If you live near open fields and the countryside or have lots of private ground for your pet to run around in you won’t need to travel to give your dog opportunity to get plenty of excerise out in the open air. Of course if you are in walking distance of a dog friendly park you can simply pop on a lead and go, but for many dog owners living in a busy town centre or city, a daily car journey is a necessity.
It is important that your dog is safe and comfortable during any length of car journey. This is a list of dog car accessories
Dog Safety
Dog car crates or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Think how frightened your dog might be looking through the window of a moving car with everything whizzing past!
If there is no room for a cage or if your dog travels in different cars consider buying a dog harness with seat belt adaptor. This is a highly recommended multi purpose accessory for your dog!
Word of advice: In case you are thinking these aren’t necessary, imagine you are involved in a car accident. If unsecured, your frightened dog could easily jump out of a car and run right onto a busy road.
Dog Comfort
The boot of a car is not designed for comfort so if your pet has to travel in the boot a dog bed is much nicer to sleep on.
If you are planning a long journey in the colder months a dog blanket would be a good idea too. (Keep a blanket for yourself too in case of break downs!)
Food and Water
Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. Keeping water and a bowl is a must but instead of the bulky hard bowls consider investing in those special dog travel bowls made of material that fold up when not in use, you can also get disposable travel bowls.
Handy hint: The car engine might need water too! During hotter months especially, the large empty milk cartons are ideal for keeping a supply of water in your car for both dog and car engine. If you are out in the country you can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream.
Shade from the sun
Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don’t forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.
Handy hint: Families with small children may already have car window shades which as perfect for pets too!
Dog Ramps
A dog car ramp can be a godsend! Smaller dogs can easily be lifted into bigger cars but what if you have an older heavier dog that can’t jump up or have been on a particularly muddy trip out? You can choose from a number of dog car ramps that will fold away neatly when not in use.
Pet First Aid
As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. If your dog is unfortunate to obtain a nasty cut when you are out in the middle of nowhere, first aid can be vital. Dog first aid kits usually come with bandages, gauzes and sterile wipes and are small enough for your glove compartment.
Swellpets.co.uk has many more great products for dogs. Give it a whirl.co.uk
Great advice for traveling with a dog in the car! Thank you!