Go bicycling with your pet!
Written
by Dr. Laxmi Iyer
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To
go bicycling with your pet, you first need to find
out whether your pet loves the breeze blowing into
his or her face. One way you can check this out
is to take your cats out on a short round in your
car.
Most cats that don't mind travelling by car also
do not mind bicycle rides.
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Of
course things that you need to take care about is to make
sure that the roads on which you are cycling are really
free of vehicular traffic.
Another
option is to go bicycling only in parks where it is permitted
or on those roads with special areas cordoned off only for
bicyclers.
Before
you get started on your biking tour, may be you can invite
your friends and family too to come along.
Take
care to see that the basket for your pet is attached quite
firmly right in front before the handlebars. Also observe
that the handlebars don't get stuck while you are riding.
Check
the chains. Make sure that they are well greased and the
tires are filled with air and the gears work well.
In
case, you are not comfortable with cycling, don't take your
pet along unless and until you get comfortable.
If
you have two big dogs, two cats, and two parrots - then
let the dogs run with you and let the birds perch on your
shoulders. For the cats \you and your kids or spouse or
parents can take turns sharing the cats - one for each bicycle
rider.
Also
be careful that you don't tire yourself out on a biking
expedition. Make sure that you have a heavy breakfast at
least three hours before biking. It's okay to gulp a couple
of glasses of fruit juices before starting off.
However,
if your cats are nervous, just leave them alone. Travelling
will not reduce the anxiety levels and may in fact exacerbate
the panic.
