Many dog owners enjoy bringing their pets along in the car when they travel, whether it’s a short trip to the store or a cross-country adventure. But driving around with your dog can sometimes be dangerous for both of you. A loose animal inside the passenger compartment can distract your eyes from the road, causing an accident. Small dogs roaming around on the floor can disrupt your ability to operate the foot pedals, and larger animals can inadvertently knock your shifter out of gear or interfere with your steering. And then you have the issue of keeping your loveable pet safe when the vehicle’s moving, or if you need to leave them unattended for a while when it’s not. Traveling with a dog in your car can be complicated at times- especially on longer trips- and the key is careful planning before you hit the road. In an effort to make it a safer experience for you both, here are some reliable driving tips to use when traveling with a dog.
Before heading out, the first thing you should do is ensure that your furry friend has a safe and comfortable area to ride in which will also keep them from interfering with your driving, and protect your dog in an accident. Here are some pet restraining methods to use:
Make sure it has enough room for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Secure the crate itself so that it won’t slide around if you turn sharply or stop abruptly. Crates also work well for cats.
These are basically seat belts for dogs, and are designed to attach to the ones in your car. Always harness your pooch to a back seat, as air bag deployments can cause serious injury- or even worse- to an animal.
These can be purchased at pet stores or online, and are adjustable gates that fit most all vehicle types. Commercially-sold pet barriers also allow your dog to still see you so that they won’t panic.
Now that you’ve figured out how to transport your dog safely so that you can focus your attention on the road, it’s time to consider their wellbeing throughout the trip. To keep your pet safer, remember to follow these tips:
We’ve all seen a dog with its head sticking out of a moving vehicle, ears and tongue flapping in the wind. But that’s simply not safe for them, as their face could violently impact a solid object. Riding in a pickup truck bed is also not safe, and thousands of dogs are injured annually from falls when doing so.
Especially on longer road trips, bring along a bowl, leash, food, pooper scooper, disposal bags, bottled water, their medications, grooming supplies, and any vaccination records if traveling across state lines. Having your dog’s favorite toy, blanket or pillow along will also calm them down.
Summertime temperatures inside your car can exceed 120 degrees, and during the winter your vehicle’s interior can become an icebox within minutes. Leaving your dog in these conditions can cause serious harm and even death. If you have to leave your pet in the car for just a few minutes, keep it running and have someone you trust stay with them. Unattended dogs are also targets for pet thieves and walk-by harassers.
Some dogs experience travel anxiety when in the car, so monitor your pet for symptoms including loud vocalizing, excessive panting, and pacing nervously. Anxiety can lead to full-blown panic, so if your dog suffers from “car phobia” talk to your vet about a safe traveling sedative they can take prior to embarking on the trip. A licensed dog trainer can also work with your pet to manage their travel anxiety.
In the end, using these proven methods should result in a safer, healthier and more enjoyable trip for you and your loveable companion!
Even when using the safe driving tips mentioned above, accidents happen. When they do, rest assured that a reliable auto body shop nearby can expertly repair the damage, and get you and your pet back on the road again in no time. They have the know-how, training and equipment to restore your car’s appearance and performance like-new using a seamless process that’s prompt, dependable and stress-free. Collision repair shop professionals will also work directly with your insurance company so that you don’t have to. To quickly search your zip code for a better auto body shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com now.
