As camp-sites, holiday homes, and places where we can enjoy a day out – like national parks – begin to re-open, many of us will be planning days out and holidays in the UK. PDSA vet Anna Ewers Clark offers her top tips on keeping your dog safe and happy when taking long car journeys.
Keep your pet restrained and secure in the car. Not only will this keep them safe but it’s also required by the Highway Code. We recommend using car safety harnesses for medium-sized and large dogs, and pet carriers for small dogs and cats.
Consider travel time. Lengthy journeys can be stressful for many pets, so plan in plenty of rest breaks along the way.
Check the temperature in the back of the car. Although most cars have great air conditioning for the front seats, the back seat or boot can heat up very quickly and can become dangerously warm for your pet, especially if they are in a carrier.
Make sure you put your dog on the lead before you open the car doors and get them in and out of the car on the pavement side, away from the road. To prevent eye injuries and accidents, don’t let your dog put its head out of the window.
Carry plenty of drinking water and a bowl, even on short journeys and stop frequently so they can go to the toilet and stretch their legs in the fresh air.
If your pet suffers from travel sickness, try not to feed them just before you leave. Offer them a small meal several hours before the journey, then they can eat properly once you arrive.
Try to avoid the heat. Consider travelling in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day and try to avoid traffic – it can get very hot in your car if you’re stuck in a traffic jam in the sunshine.
Do some ‘travel training’ – especially as they may not have travelled as much during lockdown – to get your dog accustomed to the inside of your car. Let your dog explore the car’s interior in a safe environment without turning on the engine. Reward your dog with praise or a small treat so that the car is associated with positive experiences. Get your dog used to wearing the car harness and having the car engine on, and when your dog feels comfortable, take them on a short journey then gradually lengthen these journeys.
Anna adds: “In addition to preparing your dog for car journeys, if you’re planning a staycation with your pet, it’s important to prepare for this as much as possible. Think about what your pet might need while you’re away, including food, medications, their favourite toy and their bed.
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