Dogs can make excellent travel companions. If you're planning to take your four-legged friend along on a road trip, the following tips will help you keep your pet comfortable and safe as you embark on your adventure together.
Keep Them in the Back Seat
Don't allow dogs to roam inside the car. Distracted driving due to dogs is a major cause of car accidents. Big pets can hinder your view and even change the car's gears without you noticing. Even small, active dogs can cause problems if they jump over the steering wheel. Even if your pup stays seated in the front, an accident may trigger the airbag and hurt your pet in the process. The police could also pull you over if they spot your pet on your lap and charge you with careless driving or crowding the driver's seat. The back seat is the safest and most comfortable spot for your dog.
Proper Interior
If you want to have a pleasant trip with your dog, you have to make sure they're happy and safe. There are many pieces of equipment available to help you keep your pup secured while you’re driving, such as car harnesses and travel crates. However, not all crates work equally well. A crate that you'll use for travel should be able to withstand crashes. Moreover, it should be large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around and sleep comfortably with decent airflow. Secure the crate with seatbelts to the backseat. Some dogs get upset when they are restrained. In that case, you can opt for the backseat barrier to give your dog room to move while keeping the driver free from dog-related distractions. If you have an SUV, cargo guards are your best bet to keep your pet safe. Large dogs that need space to move around won't get thrown around during sharp turns when you use a cargo guard.
Never Leave Them Alone
Leaving your pup in the car alone is something that you should never do. If you leave the windows open, your dog might get excited and jump out. Closing the windows also creates problems. During the day, the temperature inside a vehicle can get to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. You don't want your pet to be in the car when that happens. Unfortunately, heat is not the only issue. Winter presents its challenges; the cold can easily freeze your dog if you leave it unattended. Pet thieves may also be attracted to lonely dogs in a vehicle.
It doesn't matter if you are taking your pup across the country or to a neighboring town; it's essential to keep your beloved pet safe at all times. Follow these simple tips, and both of you will have the time of your lives.
To keep your dog happy during a long trip, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of treats. Try giving your furry friend some of our dog biscuits!