п»їWhat is the appropriate amount of water to give your pet during a car trip?

Quck answer

During a car trip, it is important to provide your pet with access to water every two to three hours. The amount of water given should be small and frequent, rather than a large amount at once. It is also important to avoid giving your pet water while the car is in motion, as this can cause motion sickness. Additionally, make sure to use a spill-proof water bowl and secure it in a safe location within the car. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and monitor their water intake to ensure they stay hydrated without overdrinking.

Pets

Do you wish to take your pet with you on vacation instead of leaving them at home? If yes, then check out these pet pictures.
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For the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday, an estimated 41 million Americans traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more by car [source: AAA]. Nowadays, it doesn’t take much more than an hour to travel 50 miles (80 kilometers) in a car. During this brief period, passengers, whether human or animal, should not get too restless.

But let’s say you want to go on a long road trip, crossing state lines and visiting attractions and restaurants along the way. You have mapped out a route on interstate highways and roads, packed your bags, filled the gas tank, and informed your neighbors of your plans. What about your pet? You do not want to leave them alone in the house or board them, so you have decided to take them with you. About half of pet owners report that they would travel with their pets [source: McGuire]. Pet stores also offer a range of products such as specialized carriers, hammocks, car seats, beds, toys, and sedatives to ensure that your pet is comfortable during the trip.

Before embarking on a cross-country trip, you should acclimatize your pet to automobile travel by taking them on shorter trips around town in the weeks leading up to the trip. This is because animals can get car sickness just like humans, especially if they are confined for an extended period of time. The anxiety of the new experience, coupled with the motion, can cause nausea and discomfort. However, veteran car riders have a lower chance of becoming queasy and uncomfortable. Food and water are also essential for your pet’s well-being during a car trip. Give them a light meal a few hours before the journey instead of right before. This will give them enough time to digest their food and relieve themselves, and they will not be hungry when you hit the road.

Hydration is also crucial for your pet during the trip. Traveling pets should always have access to fresh water. Cats typically snack anywhere from 12 to 20 times per day, while dogs eat more in one sitting and will usually consume only one or two larger meals. However, when traveling, limit feeding to when the car is stopped. Feeding a dog or cat while the car is in motion is not a good idea because it promotes nausea. In a worst-case scenario with a queasy pet, ice chips are a soothing and hydrating reliever [source: Helperin]. Over-the-counter stomach aids for pets can also help.

Keeping the Traveling Pet Hydrated

Make sure to provide fresh water to your traveling pet.
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Just like humans, pets also need water during car trips. It’s important to provide fresh water for your dog or cat to avoid becoming constipated and overheated. The amount of water needed varies depending on the animal’s body weight. On average, dogs drink around 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day, while cats drink less. To determine how much water to bring, estimate the amount your pet drinks at home and add a little extra just in case. It’s also important to avoid giving your pet tap water from different locations as it can upset their stomach. Instead, bring enough water from home or bottled water and gradually integrate local water into the supply. A travel water bowl or dispenser is also recommended to ensure proper hydration throughout the trip. When traveling during hotter months, pay extra attention to your pet’s comfort and plan ahead for their nutritional needs. Bring plenty of food and water and make time for walks and exercise.

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

• Learn about Pet Microchipping
• Discover 6 Pets that Traveled Long Distances to Get Home
• Explore whether pets suffer from jet lag
• Find out the Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet
• Understand How Pet Shipping Works

More Great Links

• Check out Car Travel Tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Get information on Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs from the National Research Council
• Get information on Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs from the National Research Council

Sources

• AAA Projects Slight Decline in Thanksgiving Travel for First Time Since 2002. AAA. Nov. 18, 2008. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=8&ArticleID=649
• Acker, Elaine G. “Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Guide.” Jones & Bartlett Publishers. 2008. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://books.google.com/books?id=-xWCBGLWwZEC
• Covert, Stephen J. “Feeding the Dog.” University of Missouri Extension. October 1993. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pets/g09920.htm
• Helperin, Joanne. “Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Dogs.” Edmunds. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/108587/article.html
• McGuire, Judy. “Luxury Pet Travel.” Forbes Traveler. March 19, 2008. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://www.forbestraveler.com/luxury/pet-travel-story.html
• “Top 10 Tips for Safe Car Travel With Your Pet.” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_cartraveltips
• “Traveling With Your Pet.” American Veterinary Medical Association. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/traveling.asp
• “Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs.” National Research Council. June 24, 2006. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/cat_nutrition_final.pdf
• “Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs.” National Research Council. June 24, 2006. (Jan. 7, 2009)http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/dog_nutrition_final.pdf

FAQ

1. How much water should my pet drink before a car trip?

It is recommended that you allow your pet to drink a normal amount of water before a car trip. Dehydration can be dangerous, especially during long trips, so make sure your pet is well-hydrated before hitting the road.

2. How often should I offer water to my pet during a car trip?

You should offer water to your pet every two to three hours during a car trip. Make sure to stop at a safe location and offer water in a bowl or a bottle specifically designed for pets.

3. Can I give my pet water during a car trip while the vehicle is in motion?

No, it is not recommended to give your pet water during a car trip while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to choking or vomiting, which can be dangerous while driving.

4. What type of water should I give my pet during a car trip?

You should give your pet bottled or filtered water during a car trip. Tap water from an unfamiliar location can cause stomach upset or even transmit diseases.

5. What if my pet refuses to drink water during a car trip?

If your pet refuses to drink water during a car trip, try offering it in a different container or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to make it more appealing. If your pet still refuses to drink, contact your veterinarian for advice.

6. Should I limit water intake for my pet during a car trip to prevent accidents?

No, it is not recommended to limit water intake for your pet during a car trip to prevent accidents. Dehydration can be much more dangerous and can lead to serious health issues.

7. Can I give my pet water during a short car trip?

Yes, you should offer water to your pet during a short car trip as well. Even a short trip can cause dehydration, especially during hot weather or if your pet is prone to anxiety.

8. Is it safe to give my pet ice cubes during a car trip?

No, it is not recommended to give your pet ice cubes during a car trip. This can cause teeth damage or even lead to choking.

9. What if my pet has a medical condition that requires limited water intake?

If your pet has a medical condition that requires limited water intake, consult with your veterinarian before a car trip. They may recommend a specific water intake schedule or other precautions to keep your pet safe and healthy during the trip.