As dog owners, we always have to have our furry friend’s safety in mind. Whether it be going for a walk, taking a hike, or going on road trips with them in a car. We treat our dogs as a part of our family and we want them to be as comfortable as they can be when we travel with them. I always take my furry companion out on road trips and adventures and he enjoys it as much as I do, even more.
Although it is one tricky task to bring them along every time it’s something we have to do and keep them safe at all times. However, how does taking a ride in the car affect our furry friends? Check out how to tell if your dog likes car rides.
Car Accessories For Safety
There are a lot of safety gears available today that you can buy in your local pet store. Getting one of these safety gear can really help with a more enjoyable ride for you and your furry friend. We have to be responsible dog owners and do everything in our power to keep them safe and comfortable at all times. Here are some examples of dog safety gear that you can use in your car.
Car Hammocks
Car hammocks are essentially seat covers that you can drape in the back seat of your car. These hammocks can provide a more comfortable area for your furry friend to stay in while you’re traveling with him. Car hammocks act as a crate that your dog can feel safe while the car is going. These are easy to equip and remove and you can easily bring on your next road trip with your furry friend.
Crates
Using a crate is one of the most traditional ways of traveling with a dog. However, I personally do not like using a crate because my dog gets cramped in such a limited space and it is not good for his legs. If you are to use a crate for traveling, you must always keep in mind that you have a dog in a crate and check up on him regularly. You do not want him to overheat as that may cause problems for you in the long run.
Dog Seatbelts/Tethering
Keeping your dog on a leash in a car is another possible way of traveling with your furry friend. There are now these dog seatbelts that you can attach to your dog’s harness and attach it to the seatbelt attachment in your car so your dog will not move as much. It acts as an anchor to limit his movements. This though is not suitable for dogs that move a lot in the car or are wriggly. When you attach these tethers on their harness or collars, it is going to pull and pull and may cause injury upon themselves. When getting a seatbelt or a tether, always consider the length of it and where your furry friend is going to be situated in the car.
5 Tips On Traveling With Your Dog In The Car
A car on the road is not the safest place for anyone, especially your dogs. Accidents can happen at any given time. As you don’t want your child to get hurt in the car, so should you be with your furry friends. With the ever-growing number of cars on the road, I expect more dog owners to use at least one safety gear in the car. Aside from safety gear, There some other things that you should consider when traveling with your dog. These are the things that would make him comfortable and safe during your trip. Here are some examples:
Make it Fun
Always keep in mind that your furry friends can get stressed and anxious too. That’s why it is so important to make them feel that going in the car and taking a car ride will be an adventure for both of you. The best way to do this is to familiarize your dog to the car and the interiors and keep on giving treats and praise so that he knows that this car is going to be a good place for him.
Food and Water
While packing for the road trip, you should never forget to bring your furry friends food and water. These are the most essential things to bring whenever you are traveling. Dogs can get hungry and dehydrated too. Also, always remember to take breaks when going on long car rides. These breaks can be used to feed your companion and to hydrate him. These things should be on top of your list.
Look up Vets and Hospitals
When you are traveling, you always have a destination. One of the best things to do is to locate the nearest vet and hospitals along the way so that when something happens, you know where to go just in case of an emergency. It is also a great idea to look at human hospitals along the way, just to be safe.
Temperature and Comfort
Being stuck in the car on a long trip is not going to be too comfortable, for anyone. It is always best to keep your furry friend cool in the car while you are driving to your destination. When driving in the day, the sun can make the car go up in temperature and you don’t want that. Make sure that your furry friend is comfortable and giving him a little love along the way wouldn’t hurt anyone. It is best to give him lots of attention when taking long trips.
Use Safety Gear
Last and certainly not the least, always use safety gear when traveling with your furry companion. These safety gear can be a lifesaver. Out on the road, you will never know what to expect. Investing in some of these gear can save you a lot more money without it.
If you want more tips on traveling safely in a car with your dog, take a look at this video that shows you the best way to travel with your furry friend.
Our Final Thoughts
One of the best feelings in the world is taking the road and going on adventures with your furry companion. It gives you both joy and happiness. However, you want to do this in the safest way possible. Take all the precautions and be fully prepared for everything that you are going to need while traveling. The best tip is to create a packing list so you don’t forget what you need to provide the best comfort for your best pal. His and your safety is in your hands. Go on a take the best adventure in your life!