Traveling with your dog is a different kind of thrill. Whether you’re going on a long road trip or just driving to the supermarket, having your furry friend along makes everything so much more fun, right? But, if you tag your dog secure along with you in the car, ensuring their safety and comfort becomes your responsibility. Taking proper precautions is essential to avoid your dog distracting you while driving or getting hurt in an accident. Keeping your dog safe in the car is not something specifically taught in a Safer Drivers Course at your driving school. However, if you own a dog, this is something you must learn, whether from your driving instructor or the internet. In this post, we will discuss some tips to keep your dog safe while driving.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on Drives
Here are some tips to help you keep your dog secure when you’re driving in Australia:
Use a Pet-Specific Restraint System:
Just like we have seat belts for our safety, pet-specific restraints are seat belt attachments to keep the pets safe. These restraints can prevent sudden movements from the dog, keep them safe during sharp turns or sudden stops, and also help drivers avoid getting distracted during the drive because of something that the dog did. They are an excellent way of keeping your pets sound and secure while you focus on driving safely.
Opt for a Crate or Carrier:
Dog carriers or crates are another option to ensure the safety of pets during a drive. If the crate or carrier is sturdy and well-ventilated, it can keep your dog comfortable while ensuring their safety, especially if your dog is scared of cars or an anxious traveler. However, you must make sure that the crate is properly secured and won’t move suddenly during the drive.
Use a Pet Barrier:
When you’re traveling with a dog, there’s always a chance of them suddenly getting excited about something they saw on the street or keep jumping from the front seat to the back, etc. This can be very distracting for the driver and can also lead to an accident. If you have a big dog, you can consider installing a secure pet barrier to confine them to the back seat or cargo area. Giving them a confined but comfortable area to themselves can also reduce anxiety and make them feel more relaxed during long drives.
Never Let Your Dog Ride on Your Lap:
When unrestrained in a moving vehicle, pets can be unpredictable and distracting. Many dog owners try to resolve this problem by letting their dog ride on their lap during the drive. This is not just distracting and unsafe, but also illegal in many parts of the country. Even if you’re tempted to keep your dog close and safe, having them sit on your lap unrestrained can shift your focus away from driving and increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries to both you and the dog.
Keep Heads and Paws Inside:
Much like us humans, dogs also love to put their heads and paws out of the moving window to feel the wind and sun on their faces and feet. However, just as it is risky for us, it poses significant risks for the dogs too. There’s a lot that can hurt your dog and cause serious injuries, like flying debris or sudden stops. Open windows can also entice them to just make a run for it! No, better to keep them restrained and avoid unplanned escape attempts and also keep their heads and paws inside and safe!
Take Frequent Breaks:
Long drives can be as tiring and frustrating for the dogs as they are for us. So, if you’re going on a long journey, make frequent stops and take your dog out to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Also, ensure they are well-hydrated on the ride. This helps keep them comfortable and relaxed.
Never Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car:
Cars tend to become very hot or dangerously cold if you leave them running for a short period. No matter the weather outside, if you leave the AC on for some time, the car can become extremely cold quickly. If you dog is left behind in the car with the doors locked and the AC or heater on for a long time, it can lead to hypothermia or even heatstroke. Don’t put your dog’s life at risk. Avoid leaving them alone in the car for a long period.
Gradually Acclimate Your Dog to Car Rides:
If your dog is an anxious traveler, you must help ease their worries before taking them out for drives. Try to reduce their anxiety by taking short and fun trips in the beginning. And after every good trip, give them some reward to make them anticipate the next trip happily. Help them feel comfortable and safe in the car and adjust to driving before going on longer journeys.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog secure while driving is essential for their safety and yours. The above tips can help drivers ensure a safe and fun ride with their furry friends. Whether you’re a learner taking a Safer Drivers Course or attending lessons at a Sydney Driving School, considering the safety of your dog is also a part of responsible driving habits. Give your dogs a smooth and stress-free ride by using proper restraints, taking breaks, and preventing distractions.
For more tips and driving lessons, consider enrolling in a reputed Driving School like Onroad Driving Education to enhance your road safety knowledge.
