If you are a dog person, you know it can be impossible to travel anywhere without your pup! Like every other passenger in our car, we want to keep our furry friends safe from harm. Here are our best tips to keep them happy on the road!
Get Them Used to the Road
Some dogs don’t like being in the confines of a car. The best way to defend against this is to get them used to the car from the start. Bring them in the car when you want to bring them somewhere that is not walking distance away. Having a friend riding passenger in the car to give them cuddles can be a big help in getting your dog to relax on their first couple of rides. To keep them comfortable on the road, avoid feeding them right before or during the trip, especially if you are traveling on winding roads and in high elevations.
Pack The Essentials
When your dog is ready for your long trip, make sure you bring everything you’ll need. Bring poop bags, walking leash, bowl, water, treats, seat covers, and a harness or crate for their own and your safety. If you have a puppy, it is also a good idea to have some paper towels and a stain/odor remover for any unexpected potty break accidents on the road.
Keep Your Dog Safe
As we all know, leaving a dog in a hot car directly in the summer rays can be deadly. A car will heat up under the sun in just a short amount of time due to the greenhouse effect, and if your windows are not cracked, the temperature inside will keep climbing. If you have to leave your dog in the car for any reason, keep the window cracked open. If you are in winter temperatures on this trip, try as best as you can not leave your dog in the car. Small and inside-only dogs are especially prone to hypothermia and other cold weather-related problems.
In addition to being aware of extreme weather, the best defense you can take to caring for your animal is driving carefully. Defensive driving is the best strategy to keep them safe. Check out these top tips to master defensive driving!