Travelling with Dogs

Driving with pets can be an exciting experience for the whole family, but it requires you to take extra precautions to ensure safety for you and your fur babies. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you drive safely with your whole family and how to minimize distractions. Whether you're heading to the park for a short trip or embarking on a long road trip, there are essential steps to ensure you, and your furry companion arrive safely. Buckle up and let's get started!

 

Pet Travel Regulations
The UK Highway Code provides specific guidelines for traveling with pets to ensure the safety and comfort of both the driver and your furry travel companion. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to comply with the law and keep your pet safe.

1. According to the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained while traveling in a vehicle. This can be achieved by using pet carriers that are in a stable location, you can use a seatbelt for dogs, these will clip onto any harness or collar comfortably or you could install a pet guard to prevent movement within the vehicle.
2. Proper restraint prevents your fur baby from moving around or being thrown forward in case of a sudden stop or collision. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe journey for both you and your pet.

 

Teddy’s Top tips

 

1.Prepare Your Vehicle

• Secure Pet Restraints: Use a seatbelt for dogs, harness, carrier, or a pet barrier to keep your pet safely restrained and prevent them from moving around the car.
• Use a Car Seat Cover for Dogs: This will protect your seats from dirt, hair, scratches and any accidents that might happen during the journey, leaving you to enjoy the trip ahead, no matter how muddy or wet your fur baby gets.
• Keep Essentials Handy: Bring water and a portable water and food bowl, food, a lead, poo bags, and a first aid kit.

 

2.Before You Start Driving

• Visit the Vet: Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and is fit for travel.
• Exercise Your Pet: A tired dog is usually a calmer dog. Take them for a walk or play with them before the journey.
• Feed Lightly: Avoid feeding a large meal right before the trip to prevent motion sickness.
  

 

3.During the Drive

• Stay Calm: Pets can sense your emotions. Stay calm and speak in a soothing voice.
• Take Regular Breaks: Stop every 2-3 hours to let them stretch, relieve themselves, and have some water.
• Keep the Temperature Comfortable: Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, especially in hot or cold weather. The temperature inside a car can rise or drop quickly, putting them at risk.

 

4.Safety tips

• Use a Carrier for Small Pets: For our smaller fur family members, use a well-ventilated carrier secured with a seatbelt.
• Avoid Distractions: Keep their toys and treats within reach but avoid letting them distract you while driving.
• Window Safety: Keep windows partially open for ventilation but never allow them to stick their head out of the window. This can lead to debris in their eyes, mouth and nose which can cause irritation.
• Know the Nearest Vet: Before you start your trip, locate the nearest veterinary clinic or animal hospital along your route.
• Carry a First Aid Kit: Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any medications they may need.
• Stay Calm in Case of an Accident: If you’re in an accident, check on your furry companion’s condition immediately and seek veterinary help if necessary.

 

5.Post-Trip Care

• Hydrate and Feed: Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time for food and water.
• Check for Injuries: Inspect them for any injuries or signs of stress.

 

6.Additional Tips

• Practice Short Trips: If you have an anxious dog or one who gets car sick, before a long journey, take them on shorter trips to get them accustomed to the car.
• Consult Your Vet: For long trips, ask your vet about travel sickness medications or calming supplements.

You can find a Car Seat Cover for Dogs, Seatbelt for Dogs, Portable Water and Food bowl and a first aid kit in our store.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and pleasant journey for both you and your whole family. Happy travels and remember Teddy Knows Best!

Original blog can be found here- How to Drive Safely with Your Pet, Blog | Browning Suzuki