Dogs make great travel companions for short trips or long vacations, but keeping them safe while in the car can be challenging. A small jingle of the keys is enough to excite these grand adventurers, and if they could speak, we all know they’d call shotgun. So, it might seem kind of mean to curtail their fun by restraining them while traveling, but it could save their life.
Discover the best devices for keeping your dog safe in the car and some top tips for addressing motion sickness or anxiety issues.
First: Why Prioritize Safety During Car Rides?
In theory, it seems simple to guide your dog into the car and drive off on a grand adventure, but the reality is slightly different, especially for longer trips.
You’ll have to ensure that your dog stays calm and address any motion sickness, anxiety, or disruptive behavior as it arises. You’ll also need ample food and water for the trip, as well as enough stops for toileting.
A primary concern for pet owners is if they get into an accident, their car safety features are designed for humans, not animals, and this puts their canine at greater risk of severe damage to the head, neck, and back.
Still, there are several precautions that owners can take to keep their canines safe, as explored below.
1. Use Restraints to Prevent Movement While Driving
In the past, dogs were allowed to roam around the car while their owners drove. Even today, you’ll no doubt see dogs being driven around with their heads hanging out of the window and their ears flapping in the breeze.
If you’ve trained your dog to sit and stay, it’s easy to assume that you don’t need to strap them in while you’re driving. But people can sit and stay too – that’s not the issue. If your dog is loose in the car and you have an accident, it can pose some real dangers. For instance, they could break bones or suffer other injuries from colliding with the car’s interior upon impact.
Being restrained is the best way for your dog to travel in a car. Ideally, have them on the back seat, but placing them in the trunk can also work well in an SUV or station wagon. A dog seat belt or car restraint is a great way to keep your pup in place.
2. Create a Safe Place Using a Crate
If your dog doesn’t take to the idea of buckling up and being restrained by a doggy seatbelt, then you could try a crate instead. This promotes a relaxing space for your dog to snuggle and relax during a long car journey.
The familiarity of this cozy space can help to reduce any anxiety or restlessness in your dog as they feel secure in their safe space. One of the key elements in choosing the right crate is to pick the correct size. It needs to fit in your vehicle, but ideally, you want one that just about allows your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably.
Secure this crate to your car using the seat belt system or your own set of straps. Add blankets or one of your dog’s favorite toys to make this a comfortable and relaxing space for them.
3. Add A Barrier in the Vehicle
Car safety for dogs is as much about keeping you safe as it is for them, and if you’ve got a particularly high-energy pup, you might have to take measures to prevent them from distracting you while you’re driving.
An excellent way to do this is to add a barrier that prevents them from climbing over or under the seats and getting in your way. These barriers come in various designs, which you can install into the back of your hatchback, SUV, or van.
The most important thing when installing one of these devices is to ensure that it’s the right fit for your car and there are no gaps where your dog could squeeze through.
4. Protect Your Car’s Seats Using Covers
A car hammock or seat cover is an excellent way to protect your car against muddy footprints or little accidents that could stress your dog. Most often, these devices attach to the front and backseat headrests and are made of a waterproof material that protects your vehicle’s interior.
Remember that these devices are for seat protection; they don’t restrain your dog or keep them safe. If you opt for a car hammock, do so in conjunction with a seat belt or restraint to ensure your dog’s safety, too.
5. Take Periodic Breaks from Driving
Taking breaks is one of the most important things during a long road trip. These breaks allow you to get out and stretch your legs and provide time to give your dog sufficient food, water, and toileting breaks.
You can provide snacks and chew toys during the ride to nourish your dog and keep them entertained. However, this may not work so well for dogs with motion sickness.
Young pups are particularly vulnerable to this as the vestibular system, which helps maintain their equilibrium, is not yet fully formed. However, anxiety can also play a massive role in contributing to your dog’s car sickness.
For this reason, making them as comfortable as possible is vital. Regularly check the temperature of your car, provide a relaxing space for them to relax, have some treats and toys on hand to stimulate them, and take regular breaks so they can drink, expend some energy, and go to the toilet.
