The best way to travel with your dog by car
Restraint methods and safety tips
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT TRAVELLING BY CAR WITH DOGS?
Approximate reading time: 9 minutes
The car is a popular mode of transport for short and medium distance journeys, although some people even choose it for longer journeys. When it comes to travelling with a dog, the car is a very practical and quick choice to manage, which is why many owners prefer it to the plane or train. However, there are certain safety rules that you must comply with if you wish to travel with your furry friend, otherwise you could put his safety and that of the other passengers in the vehicle at risk. So before you take to the road with your dog, make sure you check the regulations in your area. In general, the law states that driving a car with your dog is allowed as long as it does not hinder driving or impede the driver's visibility. Your pet must not have access to the front of the vehicle and must be properly restrained, for which there are different safety systems.
Table of contents
- How should my dog travel in a car?
- What do I do if my dog gets car sick?
How should my dog travel in a car?
The best way to travel with your pet in the car will vary according to the size, weight and character. Some dogs tolerate car journeys very well, while others get dizzy, nervous and have a really hard time. Let's take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of the different types of anchorages and restraint systems for travelling with your dog in the car.
- Travelling in a carrier. If you are travelling by car with a small dog, a carrier is a good option. It can be made of plastic or steel, but it should be large enough for your pet to lie down, stand up and move around relatively freely. The carrier should never be placed in the back seats and fastened with the seatbelt, as it could be ripped off in a crash. It is best placed on the floor, wedged between the back of the front seat and at the foot of the rear seat. One advantage of the carrier is that if your dog is nervous, they will feel more secure and tucked in. If your pet gets very stressed, you can even drape a cloth over the top to block the view of the outside so he can relax more.
- Cage for large dogs. If your pet weighs more than 10 kg, it is best to travel in a cage anchored to the floor of the luggage compartment. This cage should be positioned rearward-facing for safety.
- Safety harness. Perhaps your dog is very calm and even enjoys car journeys by looking out of the window. In this case, you can try the dog safety harness, which attaches to the seat belt with a double anchorage system. Make sure it is a model that has been crash-tested. Also bear in mind that you should install a safety grid or net so that your dog cannot enter the driving area. We also advise you to place a towel under your pet to protect the bodywork in case they vomit or get dizzy. This option is ideal for large dogs.
Other tips for travelling by car with your dog
The safety of your dog and the passengers in the car is the first thing to think about. However, it is also very important to make the journey as pleasant as possible for your furry friend, otherwise they could become very stressed and even traumatised. Here are some tips to make travelling with your dog in the car as comfortable and peaceful as possible for them.
1. Get them used to it as a puppy
If you want to take your dog in the car without fear or anxiety, the best thing you can do is to socialise them from an early age. When they are puppies, they are much more flexible and everything they normalise at this stage will allow them to be calmer and more adaptable in the future. To do this, you can start by showing your puppy the car, letting threm sniff it from the outside. Then let them explore the inside so they can sniff the seats and get used to the textures. Next time, perhaps you can try starting the engine and study your pup's reaction. Gradually move from short trips to longer journeys, allowing your dog to slowly become accustomed to this mode of transport. Remember to use positive reinforcement and always make car journeys a positive experience for your dog.
2. Stop every now and then
If you're going on a long journey with your furry friend, make sure you make several stops so they can stretch their legs, drink fresh water, eat a snack (if they don't get car sick) and relieve themself. The frequency of stops will depend on each dog's temperament and how well or poorly they tolerate car travel, but try to rest at least every two hours.
3. Maintain an appropriate temperature
Dogs are not as good at regulating their body temperature as humans. It is therefore crucial that you maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle. Make sure the sun doesn't shine directly on your dog and that the heat is not intense. You can open the window a little to let the air circulate, as long as it is not uncomfortable (e.g. on the motorway), or turn on the air conditioning to a mild temperature
4. Don't let them stick their head out of the window
Your dog may be adventurous and like to stick their head out of the window when the car is moving. However, it is not a good idea to let them do this, as small particles, stones or insects could get into the eyes and ears, causing conjunctivitis or otitis. Also, at the speed at which cars travel along a road or motorway, any objects that could fly out of another car would do your best friend a lot of harm. It is best to leave the window closed or open very slightly so that the air can ventilate.
5. Food and Water
When travelling by car with your dog, it is important to carry a bottle of water with you so that you can give them a drink during stops to keep them hydrated and refreshed. As for food, if your dog tends to get carsick, it is best not to feed them for a while before the journey. If they do not have this problem, you can feed before, during and after the journey, although it is best to feed in small quantities.
6. Take their toys
If your pet isn't thrilled about car journeys, how about keeping the favourite toys within easy reach? Put them in the carrier or cage if travelling in one of these restraint systems, or if not, just place it near them. We recommend a kong-type toy, as puppies will have a lot of fun trying to get treats out of it. In any case, having the toys close by will give your dog a greater sense of security, and keep them more distracted and calm.
7. Before and after the trip
Travelling with your dog requires some preparation and a few things to consider when you arrive at your destination. Before you travel, make sure your furry friend does his business, so they can comfortably hold it until the first stop. It may also help to play with them for a while beforehand so they can burn off some energy and arrive at the journey much more relaxed. Once the journey is over, give your dog water and food (if they want it, as if they are a bit dizzy they may prefer to wait a bit). You should also take your dog for a walk as soon as possible so that they can stretch their legs and back after so much inactivity.
What do I do if my dog gets car sick?
As with some people, some dogs may feel very dizzy when travelling by car and may even vomit. If this is the case with your pet and you have no other option when travelling, such as leaving them in the care of a relative or trusted person, the vet can prescribe some medication for motion sickness.
On the other hand, remember that it is very important that your dog's first experiences in the car, whether as a puppy or as an adult, should be short journeys, ending, if possible, in a pleasant place such as a park or a forest for them to walk around. This way they will associate the car journey with something positive. If you only put your pet in the car once a year for holidays or when it is time to go to the vet, with long journeys and without progressive adaptation, they will find it difficult to tolerate the situation well. If you have tried to get your dog used to the car gradually and by working on positive reinforcement, and they are still very nervous and restless on journeys, we recommend that you seek the advice of an ethologist.
Finally, remember that you should never leave your dog alone in the car. In these situations, the temperature can rise very quickly and your pet could suffer heat stroke or even have its life endangered.
Now that you know which are the safest ways to travel with your pet in the car and you know our tips for a pleasant and comfortable journey, you can now use this means of transport to have a thousand adventures with your furry friend. Have a good trip!