Driving with pets

Advice on how to drive with pets and remain safe.

Driving with Pets

Prepare for fearful or car sick canines.

Long road trips can have a fair few challenges. You can actually train your dog not to fear car rides.

You start out by getting your dog to eat in a parked car that isn’t turned on. Eventually, work up to eating in the car whilst it’s running.

Then work up to short trips that end up somewhere your dog will like, like a park. This process can take weeks or months. You will want to start way ahead of any long trips that you may be going on.

Getting car sick is a completely different matter that you can’t really train for however you may be able to consult with your vet to get information on any medications your dog can take to stop any nausea that they could have.

Always carry food and water.

You never know what could happen during your journey, so it’s best to carry some dog food and a water bottle at hand to keep them nourished. Every time you stop from your long car journey, make sure you give your dog some water and some food.

Keep your dog safely at the back.

Its difficult trying to operate a vehicle when you’re dog is bouncing around the backseat and into the front.

For safety reasons, your dog should fit safely in the back of your vehicle. There are pet barriers that you can install that keep your dog in the cargo area.

If you are concerned about the dogs clawing your seats, you can put down a seat cover or cargo mat specifically designed for pets.

Take a break.

If you are on a long trip, make it a priority to stop every two to three hours. Step out and have a stretch, go for a walk and gain some energy before getting back into your car. This is good for everyone’s health.

Do not lock the dog in your car.

There are many reasons as to why you should not leave a pet in your car. In the summer, the interior of your vehicle can get hot and suffocate animals. In the winter, temperatures’ can drop and your pet could freeze. In some places it is actually illegal to keep a pet locked in a vehicle. Avoid getting your windows smashed by a Good Samaritan; don’t lock your dog in your car unattended!

  • Dogs cannot sweat and thus are prone to overheating much easier than a human.
  • For more information on driving safely with pets, please go to: this helpful page by insurance broker "gocompare"

    For information on the purchase of per barriers, please go to:Halfords or any other local pet supplies company.

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