Imagine you’re heading north on I-39 to spend the weekend at the lake with your golden retriever, Molly. She’s a recent rescue, so she’s not used to riding in the car with you. You’re driving along at 70 mph, hitting some bumps here and there, and the wind jostles your car occasionally.
Through the rear view mirror, you look at an unrestrained Molly in the backseat, and she’s panting. Before long, she starts whining. To comfort her, you reach back and scratch under her ear while keeping one hand on the wheel and one eye on the road.
Your efforts to comfort Molly don’t help, and after a few minutes of this, you drift onto the shoulder and over rumble strips, which startles you and scares Molly further. You take the next exit and pull into a gas station to reset and gather yourselves. You think, “there has to be a safer way to do this.”
Indeed, there is. This blog explores essential tips for traveling with your pet, including safety harnesses, preparation, emergency care, and more.
Why dog safety matters in the car
Treat your dog as an unrestrained passenger in your vehicle. During sudden stops or accidents, your dog can become a dangerous projectile, risking injury to both them and you. This is why securing your dog is as crucial as buckling in a passenger. Additionally, some states (New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii) have laws mandating the restraint of pets in cars, making it a legal necessity to focus on dog safety in the car.
While there are no specific laws in Wisconsin that require dogs (or other pets) to be secured when riding in a vehicle, you can be ticketed if your pet:
Choosing the best dog safety car harness
Finding the best way to keep your dog safe in the car starts with selecting the right safety harness. The best dog safety car harnesses are designed to integrate with your car’s seatbelt system, providing a secure fit for your pet. For smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians, additional restraints can be attached to their harnesses to limit movement and enhance security. A good harness not only keeps your dog safe but also reduces distractions for the driver, leading to a smoother, safer ride for everyone.
Preparing your dog for travel
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety. And car rides can be extremely stressful for dogs, especially if they’re not used to them. To make car rides stress-free, it’s important to acclimate your dog to the experience.
Start with short trips, gradually increasing the distance as they become more comfortable. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, helps your dog associate car rides with positive experiences. If car sickness is an issue, try feeding them well before the trip and provide adequate ventilation in the vehicle.
PRO TIP: Remember that blanket or stuffed animal you carried around as a kid to make you feel safe? Apply the same principle to car rides with your dog. Keeping a familiar pet blanket or chew toy in the car provides comfort and reduces anxiety.
Best practices for safe dog travel
When traveling with your dog, regular breaks are key, especially on long trips. Stop every couple of hours to allow your dog to stretch and relieve themselves. Chances are, you’ll need to do the same!
Keeping your dog hydrated is important, so have fresh water available and offer it at each stop. For dogs prone to anxiety, calming techniques like playing soothing music or providing a snug harness can make a big difference. By prioritizing comfort and security, you’ll transform a once-stressful experience for your dog into an enjoyable one.
Emergency preparedness for dog travel
If you keep an emergency kit in your car for winter travel, it’s time to add a permanent emergency kit for your dog, complete with essentials like:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Styptic powder (to stop bleeding)
- Saline solution (for eye or wound flush)
- Muzzle (in case of injury or high-stress situations)
Familiarize yourself with basic first aid techniques, such as canine CPR. In case of an accident, remain calm and check your dog for injuries while keeping them restrained. Having emergency contacts readily available, including your veterinarian’s number, can make all the difference in urgent situations.
Additional resources for dog owners
There are several resources available to help you keep your dog safe during car travel. Organizations like the American Kennel Club offer guidelines on securing pets in vehicles. Online pet communities also provide valuable tips on safe travel routes and pet-friendly stops. Additionally, consider reviewing your insurance policy to see if it covers pet injuries during travel.
Are you currently sniffing around for different auto coverage options? A local Rural Mutual agent will be happy to fetch a quote for you.
