HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY AND CALM IN THE CAR! 

Some dogs love riding in the car. It’s their ticket to adventure and time with their beloved humans. But for other dogs, travelling is a source of motion sickness and/or anxiety. No matter which camp your dog falls into, there will be times you need to take them on the road with you, whether it’s to the vet, visiting family, or going on vacation. Along with keeping your dog safe in the car, be sure the experience is enjoyable and stress-free too. The following tips will help ensure your dog is comfortable during car rides.

 

1. MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS COMFORTABLE

Before you put your pet in the car, you need to make sure it will be calm and comfortable for the journey. It’s reported that high numbers of dogs struggle with travel, likely due to motion sickness or due to anxiety, so it’s really important to teach them gradually - using positive, reward-based training methods - that being in the car isn’t scary. To build up your pet’s confidence, take lots of short car journeys from a young age to get them used to being in the car. Using bedding from home in the car, such as a blanket they like to sleep on, is a good way to keep them calm.

2. KEEP THEM RESTRAINED

Dogs need to be safely restrained. Driving with an unrestrained pet in your car could be a dangerous distraction and you could even face a nasty fine. Dogs can be put into car seats, travelling crates, containers, dog guards or car harnesses to make sure they’re not free to roam around in the car while you’re driving. If your dog is in a crate, make sure there’s enough room for them and there is a good airflow and ventilation, so they don’t get too hot.

3. WATCH OUT FOR SIGNS THAT YOUR PET IS IN DISTRESS

Any of the following behaviours can be a sign your dog is uncomfortable: barking, whining, jumping, vomiting, cowering, hiding or being restless. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pup and not to punish them for any signs of travel-related stress. Maybe you should also consider speaking to your vet if your dog frequently has difficulty relaxing in the car.

4. SCHEDULE WATER AND POTTY BREAKS

Don’t expect your dog to go for long car rides without water. Carry fresh, clean water and a portable dish so you can offer your dog a drink every so often. But if your dog is drinking, they will need potty breaks too. Stop every few hours to give your dog a chance to go. Plan your route so there are appropriate rest stops along the journey and don’t forget the poop bags.

5. DON’T LET IT GET TOO HOT

If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight. Remember that the temperature inside the car can be a lot hotter than it is outside. Temperatures inside cars can quickly rise and pets can tragically suffer, or even die, from heat exposure.

6. SCHEDULE MEAN TIMES

Taking your dog on a car ride when they have a full stomach is a bad idea. Even a short trip in the car can cause motion sickness and lead to your dog vomiting. That’s a big mess to clean up. Plus, you can’t focus on caring for your dog and watching the road at the same time. To avoid messes and help prevent car sickness, don’t feed your dog right before you head out. Instead, schedule your dog’s feeding several hours ahead of your departure. If you have to stop along the way for a meal break, plan as much time as you can between feeding your dog and getting back on the road.

7. EXERCISE YOUR DOG

The best doggie passenger is a tired one. Rather than putting your dog in the car while they are bursting with energy, let them burn some of that off beforehand. Otherwise, they might have a hard time settling down and become a nuisance while you drive. Before you leave, take your dog for a walk to tire them mentally and physically. Or play fetch, tug-of-war, or other vigorous games. If your dog is pooped when they get in the car, they are far more likely to sleep through the trip.

8. PROVIDE COMFORT ITEMS

Particularly on long drives, it can be helpful to bring your dog’s blanket or favourite toy along. The smell of the familiar will comfort your dog while they travel someplace new or far away. Toys can also be a great distraction. They give your dog something to do besides barking out the window or whining at you. Chew toys are a good choice for occupying your dog for a substantial length of time. You can also select a special toy your dog only gets in the car. That will ensure maximum interest and help your dog associate the car with good things.