Our pets are very often our best friends as well, so it is understandable that we want them to come with us wherever we go. Whether it is a holiday, a trip to the park or a visit to the dreaded vet, we love taking our pets out with us, as it can be both rewarding and necessary.
However, it is important to make sure that our pets are kept safe while we travel in order to keep them stress free and unharmed, as well as to prevent any distractions for the driver and to keep your car in good condition. So, what is the best way to travel safely with your pet?
In this article, Tracy Hill, Marketing Manager at Car Mats UK has put together some of the most essential tips from their experts, to make sure you and your pet can enjoy every car journey safely and calmly.
Pet restraints
The Highway Code states that pets must be restrained while they are in your car, and there are lots of good reasons why. Not only could they hurt themselves if you are in an accident or even brake sharply, but they could also hurt you as a heavy dog can be hurled at you or another passenger in an accident and cause serious harm.
Dogs can also be the cause of a lot of distraction, and if they are loose, they even run the risk of getting in the way of the steering wheel or brake pedal. If you cause an accident as a result of an unrestrained animal, you could find yourself subject to dangerous driving charges.
It is therefore important to make sure that your pet is restrained whenever they are in the vehicle, and this can be one with pet seat belts or harnesses. These come in a range of sizes, and once they have been fitted to your pet, they can be clipped into place inside your car. You can also use a crate to transport your dog, as these can be fitted to your boot. This will keep them completely in one place and helps to stop them trying to jump out whenever a door opens.
Keep them comfortable
We all look for a comfortable seat, and your dog is no different. If you travel with your dog in the boot of your car, then they can find themselves sat on a hard floor or prickly carpet. Adding a specially made boot liner can act as a comfortable bed for them to relax on. These tend to be padded and in a range of styles and colours, so you can choose something that suits your dog and your car.
Dog hammocks can also be added to the back seat of your car to keep them contained but comfortable. They can still see you and you can see them, but they have their own relaxing little nest to travel in.
If you dog is comfortable when you are driving, they are more likely to relax and enjoy the ride. This means that not only will they feel less stressed, but you will too. These boot liners and dog hammocks can also benefit your car, as they are a great way to protect it from sharp claws, muddy paws and little accidents, keeping it looking as good as new at all times.
Pet refreshments
You should take care not to overfeed your dog before setting out on any kind of journey as there is a risk of accidents. Try and give them a light meal a few hours before they leave so that it has plenty of time to settle in their stomach. You can have water in the car with you, and there are special bottles and bowls which have been designed with travel in mind. If you do need to feed your dog whilst you are travelling, make sure that you stop the car while they eat as this can bring on sickness.
Leaving your dog in the car
There may be times where you need to leave your dog in the car, but this needs to be done very considerately. It should only ever be for a brief period of time, such as filling the car with petrol and the window should be left slightly open as cars can become oven-like very quickly. The temperature outside the car can be 22 degrees Celsius, but inside the car it can rapidly reach 47 degrees Celsius. A dog can die if its internal temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius so it is important to ensure that this never happens. Passers-by who see your dog and suspect it is suffering from heatstroke can call 999 and the police can break into your car if they feel that it is necessary.
Take breaks
When we are travelling, we often want to get to our destination as quickly as possible, but this does not help your dog. Try to take regular breaks to give them a toilet stop and to allow them to stretch their legs. Being cooped up in a car for long periods of time can be extremely boring and they are likely to get restless if they are not allowed the chance to burn a little bit of energy.
Close the windows
We have all seen cars passing by with dogs hanging out of the windows, and whilst it might look hilarious, it can be very dangerous. Your dog runs a serious risk of being struck in the head by debris such as stones, which can cause some nasty injuries. It can also increase their desire to want to bolt when they see something worth chasing. If you were to have an accident while your dogs head is out of the window, they could be killed instantly.
Travelling with our pets is great fun, but only if it is done safely. With a bit of careful planning and the right equipment in place you can all enjoy the journey, ensuring you, your pet and your car get there in one place, ready for whatever adventure awaits you.
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
