Travelling with your pets can be a fun experience. After all, they are also a part of your family and deserve to accompany you! But driving unrestrained pets in the car can also be dangerous. We all know how unpredictable pets can be, but that’s not the only risk they pose to driving safety.
Just like your other family member, you want to ensure your pet’s safety during the journey. You wouldn’t imagine driving without your kids buckled up, and your dog shouldn’t be any different.
Here’s how you can keep your pets safe while you’re driving.
Fit a Dog Harness in the Car
A dog harness works for dogs the same way seatbelts work for you. If your dog is well-behaved, a dog harness should be enough to keep it safe while you drive. Loop the seatbelt through the harness and buckle the dog into the seat. Make sure the dog is comfy! You don’t want your pet to be uncomfortable throughout the trip.
Use a Crate
For relaxed dogs, you could use a crate for seating the animal during the trip. Most standard crates are designed for smaller dogs. If your furry friend is large, make sure the compartment is roomy enough for them to sit, stand, and make some movements.
Fit a Backseat Hammock
For older dogs that may prefer lying down to sitting, you can fit a hammock between the seats in the back of the car. The hammock will keep them from sliding off the seat from the car’s movements. It also keeps them from jumping into the front seat and disrupting your driving. Make sure to get a nonslip hammock!
Schedule Stops
If your dog gets agitated from staying still for too long, he may start disturbing you! It is a good idea to schedule plenty of stops to help your dog stretch his legs, use the toilet and get rid of some of the pent-up energy. Dogs also get motion sickness, so try to make frequent stops during the start of the journey.
Keep the Car Safe
While keeping your pet from disrupting driving is essential, it’s also essential to keep your car safe for your pet! Please don’t allow your dog to hang out the window because the air can cause dry eyes and expose them to any debris that can be flying. It is also dangerous for your dog in case you have to hit the brakes suddenly.
Make sure not to give your dog any treats while you’re in the car since this can cause them to choke if the vehicle is moving! Stop the vehicle whenever you want to feed your dog. Keep your air conditioner on at all times since vehicles can get hot and pets need proper ventilation to stay healthy.
Identify Your Pet
Pets should ideally be microchipped, but it is also a good idea to have a collar with an ID, especially if you are heading out for a more extended trip. You may also want to keep a temporary tag with the phone number and address of your trip location (such as a hotel or relative) if you are away from home for a long time.
Keep Medication and Vaccinations Updated
You don’t want to have any pet emergencies on the road, especially if you’re going on a trip and will be away from your pet’s usual doctor. Ensure to carry essential medications and keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date before setting out on your trip.
Visit a Veterinarian in New Hamburg
If you have any concerns about whether or not a car trip is safe for your pet, or if you want to check up on their vaccination, visit our Vet Clinic in New Hamburg and have a professional address any concerns before you set out on your trip!
