Protect your puppy when travelling
Car Travelling Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know
Chances are, you get in the car and you put on your seatbelt, but what about your dog?
Whether you’re a new puppy owner travelling with pup for the first time, or you regularly travel with your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How to keep your dog secure and comfortable in the car
Not all dogs like cars. Some eventually warm up to the idea, but for some owners, it’s an ongoing battle.
Even if you’ve done everything right and they’ve been going on car journeys from a young age it doesn’t mean they’ll be comfortable. This can be difficult, not only because you can’t take them to places they need to go like the vet, but because you’re limited to where you can go on walks and trips.
Like anything, it takes time and patience. You might need to re-introduce your dog to the car from scratch and take things slow. If you do get your dog from a pup, start them young. Introduce the car as something they come to know as something that leads to good things.
Here are some pointers:
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Being in the car can make some dogs feel very unwell. Discuss this with your vet to see if there’s anything you can give them whilst travelling. Also, avoid feeding just before travelling.
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Start small - do everything in steps. Before you go anywhere, start with getting in and out. Then you can transition to turning the car on, to small journeys and before long (hopefully) longer trips!
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Get your dog used to being restrained in the car in a way that will help them be most at ease.
Travel Advice: The Safest Way to Travel with a Dog
What is the safest way for a dog to travel?
There are several options! What you choose will depend on your vehicle, the size of your dog, the space available etc.
So what to choose? You could opt for a harness, seatbelt, crate/carrier or guard. They are all viable options. For smaller dogs, a carrier or crate might work best, and for bigger dogs, securing them in the boot with a guard or in a suitable dog crate is another option.
Restraining your dog is for your safety as much as theirs. You’ll have an idea of what they’d be most comfortable with, so choose what you know they’ll be ok with so they stay calm and secure during the journey.
Do dogs need to be restrained in cars in the UK?
Yes! Dogs should be ‘suitably restrained’ so they cannot distract you whilst driving. If you have an accident and you weren’t following the law it can impact your insurance claim.
Here are some things to consider:
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Dogs can travel on the front seat but they need to be adequately restrained. We’d also recommend disabling the passenger airbag if you have your dog in the front.
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Make sure you buy the correct size harness or crate for your dog. They still need to be able to move around comfortably during the journey.
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It’s worth checking your pet insurance to make sure you have adequate cover if your dog is injured in a car accident.
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If your dog wears a harness you could opt for a restraint that clips into a seatbelt and attaches to their harness.
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As much as they seem to enjoy it, don’t let your dog put their head out of the window - it’s too risky!
What’s the law on travelling with your dog in the car?
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:
“When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Failing to follow the above can result in finding yourself with a fine or points on your licence for driving without due care and attention.
Travelling with Your Dog in Hot Weather
Keeping your dog cool in hot weather is very important, and doing so whilst travelling can be tricky!
When it’s hot, where possible try to travel early in the morning and late evening. When this isn’t possible, here are some tips:
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Cool your car down by leaving doors or windows open before beginning your journey if it’s already hot inside.
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Use air conditioning to keep things cool inside the car. If you don’t have air-con, leave the windows open so there’s airflow for your dog (s).
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If your dog is in a carrier or crate, use a cooling vest or mat if it’s very warm to help keep them cool.
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On long journeys make sure you stop regularly and keep a close eye on your dog.
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During stops allow your dog time to cool down and provide plenty of water for them to stay hydrated.
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Never leave your dog alone in a car in hot weather. Not even for a few seconds.
Tip: If you’re travelling alone, certain motorway services will let you take your dog inside so you can take a break without leaving them.
Find more hot weather safety tips and ways to keep your dog cool in summer in our summer safety guide!