10 tips for travelling with your dog by car

Many families can't imagine a holiday without their dog along for the ride. A 2018 study found that almost 95% of pet owners had planned at least one trip with their pet. Many dogs love travelling, but a trip can turn out to be stressful, for both you and your pet, if you're not prepared. Of course, if you plan your trip carefully in advance, you can make sure it's completely safe and comfortable for you and your furry friend!

If you're planning a car trip with your dog, you'll need to take a few steps to prepare for your dog's needs on the road. A car journey with a dog, especially a longer one, takes a bit of thought. In today's article, we've put together 10 tips for travelling with your dog by car!

1. Keep your pet secured while driving

It's not safe for you or your dog for them to be bouncing around the car while you drive. Your priority is to focus on driving, and your dog can distract you if they get excited or scared. Airbags are great for you, but they can kill your pet if you have an accident with them on the front seat. For this reason, pets should travel in the back seat.

The safest way for your pet to travel is in a carrier secured to the seat with a seatbelt. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these haven't been proven to protect animals in a car crash.

2. Prepare your dog for the road

Take a few short trips with your dog to get them used to riding in the car before you set off on a long journey. Gradually increase the length of these short trips until you build up to a long-distance journey.

3. Think carefully about food

Feed your pet a light meal three to four hours before you set off. While you're on the road, always stop to feed your dog. Don't feed them in a moving vehicle.

4. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car

This is a safety issue at temperatures above 22°C or below 5°C. Naturally, there's always also a risk that someone will try to break your window in an attempt to free your dog if they think they're trapped inside at an unsuitable temperature.

5. Pack the essentials for your dog's trip

Don't forget to bring your pet's health records, including proof of recent vaccinations. Bring food, water, any necessary medication and bowls. Don't forget the supplies you'll need, such as waste bags.

To keep your pet happy and occupied during the trip, pack a few toys, including a couple of new ones for novelty and a few old favourites. And, of course, don't forget the pet first-aid kit.

If you have an upcoming trip with your dog for the first time and aren't sure what you might need, we recommend booking a consultation with a vet before you travel. You can book an online consultation with a vet through HAPPY PET NET via this link.

6. Identify your pet

Although your pet should be microchipped, make sure they also wear a collar with an ID tag showing your home address and mobile phone number. For longer trips and holidays, get a temporary tag with the address of your destination, in case your pet gets lost while you're travelling. All collars should be flat, and never use a choke collar.

7. Don't let your dog stick their head out of the window while driving

There's no denying this makes plenty of dogs happy and is sweet to watch from the side. However, your pet risks being hit by passing cars, flying objects, or even falling out of the window in the event of a collision or if you have to brake sharply or turn unexpectedly. If you follow tip #1, this won't be an issue, but it's definitely worth mentioning again.

8. Carry your dog's important documents with you

If you're travelling across state or international borders, a health certificate may be required in addition to proof of rabies vaccination. As for the specific requirements, you'll need to look into the individual entry requirements for each country.

9. Make sure your dog stays hydrated

Bring along water your dog is used to drinking. Drinking water from an unfamiliar source can cause an upset stomach.

10. Prepare your car for your dog.

There are plenty of car seats and floor covers that protect your car and add comfort for your dog. If you find yourself travelling by car with your dog often, you'll most likely want to invest in some of these extras.

Got a trip with your dog coming up and wondering how best to prepare?

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