Let’s face it, cars aren’t exactly a pet’s natural habitat. Dogs, especially smaller pups, are curious and energetic animals that love to roam and explore. Although it depends on their temperament, most of them might find it hard to stay calm during the ride.
Trying to drive while your dog insists on sitting in your lap, sniffing the dashboard, or chasing invisible squirrels is not safe for anyone. Long trips only make it trickier, which is why a little preparation goes a long way.
Dog Car Harnesses
When your pooch is free to move around the car, distractions are almost guaranteed. However, with a proper dog car harness, you can keep them safely in place and your attention on the road.
Small-breed dogs and puppies often need harnesses that are specifically sized for their smaller frames. Modern and well designed puppy car harnesses feature narrower straps and closer adjustment points to suit their delicate bodies and prevent slipping or chafing. Contrary to puppy car harnesses, models for larger dogs usually have thicker straps and heavier hardware.
While sizing and design may vary, most modern dog car harnesses are designed with comfort and safety in mind for pooches of all shapes and sizes. They’re usually made from soft, lightweight, and breathable materials to help prevent chafing and skin irritation.
Next, adjustable straps and padded designs ensure a snug and customised fit without restricting movement. This means your dog can sit, lie down, and relax in a safe and controlled manner. When your pooch is comfortable, they are less likely to feel stressed during the car ride. The result: fewer whines and barks.
Next, dog car harnesses are usually quick and easy to use. In the past, securing your dog for a car ride could feel unnecessarily complicated, with too many straps and clips to figure out. Thankfully, today’s designs are more user-friendly, so you’re spending less time trying to get everything right.
Toys
Apart from keeping your canine companion safe and comfortable in the car, it’s also important to keep them entertained. Toys can reduce boredom and restlessness. Most dogs have a favourite toy, so make sure to bring it along. Canines thrive on familiarity, so having their favourite toy during the trip can ease the stress from changes in routine and surroundings.
However, bring something new and exciting, as well. A new toy your dog hasn’t seen before will surely spark their interest and curiosity. When choosing a new travel toy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you opt for durable toys made from chew-resistant materials that can withstand the rigours of a car ride.
For your peace of mind, avoid squeaky toys. The constant noise can be distracting and irritating, plus it may cause dogs to become overly excited or anxious during the ride.
Breaks
Even if your pup wears the most advanced dog safety harness and has both new and familiar toys to play with, they can still feel fatigue from long car rides. Pets are incapable of understanding the concept of travel or that the destination will be exciting. For them, the car ride can feel like taking forever, especially when not familiar with the route.
Therefore, make sure to take frequent breaks during the ride. This gives both of you a chance to get out of the car for a bit. On average, it’s recommended to stop for a break every two hours. If they experience motion sickness or travel anxiety, you’ll want to stop more often.
Find a rest area that has a grassy space for them to go to the bathroom and run around for a little bit. A park or open field is an ideal place to stop. While on these stops, offer your four-legged friend water, a snack or a small meal, and get them moving for some exercise.
Calming Aids
Every pet owner knows their pooch best. If you’re a pet parent of an anxious or restless pooch, you want to bring along a few calming aids and treats.
For instance, you can consider giving them stress-relief supplements that contain calming herbs and amino acids like L-tryptophan before the trip. Natural calming treats may also come in handy during the ride. These are usually formulated with calming ingredients such as valerian root, chamomile, or L-theanine to promote relaxation.
To further reduce anxiety and create a soothing atmosphere, you can play calming music with a slow tempo and nature sounds like birdsong or flowing water.
