6 Tips for Traveling by Car with Your Dog
Plan on making multiple stops. Your dog will likely need to go potty every couple of hours, so you should plan to make multiple stops along the way during long road trips. When pulling off the road to let your dog out, it is suggested that you be very mindful of your surroundings. Ideally, find a place for your dog to go potty that is not directly next to the road and oncoming traffic, as it can be quite dangerous for dogs to be close to moving vehicles.
Secure your dog for the ride. While it may be tempting to let your dog roam free around the car, this is far from the safest option. When on the road with your dog, allowing them to roam in the car leaves them very vulnerable if you are in an accident. The easiest way to ensure your dog is kept safe during car travel is by housing them inside of a secure travel-friendly dog crate. A heavy-duty dog crate provides superior protection for your pup while on the road, effectively working to safeguard your dog from harm in the case of a car accident.
Never leave your dog unattended in the car. Even if you think you may only be gone for a couple of minutes, you should never leave your dog unattended inside the car. Interior car temperatures can change very quickly and become worrisome during extreme hot or cold weather. Furthermore, many dogs might begin to panic when they see their owner leaving them alone in the car, and dogs are much more likely to injure themselves when scared.
Bring your dog leash. Even when your dog is in your car with you, bringing their leash is very important. When your dog is outside of the car, it is essential that they are leashed. For instance, when taking your dog out to go potty, sometimes the only place to pull over is near the road. Unleashed dogs can easily wander off or run around, something that is a large safety concern when you are near a road with moving traffic.
Monitor the airflow in your vehicle. It is crucial that your car is well ventilated at all times so your dog is comfortable in a cool environment. Especially during warmer seasons, make sure to keep track of your car’s internal temperature, as too high of temperatures is not safe for dogs. Before embarking on a road trip or a quick car ride with your dog, it is a good idea to check that your car’s air conditioning is working properly.