Dog on a trip
Traveling with pets is nothing new, and more and more often we decide to travel by car, plane, and other means of transport. Some dogs can't wait for the car door to open so they can sit in their place, while others don't like any travel. So how do you act to calm your dog or teach them to ride in a car?
Preparing your car for a trip with your dog
To introduce your pet to means of transport, especially a car, I recommend taking your dog on short rides so they can get used to it. There's no point in immediately embarking on a long journey if you haven't traveled like this before, as it could result in injury, and it's a shame to discourage our pet. We can prepare a "pet's spot in the car" – place a favorite blanket on the seat, a toy next to it, and remember to get your dog used to seat belts or a carrier from the very beginning! Traveling with a dog is definitely a good idea, but remember about the safety of all passengers.
What to pack for a trip with your dog?
We take a leash and collar with us – these are absolute essentials that must be taken. An address tag on the collar is very practical in case the dog gets lost. You just need to put your phone number and owner's details on it, and the finder will be able to contact us immediately. A travel bottle for dogs is a great invention that works every time, as does a travel bowl for dry food. It's also worth packing a blanket or a favorite toy – the dog feels much better when surrounded by its own, familiar things. I also advise putting the pet's current health book in your bag so that in case of any problems, the vet can look at the medical history, and also so that it contains a note about the current rabies vaccination.
Travel bottles are a great choice. They are portable and easy to use.
Read also: Welcome home little dog
What to remember when transporting dogs?
Transporting a dog in a car is a fun adventure, but there are a few golden rules to remember. Breaks are important for the dog, and you need to stop for a moment to give fresh water and even a minute to walk around. After two or three hours, it would be appropriate to make such a small stop during the journey. Most importantly – DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR, ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER! I have met such people during my travels, especially when owners go on holiday with a dog. The car heats up quickly in the sun, and we can cause heat stroke in the dog.
How to protect your dog from overheating in the car?
When the outdoor temperature is quite high, we should not leave the dog in the car. During heatwaves or on days when we have nowhere to leave our pet and have to take them with us, choose places that accept the presence of dogs. Many restaurants, shops, and even shopping malls do not refuse in such situations. They often ask to put a muzzle on or keep the dog on a short leash, which is completely understandable. It is best on such days, if possible, to stay at home. When it is not possible, look for a solution so that the dog can spend such a day with you.
How to minimize the effects of motion sickness in dogs?
It often happens that when we get a dog used to car travel, we notice previously absent drooling, yawning, panting, and vomiting. This is nothing but motion sickness in dogs. Interestingly, it affects young dogs and puppies more often, while adults usually don't have such problems. First and foremost, it is worth visiting a vet who will advise on how to deal with such a dog and prescribe appropriate medication for dogs for travel. We also have an influence on relieving our pet a bit. Do not give food two or three hours before the journey. Also, drive carefully, maintain a constant temperature in the car that is as comfortable as possible for all of you. Stops are crucial – do not skip them because you want to reach your destination faster. A dog on a trip needs a break, just like us. Also, do not give medication on your own! What is good for us can harm a dog. Do not underestimate this.
How to choose car seat belts?
Car seat belts for dogs are something we must have in the car, not only for the dog's sake, but also for ours. In the event of an accident, a pet can cause us additional harm, and even cause the death of travelers. Traveling with a dog is pure pleasure, but you must remember the basics. Seat belts minimize this risk. Shops offer various sizes that can be perfectly fitted to our pet. Most often, belts are chosen by weight, but also by chest circumference. Better shops also list breeds that are qualified for a given size. You can attach a leash to your harness, but you can also buy safety belts in the form of harnesses, which are adapted for travel in the smallest details: from the material, to various attachments. Shops offering such products often answer any questions that come to mind before purchasing. Read also: Dog footwear for different seasons
Stops and their frequency when transporting a dog
Stops are something you won't avoid. The frequency of such breaks is two or three hours, but it's an individual matter. Some pets need more frequent breaks, and there's nothing wrong with that. One dog handles the journey perfectly, calmly, another does not. A puppy on a trip, and not only, often gets bored, so it's worth stopping more often so as not to discourage them for the next time. Observe your dog closely, and you will surely notice when you need to stop.
Dog safety while driving
You can ensure this with seat belts or with travel carriers for dogs for the car. Seat belts with harnesses are a very effective way to secure a dog, but if traveling with a dog is our daily bread, it's worth investing in a transport cage or a traditional carrier. Cages are metal and plastic. The former is intended for larger dog breeds, while the latter is for smaller dogs. In cages or carriers, we eliminate the problem of the dog wriggling, and it's easier to manage them when we want to leave the vehicle. I have heard of accidents where a dog jumped out of a car directly under the wheels of another vehicle. The size of the cage must be adapted to the dog – they should be able to stand up and lie down freely.
A foldable carrier is a great solution. When not needed, it can be folded to take up as little space as possible.
A transport box or cages must be properly secured in the car. The color of such carriers is the least important, it is important to ensure the safety of all travelers. I am happy to see that dogs are taken on all trips with their owners, but let's maintain common sense and moderation. Let's remember the basics to reach our destination safely.
