Whether you’re crossing the country or crossing the street with your pup, you should always make sure that both you and your dog are safe and comfortable. You know you need to “click it or ticket” but what’s up with the pup? Here are a few tips to help you prepare for any trip with your best friend.
Sure your dog loves to stick his head out the window and feel the cool breeze, but along with cool breezes come dirt, debris and bugs. Try driving with your hand, palm facing the front of your car, and see exactly how many things hit your hand, and how many of those things actually hurt. Now imagine if those things hit your pup in the ear or the nose or the eye. Ouch. Although Buck might love the feel of the open road, unless you get him a pair of doggles (visit http://www.doggles.com/), just say no.Even though you might feel completely cool in your car, you’re also not covered in fur. An animal can get overheated much faster than a human, especially if the weather is sunny or the dog has a dark colored coat. Crack the window or keep the air directly on your pet to keep him cool. If you’re planning an extended trip, you may want to consider installing sun shades on windows or use a vehicle with tinted windows in the back.
Remember to keep your pet hydrated. When a dog is excited, and who’s dog isn’t excited to take a car ride, they pant. When a dog pants, he is losing liquid, so make sure to take a portable water bowl and a gallon or more water with you when going on long drives.
This is perhaps the biggest, worst, more horrible thing you can do to an animal… Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE, none at all, should you ever leave your pet locked inside a car alone. Cars heat up fast. Even in low sunlight and average outdoor temperature, the inside temperature of a car can easily, and quickly, reach dangerous levels. Air quality inside the locked car deteriorates rapidly as well. Your pet can get overheated and have difficulties breathing in just a matter of minutes. If you are going somewhere that your dog is not welcomed, either leave him at home or, if you’re on an extended trip, find a local kennel that would be able to board the dog for a short period of time.
If you’re going on an extended trip, make sure that your dog’s tags either have your cell phone number or another number where you can be reached, on them. In the horrible situation that you lose your pup, it won’t do any good for a finder to be calling your home phone number.
The best way to keep your pet safe when traveling is to keep your pet restrained. You need to wear a seat belt, and so should Fido. Say you’re in a bad accident; your pet, if not restrained, will be injured in the same way, or worse, as a human would be in the same accident. If your dog is crate trained, and your vehicle has enough room for the crate, that’s all you need. Now if you don’t like that idea, car restraints can be found at most pet stores.
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