Road trips are exciting times for the people involved, but they can be less thrilling for the dogs in the vehicle. But even if your pet loves rides in the car, you still want to do everything you can to keep them safe. Whether you’re riding up the road to the park or across the country for a big move, keep your dog safe in the car by keeping these tips in mind.
Pet Van Lines offers safe and reliable pet transportation! Fill out the form for a free quote.
Preparing for the Car Ride with Your Dog
Plan Ahead
From rush hour traffic to stopping for gas, there are a variety of factors that you need to consider before you take your dog on a ride in the car. A trip to the park during rush hour means a longer ride for your pet in a potentially more stressful environment. And even if it isn’t rush hour, it’s always a good idea to check traffic just in case before heading out on an excursion with your pet.
If you’re embarking on a longer journey, there is even more to consider. Plan your route in advance in order to ensure you know where you can stop for gas, let your pet stretch their legs and take a break from the motion of the vehicle and even where you can stay overnight in a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure that your air conditioning and heating is operating properly in your vehicle, and bring along plenty of water.
Choose the Right Car Restraint System
Now that you’ve planned your trip, it’s time to make some modifications to your vehicle. It’s never a good idea to let your pet roam free in the car, no matter how short of a distance you’re traveling. Always keep your pets restrained while in a moving car. There are plenty of options for pet harnesses, seat belts and carriers that you can choose from online or at your local pet store that can keep your pets secure while on the road.
You can splurge a bit more to keep your pet safe in the car and get a travel bed, a cargo area liner or mat, a pet barrier and even a loading ramp. Keep in mind that a loose pet in a moving vehicle is not only extremely dangerous for your pet, but it also poses a serious threat to other passengers in the car. Should the unspeakable happen and you get into an accident, anything in the vehicle that isn’t tied down can cause serious harm to you, your passengers and your pets.
When choosing your restraint, keep in mind that many pet restraint products are not properly crash-tested because they are not considered consumer products. Outside organizations like the Centre for Pet Safety (CPS) perform tests on all kinds of pet products and recommend items they determined to be safe. Be sure to do as much research as you can before purchasing a dog car restraint.
It’s also highly recommended you place your dog in the backseat for their safety, no matter which type of restraint you choose. Do not put their restraint in the passenger seat, and you shouldn’t let them sit in your lap as a passenger or driver. Avoid attaching anything to their collar or neck since even braking too hard could damage your dog’s neck.
Crate or Carrier
A comfortable crate or carrier is a great option for road-tripping with your dog, whether they love or hate car rides. Your dog’s crate should be established as their safe space and should have enough room for them to comfortably stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. A crate or carrier is also great for keeping your dog restrained in anxious moments, preventing them from distracting the driver. If your dog needs help relaxing in the car, you can cover their cage with a blanket to help them calm down.
Whether you have a small or large dog, you will be able to find a crate or carrier to fit them. Be sure to strap their container to your car’s LATCH/ISOFIX anchors to give your dog more protection in case of an accident.
Dog Car or Booster Seat
Dog car or booster seats elevate your little pup securely so they can still see their surroundings and look out the windows. These seats are best for small dogs, and they include a harness to strap your dog into the seat. Some varieties are safer than others, and the safest ones strap into the car’s seatbelt, have thick, plush harness straps, and are rear-facing.
Dog Car Harness
For dogs that love car rides, a dog harness is one of the best options to allow them to enjoy the ride without potentially hurting themselves or other passengers. A dog car harness connects to the car’s seatbelt and cradles the dog’s chest for good weight distribution.
The best harnesses will have wide, padded straps and allow your dog to move side-to-side a little without being able to pull forward. If your dog struggles or gets overexcited while in the car, keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t chewing or wiggling through the harness.
Introducing Your Dog to the Restraint System
Like all training, your dog will need time, patience, and positive reinforcement to get used to the new restraint system. When you first install the restraint, take your dog for some short car trips and slowly increase the driving time as they become more comfortable. Praise them during the trip, but wait to feed them treats until you’ve stopped to avoid giving them motion sickness.
It’s very important to acclimate your dog to their restraint before attempting longer trips so they don’t panic, distract the driver, or break free. You should also make sure their restraint is secure from the very beginning, even if they seem uncomfortable, for their protection.
Ensuring the Car’s Safety
Temperature Control
Dogs can easily overheat, so make sure your car is well-ventilated and cool before heading off on a summer road trip. Similarly, remember to keep them warm when traveling during the winter with the car’s heater or blankets.
Secure Loose Objects
Any loose objects in a car can become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or crash. Ensure everything is either strapped down or securely put away to avoid potential projectiles, and also to keep your dog from getting into something they shouldn’t while you’re driving.
Keep Your Dog in the Car
Most importantly, be sure you can keep your dog securely in the car. It’s unsafe to allow them to stick their head out the window or ride in an open trunk because they could easily get hurt or jump out. You should also use child locks to prevent your dog from accidentally opening the door or using the window controls.
Additional Tips for a Comfortable Car Ride with Your Dog
When you’re taking your dog on a ride in the car, there are a few items that are always necessary regardless of the length of the trip. Dogs always need to have their collars and ID tags on when outside, and you will want to bring their leash and potty bags too. Their favorite treats or toys are a great way to maintain some familiarity when they’re in the car or a new environment.
Take Breaks During Long Car Rides
Whether you are going for a day trip or a long road trip, plan frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch their legs, burn off some energy, and relieve themselves. You can align your breaks with stops for gas, food, or bathrooms as long as you remember to let the dog out too.
If you’re just driving for a few hours, try to give your dog food at least three hours before your trip so they don’t have to relieve themselves as much. When necessary, feed and give them water during breaks to avoid choking or motion sickness.
Avoid Leaving Your Dog in a Parked Car
You should never leave your dog alone in a parked car, especially on hot summer days. The heat a car can retain, even when parked in the shade, can give your dog heat stroke in minutes! Even on less hot days, the poor ventilation in a closed car is very uncomfortable for any animal. If your trip is going to involve leaving your dog in the car, even for a few minutes, you’re better to leave them in the comfort of their home.
Keeping Identification And Medical Information Handy
Whenever possible, take a copy of your dog’s picture, medical records, and identification information with you just in case they run off and can’t find their way back. You could also bring a pet first aid kit with disinfecting wipes, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, gauze, and more in case your pup hurts themselves along the way. For longer trips, prepare for emergencies by researching emergency vets near your destination.
Helping Your Dog with Car-Related Motion Sickness
If your dog experiences slight car sickness, try facing them towards the front of the car, limit their food before you start driving, and open the window a little for some fresh air. Young pups can be especially prone to car sickness because they can’t properly regulate their balance until their ears grow bigger. With dogs that have severe motion sickness, a vet will be able to recommend or prescribe medications to help with the symptoms.
Letting Your Dog Be Themselves
At the end of the day, your dog will have their own needs and preferences, and the best thing you can do is pay attention to the signs they give you and try to make them comfortable. Older dogs and those with health complications will require different restraints and might need help getting in and out of the car. Anxious or escape artist dogs will need more attention and restraint, and their needs will be very different.
A great road trip for you and your canine companion takes some planning and consideration, but will hopefully leave you with great bonding experiences and timeless memories!
Your Dog Car Safety Checklist
Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car With Pet Van Lines
If you’re concerned about traveling with your pets, Pet Van Lines is here to help. Our pet moving experts understand the needs of your pet as they travel, and keeping your pet safe in the car is our number one priority. Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly professionals about getting your pet on the road.