It is sad but true that many dogs are killed or injured in vehicle-related accidents each year. That doesn’t just include cases where they were struck by vehicles, either. Riding in a vehicle can also be very dangerous for them, both due to heat exposure and the risk of accidents. However, there are ways you can make your car or truck much safer for your dog, and this article explains how.
Using a Restraint System
One of the things that makes car travel so dangerous for canines is that they’re rarely restrained. We know how dangerous not wearing seatbelts can be for people, but we’re often tempted to ignore it when it comes to dogs because standard car seatbelts are obviously not designed for them. However, there are affordable restraints you can buy, such as travel cages for small dogs and seatbelt-like harnesses for larger ones.
Making Your Dog Comfortable with Travel
Many dogs naturally enjoy travelling in cars, but some don’t. And dogs that get sick or anxious when travelling may try to escape their restraints, becoming a source of danger for both themselves and you. Rather than forcing them each time you need to take them somewhere, train them to travel calmly. Let your dog explore your vehicle at home first, rewarding it for doing so. Then slowly progress from short trips to longer ones.
Add a Dedicated Dog Cage to Your Ute
Utility vehicle owners can keep their pets a lot safer by investing in a dog box. These help keep dogs secure and calm while on the road. You can choose the right size by ensuring that your dog can stand upright, turn around and lie down comfortably inside, or by measuring your dog and adding around 15cm to each measurement. If you have multiple dogs, separate boxes are safer than shared ones.
Managing the Temperature in Your Vehicle
Heat is the main danger that comes to mind when thinking about dogs in cars, but it’s worth repeating here, as there are many tragic cases each year. These are mostly caused by the fact that what seems mild to us can rapidly accelerate inside a car and become deadly. Within an hour, an outdoor temperature of 22 °C can make a car interior hit 47 °C. Always take your dog out of the car with you.
Be Prepared for Possible Issues
While many seem to enjoy it, car travel isn’t natural for dogs. Things can and do go wrong, so you should be prepared. When travelling with your dog, carry a collapsible bowl and water in case of heatstroke. Learn the signs, like glazed eyes, vomiting and heavy panting. In case of serious physical injuries, keep a muzzle with you. Even non-aggressive dogs may bite defensively when hurt.
Also, maintain your vehicle well to make the journey comfortable for you both. Especially make sure your shock absorbers are working well.
Conclusion
Transporting dogs in vehicles can be a lot of fun for both owners and their furry passengers, but it must be done responsibly. The advice here is a great starting point for making sure you both stay safe and comfortable.
