**Collaborative Post**
Driving in the car with children is stressful at the best of times, and throwing a furry friend or 2 into the mix does not generally improve things. In fact, it often makes the experience a lot less tolerable – screaming little ones and barking dogs can make a couple of miles last for eternity. Hopefully by following these tips and tricks you can make your journeys more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Get The Right Equipment
The first and most important thing to consider when travelling with a pet is how you are going to ensure their safety, and yours. To follow the highway code, you must keep your animal suitably restrained so they cannot distract you whilst you’re in control of the wheel. A site such as Doggie Solutions can give you the necessary tools to keep your furry friend comfortable, secure, and entertained whilst in the car – its just as important to keep them safe and occupied as the children, especially if they haven’t been on many journeys before. The most useful items include mesh car barriers, safety harnesses and soft crates to keep them contained without causing them any harm. It’s a good idea to take your dog in the car with you when he or she is a puppy, as the earlier they become associated with travelling, the more relaxed they will be.
Make A Treat System
Ensuring that the journey wasn’t aimless can make your dog become more complacent with getting in the car. It’s good to take them on a long walk when you reach your destination, as this makes it more of a positive experience for them. Give them a treat or two for being well behaved throughout the journey and when you take them out! This way they can acknowledge the reward and act accordingly in the future. Try to take regular breaks through your journey if its more than half an hour, as animals can become restless and uncomfortable when confined for long periods (such as travelling on holiday).
Ventilation Is Key
Dogs can overheat very quickly, and being inside a car on a hot day can be exhausting for an animal. It’s important to make sure your pet has fresh air by keeping at least one window open, give them access to water regularly, and ensure they are in the shade if the sun is out. Long exposure to hot temperatures can lead to devastating health problems for dogs, so never leave them in the car with the windows closed. If they’re comfortable, it’s likely they won’t make your journey any more stressful than it needs to be.
Remember to encourage your children not to wind up any pets on board – they too get bored in the car and dogs become an easy target!
By implementing these changes to your routine, you should be able to see the joys of stress free and harmonious pet-accompanied travel. Looking after your 4 legged friend whilst on the road isn’t as hard as you might think.
Another thing to watch out for is to make sure that the car you are driving is safe. So, if you have an old or salvaged car consider selling it and upgrade to something newer