September 2020.- Worldwide, pet adoption has increased throughout the pandemic. With all the joys and benefits these new household members can bring, there are also several responsibilities to keep cats and dogs healthy and safe. Not only should you be concerned about walks, food, and responsible pet ownership, but there are also a few things to keep in mind when transporting them in the car.
As part of the MG Care concept, we share suggestions on how to safely transport your pets in the car and travel without inconveniences.
Never carry them in the front seats. Besides the fact that in many countries it is forbidden to carry pets in the front seats of vehicles, we also recommend that when pets are transported in the back, they should ideally be sufficiently secured with special harnesses and adequate protection.
Seat belt. Just like human passengers, pets must also travel on some type of restraint inside the car for the sake of the animal’s safety and that of the car’s passengers. According to some estimates, if a car crashes at 40 km/h, a dog that is loose inside the car can become a projectile of 40 times its weight. For the same reason, it is recommended to fasten the dog or cat harness to the seat belt of the car, as there are several fastening options available in the market.
Their own space. Another option to the seat belt, and one of the most recommended, is to carry them in a transport cage. This has to be large enough so that the animal can lie down, sit, and stand up inside the crate to change position. Consider 5 to 10 centimeters higher and wider than the standing pet. Other options are separator bars between the trunk and the cabin, which allow the dog to have its space and not move next to the passengers.
Motion sickness. As happens to some people, pets can become dizzy during travel and vomit. It is important to allow a few hours between eating and traveling. Alternatively, you can always consult a veterinarian so that he can prescribe an anti-motion sickness pill or something to relax in case he gets nervous. An impermeable cover is always useful for the pet to have a better grip.
Chill and entertained. Air conditioning allows pets to keep them ventilated. If they are in a carrier, it is important to make sure that air gets to them. If the animal gets nervous when traveling, a good way to distract them is to bring a toy to make them feel better.
Felines. For cats, the experts’ recommendation is to always carry them in their bag or travel box, paying attention not to put them directly in the air conditioning outlet. To get the animal used to the air conditioning, short walks can be done to familiarize the animal.
“Pets eventually become a family member and you want them to travel as comfortably as you do. Although our cars have the space for dogs of any size to travel without problems, it is always important to take into account the necessary safety measures to ensure that the animal is cared for and the driver is not distracted, especially if it is the first time they travel in a vehicle,” says Christian Scheel, Product & Sales Manager of SAIC Motor, MG Motor’s manufacturer and owner.
