if possible.


• Give your dogs access to fresh water during frequent stops. It’s usually best not to feed them until you stop for an overnight. Don’t forget a can opener if you need to open wet pet food!


• Most importantly, NEVER leave your dog or cat in a car unattended and without fresh air. Fatal heat stroke can occur very quickly.