There is nothing better than going to relax in nature as a whole family or to visit relatives who miss you so much. Your four-legged friend will be happy to share these moments with you. However, the question arises: how to transport a dog in a car? After all, this is a responsibility that requires compliance with certain safety rules. Today we will figure out how to organize a comfortable and safe trip with your pet.
The pet’s first trip in a car
Preparation must precede the pet’s first car trip. The success of further journeys will depend on how you take care of this issue. Never combine a dog grooming visit with your first car ride. This experience should be associated with good memories and joyful anticipation of future trips. It is better to start with adaptive small distances, increasing the length of your route over time. So you can prepare your four-legged friend for long trips in Ukraine or abroad. Be sure to familiarize your pet with the car in a playful way, let him examine and smell everything.
How to carry a dog in a car?
You should also prepare technically for the trip. Buy special means for fixing your pet. They can be a car belt for a dog, which is attached to a regular seat belt, a cage or a carrier, which will limit free movement around the cabin, minimizing injuries in unforeseen situations. At the same time, they should be spacious enough for the dog to stand, sit and lie down. For cabin hygiene, it will also be useful to purchase a hammock or a special cover made of waterproof fabric.
Although there are no legal rules for transporting dogs in a car as such, and accordingly there are no specific prohibitions and restrictions regarding the location of an animal in the car interior, it will be better if you equip a place for your pet in the back seat or in the trunk, if the dimensions of the car allow it. This is due to the fact that the driver must be focused only on the road, and the dog must not interfere and cause emergency situations on the road. The plus of the rear seats in the car is also that there is more space where the four-legged friend can lie down or sit, which is very important on long trips to reduce stress levels.
Also, you should always have a first aid kit for a dog at hand, as well as documents for it. If you are traveling outside of your city or country, check in advance about the requirements for importing animals and the availability of veterinary clinics along the route.
Climatic conditions of dog transportation
During the entire trip, it is necessary to monitor the temperature in the cabin to avoid overheating of the dog. In no case do not leave him waiting for you in a closed car, even for a short time. Also note that constant access to fresh air is necessary to ensure ventilation of the cabin. To do this, it is enough to open the window slightly so that the pet cannot stick its head out, because this can be extremely dangerous (branches, stones, small debris can damage the muzzle, and strong wind can provoke inflammatory processes in the ears).
Preparation for the trip
Any dog can feel anxious before a trip, so be sure to check with your vet about sedatives and remedies to help prevent shaking. The easiest method of calming down will be a good walk before the road, which will allow the pet to be less energetic and excited, and feeding 2-3 hours before the trip. Food should be habitual, so take dry and wet food with you, which you give on a regular basis. You can add some goodies.
Actions during the trip
Already on the way, make regular stops so that the dog can stretch out a little, go to the toilet and drink water. Due to a stressful situation for him, the lover wants to drink more and go to the toilet, so focus primarily on his needs. Be sure to have a folding bowl or water bottle with you. This will help to avoid overheating and dehydration, especially on hot days.
How to put a dog in a car?
- Before you put your dog in the car, make sure that he is calm and a little tired after a walk.Open the door of the car where the dog will sit. Make sure you have a hammock or special cover made of waterproof fabric to protect the cabin from dirt and fur.
- Help the dog get into the car. This can be done by picking him up and putting him in the car, or using a special ramp and commands so he can get in on his own.
- Secure your dog with a dog harness or place it in a crate or carrier.
- Check whether the dog is comfortably seated, whether there are no objects around that could injure him during the trip. If the dog is nervous, give him a favorite toy or a blanket for extra comfort.
- Once the dog is comfortable and secured, carefully close the car door. Make sure that the dog’s tail or paws do not get caught between the doors.
By following these steps, you will safely and comfortably put your pet in the car.
Conclusion
Now you know how to travel with your dog in the car, and you understand that transporting him can be a pleasant and safe experience if you follow simple rules. Realizing that all passengers feel comfortable and that you have done everything to minimize the risks of road accidents, you will be able to easily overcome long distances to meet your dreams.
