Hitting the road with your canine buddy is not as simple as you may think. Meticulous planning and safety equipment are vital to show that you care about your pet.
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According to The Pet’s Tech, 1.2 million dogs are killed on the roads each year. Considering that a great amount of American drivers tend to drive along with their pets, there’s still a lot to do for the safety of our dogs.
For that reason, here you’ll learn some dog safety tips before hitting the road with your best buddy.
Prior to your trip
Start taking preventing actions by taking note of everything you need to keep your dog healthy and happy while on the road.
If you need some ideas, check the following list:
- Lead, collar, and dog ID tag: In case your dog runs far from your vehicle during a trip, they could make it easy for you to find your pet.
- Food supplies: Your dog needs to eat and stay hydrated while on the road. Bring his favorite food items and some water to keep him active.
- Blankets and baggies: It could be that your dog needs a blanket as the trip could make a dog sleepy. The weather changes so if it’s cold, use it to keep your dog warm. The baggies are also good for unexpected urgencies.
- Washcloths: Just in case you take your dog for a walk. Use it to wipe muddy paws so your car stays clean.
Restrain your dog
As cute as it is to see dogs hanging their heads out the car window, it could also be dangerous and many car crashes involve dogs that weren’t restrained.
Sometimes an unrestrained dog could be a cause of an accident, so watch out for your own safety. Keep your dog inside the car at all times while driving along the road.
Dog crates are a great choice to keep your dog safe considering that the size of your dog isn’t a problem. Bear in mind that the crate should give enough room for the dog to feel comfortable and safe.
More importantly, keep your dog fastened otherwise the crate won’t be much of a help.
SEE ALSO: Drivers: How To Handle Road Trips Like A Pro
Take some breaks
The fact that you may be ready to hit the road for long hours, does not mean your dog can take it. Like a kid, dogs could get really anxious about staying inside a vehicle with limited chances of moving.
Make frequent stops to rest from long driving hours, and take your dog for a walk while exploring the local sceneries. Your dog could release energy and be entertained on every stop.
Never leave your dog inside a vehicle when you make a stop. Many times the temperature increases to unbearable levels, which could terribly affect your dog.
Contact your vet
Whether you are hesitant about taking your dog on a road trip, you could contact your vet to see how to handle a situation like this.
Sometimes they offer dog medications that instantly help with motion sickness and anxiety.
Be ready for the fun
Actions speak louder than words, and you should give proof of that. If your dog is your best buddy, show that you care, bring the right equipment, and make some planning prior to your trip.
There’s no reason why you should leave your best buddy unfastened and unattended when you hit the road. Always be safe and enjoy the road trip.
