Traveling With The Dog In The Car: Advice And Care
If for some it’s a really fun experience, for others there can’t be anything more traumatic. Do you want to know how to travel with the dog in the car? So be sure to read this text, where we’ll give you some advice.
Tips for traveling with the dog in the car
If you’re planning your next vacation, a weekend getaway, or taking your pet to a family member’s house, you need to consider the following tips for traveling with the dog in the car:
1. Pay attention to everyone’s safety
Not only that of the animal, which is very important, but also that of the other members of the vehicle. Dogs cannot travel in the front seat, much less in the lap of the driver. It is also not recommended that he go alone in the backseat or in someone else’s arms.
If the car makes a sudden movement, takes a sharp turn or brakes too fast, the dog could have an accident or hurt others.
2. Secure it with a special belt
You can’t put on a regular seat belt either, because it’s not completely safe. The good news is that there are special belts for dogs that you can buy at pet stores and that fit the common seat belt. Thus, the animal will be doubly trapped and, in case of an accident, will not move.
3. Put it in a special box
If the dog is small, a good way to take him in the car is to put him in a special box, which should be a comfortable space, with blankets or pillows and maybe even toys. Do not place it on the seat (or on your seat belt), but between the front and rear seats.
4. Put on a washable blanket
In the case of medium-sized or large animals, which are attached to the special belt, it is a good idea to wrap the seat with a blanket or plastic sheet. This way, you’ll prevent the car from filling up with hair or dirt. Also, it can be a great idea if the animal needs it or vomits.
5. Take a test
If this is the first time you are traveling with the dog in the car, you can put him in the car with the engine turned off, so that he can become familiar with the vehicle. If the idea is to go on vacation to a far away place, you can start by taking him for a walk close to home, at low speed. Little by little, increase the animal’s period of experience with the activity.
However, in addition to that, you should take him to places that are fun for him, like the park, for example. Thus, he will relate the car to play and the outdoors. The first time you put him in the car, don’t take him to the vet, because that way he will make this association. Next time you want to take it somewhere, this can be problematic.
6. Don’t give food
Your pet’s stomach can be sensitive to typical car movements. In some dogs, travel makes nausea or vomiting. One way to avoid this is not to give him food or water three hours before or during the tour.
Try to feed him at the stops, and if the journey is too long, you can offer him a pot of fresh water.
7. Take toys
As with children, traveling with the dog in the car can be a bad experience if the animal gets upset. Probably, at the beginning of the tour he will be interested and attentive to everything. But as the hours go by, it is possible that he will get tired and fall asleep. However, if it doesn’t, you need to be prepared. Bring a toy that doesn’t make noise for him to be entertained.
8. Stop every two hours
On long trips, everyone has to go to the bathroom at some point. And this also happens with the pet. Also, choose places where dogs are allowed and, before opening the door, make sure the collar is securely fastened. Don’t let him down alone and always keep him by your side. At some stops, there may be other dogs or car noises that disorient you, which can lead to escapes and a lot of unnecessary suffering.
