We've all done it at least once: You're going for a drive, and you need to bring your dog along, so you open up the backseat and let him hop in. You're a safe driver, and he's done it before, so there's no harm. Besides, he's so cute when he sticks his head out to sniff the open air.
It may seem totally harmless — but this misconception is dangerous not only to your beloved pup, but also to you, your family, and all the cars around you.
Every year, thousands of pets are injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. While some of these incidents might have been beyond our control, many could have been prevented.
But with these important tips, you and your dog will stay safe and comfortable when traveling together. And with summer quickly approaching, this is just in the knick of time.
After reading through these tips, be sure to watch the video below for some helpful advice on dog crates.
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Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Before traveling, make sure your dog is safe to travel. Ensure his vaccinations, rabies shots, and medical records are all up-to-date. If your dog takes special medication, be sure you have enough to last the whole trip; if not, have your vet write out a prescription that you can fill before or during your travels.
Step 2: Gather important documents and identification.
While you're at the vet, request copies of important pages from his medical records, including a signed health certificate and vaccination record. Also, make sure his collar is up-to-date with his rabies tag, name, address, and your phone number.
Step 3: Equip your car with life-saving products.
Every year, tens of thousands of dogs are injured or killed in car-related incidents; some jump unexpectedly from open windows, while others are projected during accidents. By roaming freely in the backseats of cars, dogs can cause or fall victim to tragedy.
If you don't plan to crate him during your trip, these items are essential for safe driving with your dog:
- Crash-tested seatbelt harness in case of an accident
- Backseat window cover to prevent window-opening
- Ventilated console barrier to keep pets away from the driver
Speak with your veterinarian to see which of these products they recommend for your pet, based on their condition and size.
Step 4: Provide your dog with comfort items.
On a long trip or in a new environment, it's important to keep your dog at ease. You can do this by packing his regular food, maintaining his feeding schedule, and bringing his favorite toys or blankets. Doing this will help lower anxiety levels, and hopefully keep your dog quiet and happy during your trip.
To keep him entertained and you stress-free, you might also want to pick up some interactive toys and collapsible bowls. They're perfect for long car rides.
Step 5: Introduce your dog to the car you'll be traveling in.
If he's a first-time traveler, or unfamiliar with the vehicle you'll be driving, spend a few weeks introducing him to the idea. You can start by feeding him a meal in the car; this will help him to associate the backseat with home and comfort. Then, while the car is parked in the driveway, have the two of you sit in the car for a while. After that, try going on a short ride with your dog.
If you'll be using any of the items from "Step 3" above, be sure to practice traveling with these items as well. It might take some time for your dog to get used to them.
Step 6: Keep your dog hydrated, cool, and comfortable.
When driving for long periods of time, especially in the summer months, ensure your dog is well-hydrated and comfortable. Never let him sit in a hot car, and be sure his space is well-ventilated. If he's in a crate, be sure he has plenty of room to turn, stand, and move. To prevent any tummy troubles, don't feed him immediately before loading him up, and never feed him in a moving car.
Step 7: Walk your dog before, during, and after long trips.
It's essential that dogs get plenty of exercise while traveling. Before getting into the car, be sure to take your dog on a long walk and play a hearty game of fetch; this will help to expend any energy before the car ride begins. During the trip, stop every few hours to let your dog stretch, play, and relieve itself. Once you've arrived, reward your pup with a nice, long walk before bedtime.
Step 8: Research some pet-friendly hotels and their policies.
If you need to stay in a hotel during your trip, be sure to spend some time researching pet-friendly locations. The last thing you want on a trip is to be surprised by an unexpected "No Pets" policy. Websites like Pet-Friendly-Hotels.com make it very easy to narrow down your search by location.
Step 9: Comfort your dog in new and exciting environments.
Dogs might quickly become overstimulated by all the news sights, sounds, and smells around them. If their favorite items from "Step 4" aren't cutting it, you can perform a little puppy massage with some dog-safe lavender oil. Rub a few drops on your hands, then gently massage the dog at the beginning of its spine or the base of its head. The all-natural oil has calming properties that will soothe your excitable pup.
Step 10: Reward your dog at the end of your journey.
After a long car trip, your dog deserves some lovin'! Be sure to reward them with a nice treat, a belly rub, or a new toy, then take a nice long walk to stretch your legs and theirs.
For more tips on traveling with a dog, be sure to watch the video below, and please SHARE these tips with friends and family!
