Doggy On Board
One of the coolest things about being a dog owner is that you can hop in a car with your dog at any minute and go on all sorts of adventures. Whether a quick run to the grocery shop or a cross-country road trip, Rover is always by your side, peeking from the car seat window, cheeks rippling in the wind.
But driving with your dog on board can be a challenge. Your dog may get anxious or overly excited and the enjoyable car ride might become overwhelming for them. In this article, we’ll cover helpful hacks for a safe and enjoyable joyride with your furry friend.
Safety first: Keeping Your Dog Safe
The most important thing to consider when driving with your dog is safety. Though driving with a dog is fairly safe and hassle-free, getting used to driving with extra safety guidelines is the best way to avoid accidents and err on the side of caution.
Dog Seat Belt or Harness
The most efficient way of ensuring your pet’s safety in a car is purchasing a dog seat belt or harness. Prices range from $20 to $40 dollars and include models for all breeds and sizes. These products are crash-tested and will keep your dog contained while on the go. Also, some states may have legislation against driving with loose dogs in the vehicle.
Travel Dog Booster Seat
If you have a medium-small sized dog, you can purchase a travel booster seat, which is an additional seat you can place on your car to keep Fido comfortable and contained. Prices range from $30 to $166 dollars. Many of these products will also protect your car seat and have interesting features like zipper pockets to keep things in. Some are even suited for the front seat, with adjustable straps for extra safety.
Get Your Dog Used to Behaving Inside a Moving Vehicle
For the most part, dogs love car rides. But it’s important to teach them to behave and get
used to car rides from an early age. Start taking them on short rides as early as 4 to 12 weeks old and gradually increase the duration of the rides.
Get a friend to drive you while you cradle your dog. During the ride, provide plenty of positive reinforcement and treats when your pet behaves. Puppies will learn quicker, but with some patience, you can still teach older dogs to get accustomed to car rides.
Make a Place for Your Dog in the Car
Your dog doesn’t have to take up much space. The idea is for them to be calm and comfortable during the ride.
- Choose the most convenient spot for them—the right rear side being the best.
- Place your dog’s favorite blanket and toys on the chosen side.
- Your dog will identify the familiar smell and eventually get used to traveling there.
Tips on taking care of car seat material:
There are many ways to minimize or avoid car seat damage caused by dogs.
- Put a barrier between the car seat and your dog: You can purchase amazing dog seat covers that are easy to place and will efficiently protect your car seat. You can also DIY one yourself with durable fabric, such as neoprene or any waterproof fabric.
- Keep car seat leather conditioned: A good idea for keeping your car seat at its best is making sure it’s regularly conditioned. This means removing the surface dirt often, getting it regularly vacuumed, and cleaning it with the appropriate materials for your car seat.
Dog Essentials: Food and Water
You never know when you may need to spend more time on the road than expected. It’s a good idea to always bring enough water and food for your pet in case you’re delayed.
Food
Keep your dog’s food well stored in a secure place that won’t overheat. This will depend on the type of food you feed your dog. The best idea is to purchase the most convenient Tupperware you’ll use exclusively for your dog’s food. Opt for nutritionally balanced dry food to avoid harmful bacteria from heat exposure on fresh-meat.
Water
You’ll find wonderful collapsable bowls and no-spill bottles that work great, but any simple bowl will do. Just make sure you always bring enough water for you and your dog. Keep your dog’s water separate from yours. That way, you can keep track of how much water both of you consume.
Pay Attention to Your Dog: Bathroom Breaks
Dogs may have varying pee cycles. Puppies need a bathroom break every hour, while older dogs might urinate less frequently. When travelling on a road trip, knowing when to stop for a bathroom break is a must. Though, being in a vehicle could alter your dog’s peeing schedule and make it unpredictable. Watch your dog for excessive panting, pacing, and whining, these are the most common signs that your dog is feeling the call of nature.
Plan Ahead: Finding a Place to Stay
Long hours on the road are a strain for both you and your dog. If you’re going on a long road trip with your pet, make sure you plan ahead and find a pet-friendly place to stay overnight if you need to. You’ll find many places to spend the night that will admit your pet; but availability may be scarce, so plan ahead.
Dangers On the Road
Being aware of the dangers your dog may be exposed to while travelling will reduce and minimize the threat to their safety. Play close attention to the environment you’re in and keep your dog’s safety in mind.
Gas Station
Gas stations pose various dangers for your Fido. First, there might be hazardous substances around that your dog could accidentally sniff or ingest. Secondly, trucks or careless drivers could be driving their vehicles around. It’s best to keep your pet safe in their seat while you load up, then take Fido out on a leash to the grassy area by the station, so they can take their bathroom break.
Back-seat
DO NOT leave your dog unattended in the back seat. If you must go for a quick run, make sure you leave the car seat window open for air to flow. Leaving your dog in the back seat with the car seat windows down is a serious life threat.
Pick-up Beds
Pick-beds are often used to transport dogs, but they pose an alarming danger for them. The safest way for dogs to travel on pick-up beds is with a chew-proof dog harness made specially for transporting dogs on pick-up beds. These can be purchased for around $30 dollars. If you put them on a capped bed, they could experience extreme heat. So, check in often and keep your dog well hydrated.
Enjoying a Smooth and Furry Ride
The open road ahead of you and your best friend by your side produces a wonderful feeling of autonomy and freedom. Whether you’re taking your dog to visit all of America or to visit nearby friends, our travel tips guarantee a pleasant journey with your dog, no matter the distance.
