Long Car Rides Dog Safety

When you are planning Long Car Rides, dog safety is important to consider. You may want to use a dog car seat, a portable cage or a gate that keeps the dog in the rear end of your vehicle. You want to protect your dog in case of an accident or quick stop, and also protect passengers in the car who could be injured by an unrestrained dog.

A Pet-Friendly Trip

Before you head out the door with your dog for a long car ride, consider the temperature outside. A 100-degree day is probably not the best time to subject him to the hot car. Whether it's hot or not, you'll need to plan frequent stops for your dog to get fresh air, go potty and get a drink of water.

Do not leave the dog unattended in the car for long periods of time. Instead, consider packing a picnic lunch or grabbing fast food through the drive-thru so your dog doesn't have to spend needless time alone in the vehicle.

These days there are many hotels and campgrounds that allow you to bring your dog. Take advantage of these places as long as your dog is fairly well-behaved and potty trained. It's not a good idea to leave your dog alone in the room. Also, be sure you bring a small crate or cage for the dog to sleep in at the hotel. It is entirely possible to enjoy a trip with your pet and be respectful of the other guests.

Take Your Dog's Feelings Into Consideration

Take note of how dog reacts when you mention the car or take him out for shorter rides. Is he sick and afraid? You may need to work up to the longer car rides gradually. If your dog vomits in the car, it's not going to be a pleasant trip for anyone. Ease him into the idea of car rides and take him to fun places as well as the vet and groomer, so he'll be used to the car before embarking on a day trip.

If your dog gets overly excited in the car, make sure he is safely restrained and give him ample time to play outside at stops along the way.