Planning a road trip or just a trip out to the park with your canine companion? It doesn’t matter the length of the drive, safely restraining your pet in your car helps to keep them, as well as you and anyone else in the car safe in the event of sudden stops or an accident. Here are a few helpful tips to help make your next trip safer.
The main way to keep your pet safe in the car is with training. Having a pet that is excited or scared running around in the car can be a very dangerous combination. If your dog is scared of being in the car, slowly introduce them to the car with treats and just sitting in the car, and gradually increase the duration in the car, eventually building up to being able to take a short drive without being scared. Over time, they may learn to love trips around town.
While training is important, restraining your pet is also necessary to ensure they are safe and secure. There are many different dog seat belts and harnesses for dogs that can click directly into your car’s seat belt buckles. These products are great at securing your pet but also allowing them a little room to move around.
Keep your dog’s harness, leash, and collar at hand to make sure they can not escape and run away when you arrive at your destination. If you will be going on a road trip, remember to bring enough food, water, and their bowls for the length of time you will be away. While traveling, limit the amount of food and water to avoid motion sickness. In addition, if your pet takes any medications, has a favorite blanket, dog bed, requires daily grooming items, treats, toys, or a crate, these can help ease any anxiety or stress while away and bring a little home with them while away.
Lastly, make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations. Some hotels, campsites, and other facilities may require proof of vaccinations before allowing them to stay. Give us a call today at 410-465-6218 to schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam and vaccinations in Ellicott City, MD.
With a little training and preparation, a road trip with your best friend can be a wonderful experience. As a reminder, it is never safe to leave a pet alone in a vehicle because the internal temperature can rise quickly, reaching life-threatening levels quickly.