Nothing says Americana like a road trip. About three-quarters of adults consider their pets their fur babies, so it’s no surprise you may want to bring your pup along for the ride.
As you plan your road trip, you’ll want to put dog car safety on your itinerary. Here are just a few reasons why:
👉 Keep in mind out-of-pocket costs for emergency vet care can get pricey. Pet insurance can help you pay for all or part of your pup’s care.
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Humans buckle up before hitting the road — and the same should go for pets. A restrained pup reduces distractions and the risk of injury or death if a car crash happens.
Make your trip safer for your pet by investing in the right products — like the ones we’ve linked below:
When used in the house, crates are like dens to dogs, but they can be life-saving in the car. Position a dog crate in the back seat of your vehicle, and secure it with a seatbelt. You can cover the front of the crate loosely with a light blanket to reduce the risk of motion sickness and ease your pup’s anxiety. You’ll want a sturdy rate that’s the right size for your pet.
Dog car safety harnesses and seat belts are good to have, regardless of other safety measures you’re taking. A dog seatbelt works like a human one, but it clips to the pup’s collar for maximum security and safety. A safety harness, on the other hand, works with your car’s seat belt system. It goes around the chest and body of the dog and restricts movement even more.
Carry boxes are great for small breeds. More than 30,000 people have given Henkelion’s dog carrier a 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
Hammocks typically have belts and tabs that pet owners can secure to the vehicle’s backseat. A car safety dog harness or seat belt is still necessary when using these hammocks to keep dogs secure so that they cannot move around throughout the car or run away after a car accident.
Vacations can get expensive, and you understandably want to save as much money for fun adventures with your pet. But it’s important not to sacrifice quality for a lower price when it comes to safety. Here’s how to navigate shopping for car safety products for dogs.
You may be a seasoned traveler. But if it’s your pet’s first long car ride, you’ll want to ease into it and add a few extra items to your itinerary. A little planning can go a long way in making sure everyone has a blast and stays safe en route to your final destination.
Dogs who aren’t used to car rides may not do well on longer trips. As a result, you might see signs of nervousness (like excessive panting, licking, or flatulence).
If your dog is rarely in the car, it’s best to introduce them to vehicle travel slowly. Start by just going down the driveway in your car. Then, increase the length of the trip slowly and incrementally. Having a fun destination like a park or hiking trail can teach your pup that car rides lead to fun times.
Keep the AC on to prevent heat exhaustion, and avoid leaving your dog in the car.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that after 20 minutes on an 80-degree day, the inside of an average vehicle can reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit — a potentially deadly temperature for your pet.
🚨It is never safe to leave your pet alone in the car for any period of time.
Treats can help pets make positive connections between a desired command or action. However, avoid doing this during car trips. Food can cause an upset stomach. If you have to have a mealtime on the go, collapsible bowls can make traveling easier—introduce them to your pet a week or two in advance so they can get used to eating from them.
Your dog might love to look out the window with their tongue out. However, letting your dog do this isn’t safe for the dog, driver, or other cars. A secure dog is less likely to get injured in an accident, and they are less likely to cause a distracted driving incident. Don’t feel like you’re “limiting” your dog by keeping them inside when the car is in motion. Your furry friend will get plenty of chances to explore sights and sounds when you get to your destination.
Like people, dogs can get bored and cranky on a long car ride. They also may need to potty. Be sure to work bathroom breaks into your schedule. Even if they don’t need to relieve themselves, it’s a great chance for them to stretch their legs.
If your dog has car anxiety, talk with your local veterinarian before your next trip. Your vet can recommend calming products or may need to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help make car rides more enjoyable for your dog. The vet can also provide tips on first aid and other medical must-knows before you start your journey.
No matter how well you plan, your trip may take a detour. When traveling with pets, it’s essential to expect — and prepare for — the unexpected.
Pet insurance can help you to feel as confident as possible in the face of an emergency. Investing now can reduce financial stress and help you have the peace of mind of knowing that you can help your furry friend if the worst were to happen.
Additionally, learning basic dog first aid can help you spot and treat common issues, like bleeding from a wound. Dogs can get motion sickness, just like their humans. Signs include excessive drooling and vomiting.
It’s not just in-car risks you have to manage as you travel, either. If you take your pup to a pet-friendly restaurant and they eat something they shouldn’t on your trip, they may have GI troubles, food poisoning, or diarrhea. You also should be careful of wild animals when hiking around or at a rest stop — some, like snakes, can deliver fatal bites to a pup.
Regardless of how you travel your dog’s size or what products you’re packing, you’ll want to remember to bring:
A dog safety harness or seat belt that has undergone rigorous and objective crash tests is the best option for keeping your four-legged family member safe. Be sure it works with your car’s seat belt system. A crate secured with a seatbelt and covered by a blanket is another safe alternative.
It’s tempting to put your dog next to you in the front seat. However, the best way to keep your dog safe is to put them in the back seat and secure them with a crate or harness.
It’s essential to restrain your pup. Avoid letting them stick their heads out the window — even if it’s cute. Check local state laws. Some do not allow unrestrained dogs to move about the vehicle. Additionally, it’s not generally safe (and some locations restrict) the practice of keeping your dog in a truck bed — whether or not they are restrained. Secure a pet with a harness, dog seat belt, or crate. When using a crate, buckle the seatbelt around it and put a loose, lightweight blanket over it. Pet owners should put the crate in the backseat behind the driver or passenger.
Crash-tested car seats, harnesses, and seatbelts for dogs and crates are great options to keep your pets safe in the car. Hammocks offer another option, but they should always be used with a harness. A CPS-certified product or one that has undergone a rigorous crash test is the best option.
No, we wouldn’t recommend using a human seatbelt on your dog. Human seat belts aren’t designed with a dog’s safety needs in mind. A dog seatbelt is designed for your dog’s body size and overall shape. It attaches to their collar and can protect your pup if you crash or stop suddenly.
