Your dog may be a family member for you, but the same dog may be the most difficult passenger you have had in your vehicle. Man’s best friend can be a huge distraction when traveling with their owners in the car. Here are some tips to ensure that your dog is a happy camper when you are on the move:
Keep your dog in the back seat with leaving the front seat for humans. If an airbag injects in front, it may injure the dog. Allowing your dog to ride in your lap while driving is an offense in the State of Hawaii.
Dogs should always be kept inside the car safely. Dogs who stick their heads out of the window can get injured by debris or fall sick in winters due to cold air in their lungs. Instead, keep proper air conditioning and ventilation when dogs are inside the car.
Dogs do get uncomfortable when restrained in a specific area for a longer time. Stop frequently to allow your dog to take a stroll and exercise. But do not forget to use a collar, ID tags, and leash. You can exercise your dog before getting in the car as a tired pup can be a better passenger. Make sure that your dog remains hydrated to avoid car sickness. Feed your pet a couple of hours before the ride for digestion.
Always be ready for sudden messes during the journey. Pack paper towels, poop bags, bowls, water, treats, crate, and seat cover (to protect the car from stains)
Make driving for your dog a good experience. Some vets suggest driving the dogs when you are bringing them home for the very first time. Make sure a family member is seating beside the puppy when bringing it home and cuddling it to reassure of the safe trip.
In case of car sickness, ask your vet for anti-nausea medications. Take short trips with your dogs and gradually increase the distance of the trip to prepare them. Take their favorite toys while going on trips for comforting them.
Secure a crate so it does not slide and keep the dog safe. Crates keep them safe and secure while traveling. The crate provides dogs with a familiar environment.
Do not leave them alone in the car. The inside temperature in the car can rise about 15 degrees than the surrounding. In summers, it can cause brain damage.
You can use a pet carrier as it is a light alternative to a metal crate and is easy to carry. This is a great option for small dogs.
For medium and large dogs, a harness that attaches to the seatbelt works great.
If your dog is fearful of cars, do not rush them. Bring them closer to the vehicle without making them scared. Another case is overexcited dogs. They are distracting the scared ones. Bring your dog around the car and bring them back to the house without actually getting into the car. This helps in waning their excitement when you are going on the trip.
Do not rush things with your dogs at any cost. If you are angry or frustrated while training the dog to get into the car. Make sure that you do not take your dog to the same place. Do not associate the car with your dog for anything specific.
Just because they are inside the car doesn’t mean that their instincts are turned off. If your dog sees something that turns its instinct to chase, your dog may jump out a window. Make sure they wear seatbelts.
A lot of dogs tend to get hip and joint problems. Some companies are trying to take steps for your pet to get in and out of the vehicle.
An economic way to travel with your dog is to get a gate. It will prevent dogs from wandering upfront while you are driving.
Do not give them treats while traveling. Any bump on the road will make them choke while eating.
Schedule a wellness check-up visit with your vet before the journey.
While exploring unknown places, it is important to consider the dangers that nature may put on your pet. Any plant may cause your dog allergies. Always be cognizant of the attacks from the wild animals.
You must exit the cars first, and then let your dog out. Always use a certain cue for them to understand to exit or enter in the car.
