Summer isn’t too far away, as we head towards June and hopefully some warmer weather, which means many of us will be heading out in our cars for day trips or staycations. We’ve even been told there’s a mini heatwave on the way but so far the sun has stayed hidden behind the clouds.
For those of us with furry friends at home, this is also a day out for ‘Fido’ too, as our beloved pooches love nothing more than joining us on our adventures. However, it’s important that all dog owners are made aware of how important it is that our cuddly companions are kept comfortable, safe and secure as they travel with us in the car.
Whether you’re venturing out for the day or have plans for a longer stay, it’s a good idea to check the dog-friendly status in the area you’re heading to. Some popular holiday destinations, such as beaches, could have restrictions on dog visiting during the summer months when it gets busier.
Another top tip for ensuring your furry friend has everything they need, is to pack a bag or suitcase for them too. Of course, don’t forget their lead and harness but it might also be an idea to take a spare lead just in case, poo bags are a must to avoid fines, a food and water bowl and some bottles of water, dog towel and of course the dog food!
When travelling with dogs in your car, make sure you stop regularly and have water for them to drink.
Stops on the way are important, not just for yourselves but for your dog too, so they can stretch their legs and do their business. Let them have a drink of water at the side of your car but make sure the water is cold, so it might be an idea to keep bottles of water in the boot where it can’t get too hot or you could use a Thermos with ice cubes in.
If you stop at a service station or decide you fancy a pit stop at a pub or cafĆ©, check first that your dog is welcome – DO NOT leave your pet pooch in the car, not even for a minute, even if you’ve parked in the shade, with the windows open and they have water. Dogs left alone in a car when the weather is hot can very quickly become dehydrated, develop heatstroke or even die.
When travelling with your dog in the car, it’s vital that you make them comfy and that they have a secure, shady place to sit or lie down. The Highway Code states that all dog owners must make sure their dogs are suitably restrained in a vehicle.
There’s a variety of products on the market that can be used to help secure your dog whilst travelling in a vehicle, such as a dog crate, a harness which can be clipped into a rear seat seatbelt or a pet carrier. If your furry friend likes to travel in the boot, you can fit a guard between the boot and back seat area to stop them from jumping over. You could place a blanket in the back to make them feel more comfortable and to keep your car clean.
It can be that the back seat of your car and the boot area gets warmer than it does at the front, so check your dog regularly throughout the journey to make sure they’re not getting too hot. Drive with the air conditioning on if it’s a hot day or open the windows if that’s what they prefer.
If you know the weather is going to be hot on the day you plan to travel, especially when it’s a planned vacation/staycation, maybe wait until the cooler time of the day before setting off. It might be an idea to carry a small, battery operated fan just in case you end up stuck in a queue for a long period of time.
Lastly, try not to feed your dog less than two hours before setting off, as this could cause travel sickness, especially in hot weather.
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