Being a pet parent isn’t easy! You have to take care of many responsibilities. When it comes to dogs, they need constant attention and surveillance, especially during travelling. While travelling, many dogs are prone to motion sickness or may lack proper exposure. If left alone in the car, it may be fatal too, making your journey turn into a nightmare!
Some dogs don’t like the smell of the car and usually avoid getting in them or can even be afraid of them! So, if you’re a dog owner, this blog is a must-read to know how to travel with your dog safely and how you can seek professional help!
Tips for A Safe Journey
Gradual Training
- Dog owners should start gradual and early training of the puppy or new pet.
- Start by making them sit in the car with the engine off so they can get accustomed to it.
- Scale up the level and take them on short trips or nearby parks. This will help them understand the car’s working, movements, and breaks and adjust accordingly. It will also help you to analyse the nature of your pet. Note down behaviours like motion sickness, fear, excessive salivation or other signs to address them effectively before going on a longer journey.
Prepare your Dog Before Travel
- Select the suitable safety measure to restrain your dog while travelling like:
- Crate: It is a suitable option if you have the same crate used in training, as it’s more suitable and comfortable for the dog.
- Travel Harness: Some state laws require dogs to be harnessed. It is also essential to keep them from running away.
- Carrier: It is a more portable and lighter alternative to crate and is excellent for a long journey.
- Boot Gate: Adding a boot gate provides a secure environment to keep your pet in the boot. It’s a very safe method; however, you must still harness the dog.
- If you don’t want to confine them, consider options like seat belts and specialised pet seats.
- Ensure your dog has not eaten anything on the journey’s onset, as it may cause motion sickness.
- Make the dog run or involve it in hectic exercise to drain its energy
- If your dog is hyperactive, consider giving him sedatives prescribed by a licenced vet. Follow the prescriptions for dosage strictly.
Dog Travel Kit
- Prepare a dog travel kit consisting of its favourite treat, collar, leash, plastic bags for nature’s call, blanket, and other things to make it feel comfortable.
- Carry its chewy toys to make him busy and distracted.
Window Opening
- Don’t open the windows completely, as there is a chance of it jumping out
- Opened windows may hurt your dog’s eyes or ears due to debris or small obstacles that may cause a disturbance.
Prefer Back Seats
- Back seats are spacious and you can create a comfortable place for your dog using its blanket and stuff.
- Front seats have airbags that can cause severe injury or even death of dogs in the case of an accident.
- Dogs have an instinct to hover over their owners. If they are sitting in the front seat, they may jump or disturb the control, causing accidents.
- Seating your dog in the back seat helps to minimise distraction for the driver.
On and Off Breaks
- Take breaks, especially on longer journeys, preferably after every two hours.
- A break will help your dog to stretch and burn out its excessive energy which is good for you.
- In the break, treat your dog with water, food, and let it roam around.
- It also helps the dog to brush off tiredness, boredom and anxiety from travelling.
- Also, look for any signs of motion sickness or other issues in your dog.
Temperature Regulation
- Don’t leave your pet without surveillance; keep checking on him.
- Regulate the temperature of the car.
- Poor ventilation can heat the car, especially in warm seasons. Such heated temperatures may cause heat stroke and sometimes fatal conditions for dogs.
- Too much cold weather isn’t bearable, especially for short-haired, old and smaller dogs.
Consult a Pet Vet
- Get an initial consultation to see if your dog is physically fit for travel.
- Get appropriate medications for your dog in the case of nausea, hyperactivity and motion sickness.
- If you’re going on a trip, consider vaccinating your dog for safety.
What Does the Law Say About Travelling with Your Pet?
According to the Highway codes about travelling with your pet, it’s the responsibility of the driver to take proper safety precautions to ensure the pets may not harm themselves or the driver if you pull the brakes suddenly or cause any diversion while driving. If due to the carelessness of the driver or the diversion caused by the pet results in any road accident, then this will be subjected to a fine and punishment by the law under the code of “dangerous driving.”
Need Professional Help or Guidance?
Travelling should be fun for you and your pet! At Super Pet Travel, we understand how important your pets are to you; that’s why we offer bespoke premium services to ensure your pets are treated nicely during travel and in the case of any medical emergencies. We are available 24/7 for all your travel needs around the UK and from the UK to Europe. We are DEFRA (Type 2) Approved, fully licensed, and ensured so that you can trust us! Fill out the form and get a free quote today!
