Safe travel tips for dogs in cars:
Hitting the Road with Your Furry Friend: Top Tips for a Pawsome Car Adventure
Dogs and road trips, what could be better? Except maybe when your pooch is car-shy or suffers from travel sickness. But, with a little prep, you can make sure your four-legged companion has a smooth ride to dog-friendly adventures!
Before you set off, let's discuss some essential safety tips for taking your dog along on outings, whether it's a day trip or a vacation. Read on to ensure your pup has a tail-wagging good time!
Car Safety Tips for Your Furry Co-Pilot
1. Frequent Pit Stops
Just like humans need regular breaks to stretch and use the restroom, dogs do too! If you're embarking on a long road trip with your dog, plan to stop approximately every 2 hours for both of you to stretch and move about.
2. A Comfortable, Secure Haven
A calm, relaxed dog makes for a less distracted driver and reduces the chances of your pup trying to wriggle out of their dog harness or scale the back-seat barrier to join you! To help keep your furry friend relaxed, consider stocking the car with comforting items like their favorite bedding and toys.
"Consider providing your pet with familiar items to help keep them settled," suggests companion animal vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan. "These can include puzzle feeders, calming appeasing pheromones, or even a favorite blanket or toy."
Adaptil Transport Spray
Top recommended by vets to help calm and relax your pup on the go, Adaptil Transport Spray replicates a mother dog's natural nursing pheromones, lessening signs of travel anxiety such as panting, shaking, vomiting, and restlessness. One application lasts 4-5 hours and can be sprayed in the car.
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3. Combating Travel Sickness
If your dog experiences motion sickness, consult with your vet before trips and discuss potential remedies. Dr. MacMillan recommends, "Medication is available to help with this, which can make journeys much more pleasant for you and your dog. Your dog is more likely to be relaxed and settled if they don't feel queasy."
Puppies often grow out of travel sickness as they mature. So keep the faith!
4. Window Licking is a No-No
Avoid letting your pup hang out the window. This dangerous practice increases the chances of your dog getting hurt, and it's crucial to keep your pup securely fastened in your vehicle.
"The top priority for dog car safety is an appropriate restraint," emphasizes Dr. MacMillan. "This means keeping your pet in a dog crate, behind a dog guard, or clipped into a dog car harness. This not only keeps your pup safe but offers security should you be involved in an accident."
5. Start Small
It's a smart idea to accustom your dog to car travel with short trips ahead of longer journeys. This helps cultivate positive associations with travel, making the experience less stressful for your pup.
"Build a positive association with car rides by starting with short periods in a stationary car with treats and praise followed by small journeys to fun destinations, and then gradually increasing the length of your trips," suggests Dr. MacMillan.
6. Pack a Dog-Friendly Travel Kit
Keep your furry friend comfortable throughout the journey with essentials like water, a pet bowl, food and treats, dog toys, a blanket, pillow, and any necessary travel meds on hand.
7. Never Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car
Never leave your dog unattended in the car, not even for a moment. On warm days, the temperature inside a parked vehicle rises quickly, putting your pup at risk of heatstroke—even with a window cracked open. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced breeds) and large dogs with heavy coats are most at risk.
Dr. MacMillan cautions, "During warm weather, it's vital that you don't leave your dog unsupervised in the vehicle. In even moderate temperatures, the car interior can heat up very rapidly. Dogs have limited ways to lose their body heat, which means they can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even with a window opening a crack."
Dr. MacMillan is a passionate companion animal vet with a knack for clear communication. She practices in the South West and enjoys tackling complex medical cases.
Bethany, an experienced writer, has spent eight years crafting engaging content across the pet and equestrian sectors.
With these nifty tips, you're all set for a smoothly purring road trip with your furry friend by your side! Happy travels! 🐾🚗🌞
- During long road trips with your dog, plan to stop approximately every 2 hours for both of you to stretch and use the restroom.
- To help keep your dog relaxed in the car, consider stocking the car with comforting items such as their favorite bedding, toys, or calming appeasing pheromones.
- Adaptil Transport Spray, recommended by vets, can help calm and relax your pup on the go by replicating a mother dog’s natural nursing pheromones.
- Medication is available to help combat travel sickness in dogs, making journeys more pleasant for both you and your dog.
- To help your pup associate car travel with positive experiences, start with short trips and gradually increase the length of the trips over time.
- Pack a dog-friendly travel kit for your furry friend with essentials like water, a pet bowl, food and treats, dog toys, a blanket, pillow, and any necessary travel meds.
- Never leave your dog unattended in the car, as the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise quickly, even with a window cracked open, putting your pup at risk of heatstroke.
- When traveling with your pet, ensure they are securely fastened in your vehicle with an appropriate restraint, such as a dog crate, dog guard, or dog car harness, for both their safety and yours should you be involved in an accident.
