Travel Safety Tips and Tricks when on the road with Your Dog
The majority of us treat our dogs as part of our family. Leaving them behind for a weekend break or vacation is quite heartbreaking. However, traveling with them is not as simple as it looks. Each year numerous dogs and other pets are either harmed or killed in vehicular accidents. Although some of these occurrences are out of our hands, there are some preventive measures you can take to ensure your beloved pet is safe and secure on your family road trip.
It is essential to plan, be flexible, and get organized if you want your journey with your pet to be successful. You'll need to consider everything, from your vehicle to stopovers. No matter how long or short your drive is keeping your furry friend comfortable and secure is necessary.
Why it’s Important to Properly Restrain your Dog when Traveling
Regardless of how much your pooch enjoy hanging his head on your car's window, here are the reasons why it's dangerous not to restrain him properly:
To ensure a smooth road trip with your pup, here are some tips and tricks you can follow:
Know the Rules of the Road
Make sure you are aware of the road rules and laws on every state with regards to traveling with pets. Every dog owner is responsible for their pets as per Rule 57 of the Highway Code. It also states that you should restrain your dog suitably in your vehicle to avoid driver distraction and injuring not just you but themselves in case of a car crash. Your precious pet can be thrown forward like a rag doll during an accident.
Securing your Dog in your Car
A lot of dog owners let their dogs sit on their laps or restrain them using a regular leash during travel. You're putting your pet in danger by doing these things. Moreover, this is also against the law. Depending on the size of your pet, you are required to use proper restraints such as a dog cage, pet carrier, seat belt harness, or a dog car seat.
Each pet is different, and some tend to be really anxious when they're away from their comfort zone. It's advisable to take your four-legged friend on short rides in your car using his restraint a few weeks before your road trip so that he'll get use it. You can also make his space in your vehicle as comfortable and familiar as possible by placing some of his favorite toys in there.
You can also ask your vet for anti-nausea drugs for your dog in case he gets car sick. If he's really nervous, you can let him sit in the car and not go anywhere. Praise him for being a well-behaved dog. Once he's already calm and relaxed, you can start taking little trips around the block.
Moreover, you also need to make the trip comfortable and safe for you and your family. Here are some things to pack for your dog to ensure your travel will run seamlessly:
It is essential to plan, be flexible, and get organized if you want your journey with your pet to be successful. You'll need to consider everything, from your vehicle to stopovers. No matter how long or short your drive is keeping your furry friend comfortable and secure is necessary.
Why it’s Important to Properly Restrain your Dog when Traveling
Regardless of how much your pooch enjoy hanging his head on your car's window, here are the reasons why it's dangerous not to restrain him properly:
- Your pet can distract your driving easily.
- Letting your puppy sit on your lap can move or block your vehicle's steering wheel, brake and gas pedals, and gear shift.
- An airbag can injure or kill your pet.
- His eyes, mouth, and nose can get injured by different road debris if his head is hanging out of your car's window.
- Your pet can become a fatal projectile during a crash or even on a sudden stop.
- Letting your dog loose during the ride can get in the way when emergency men are trying to get you out during a crash. He can also escape and get lost without anyone noticing.
To ensure a smooth road trip with your pup, here are some tips and tricks you can follow:
Know the Rules of the Road
Make sure you are aware of the road rules and laws on every state with regards to traveling with pets. Every dog owner is responsible for their pets as per Rule 57 of the Highway Code. It also states that you should restrain your dog suitably in your vehicle to avoid driver distraction and injuring not just you but themselves in case of a car crash. Your precious pet can be thrown forward like a rag doll during an accident.
Securing your Dog in your Car
A lot of dog owners let their dogs sit on their laps or restrain them using a regular leash during travel. You're putting your pet in danger by doing these things. Moreover, this is also against the law. Depending on the size of your pet, you are required to use proper restraints such as a dog cage, pet carrier, seat belt harness, or a dog car seat.
- Dog Harness. Dog harnesses are also known as seat belts. These are one of the safest ways to restrain your pet in your vehicle. They fit and work just like a regular harness but are specially designed to endure car crash impacts. Find the best one for your pet by comparing the top dog car harnesses you can find here.
- Dog car seats. Dog booster seats and car seats are similar to a harness but made specifically for smaller breeds of dogs. Your adorable pup is boosted up to a level where he can see the view while still being kept safe and secure.
- Kennel or crate. These are ideal if you have a large vehicle. Provided that you purchase a very sturdy one that you can safely secure in place, it's also one of the safest ways to travel with your canine buddy.
Prepare your Pet Emotionally, and Physically
One of the things you need to do is to make the whole trip as pleasant and comfortable as possible for your dog. The last thing you want is to see him getting sick and nauseous during the ride. Not all dogs have the right temper or are healthy enough to travel. Forcing them is not recommended.Each pet is different, and some tend to be really anxious when they're away from their comfort zone. It's advisable to take your four-legged friend on short rides in your car using his restraint a few weeks before your road trip so that he'll get use it. You can also make his space in your vehicle as comfortable and familiar as possible by placing some of his favorite toys in there.
You can also ask your vet for anti-nausea drugs for your dog in case he gets car sick. If he's really nervous, you can let him sit in the car and not go anywhere. Praise him for being a well-behaved dog. Once he's already calm and relaxed, you can start taking little trips around the block.
Moreover, you also need to make the trip comfortable and safe for you and your family. Here are some things to pack for your dog to ensure your travel will run seamlessly:
- Paper towels and plenty of dog poop bags.
- Cleaning materials such as odor and stain remover.
- Bowl, dog food, treats, and water.
- Seat cover to protect your vehicle from hair and all kind of stains.
Hopefully, this post didn't scare you away from the idea of taking your best friend on a road trip with you. Sure, there are a lot of things that can go wrong, but if you use some of these simple tips you'll find that traveling with your dog can be a wonderful and easy adventure!
In this article, I am going to talk about a few of the best layover cities and what you can do during your short stay.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the gateway to Asia, but it also has plenty to offer the traveling family. Every trip to KL should start at the Petronas Towers, this mammoth structure will have your kids in awe, particularly when they can look out from one of the tallest buildings in the world across the whole city. The next stop for your little nature-lovers should be the bird park, spend a few hours spotting exotic birds and escaping the bustle of the city.
Sunway Lagoon is sure to put smiles on faces as well, this awesome waterpark will exhaust the little terrors for the next flight. And finish your day at one of the city’s swanky rooftop pools, a cocktail for you and a final swim for your kids before an early night ready for your onward journey.
London, England
Next time you’re in London on a layover, why not make the most of it? Going on a city tour is a great way to see the sights and take in some of London’s fascinating history. And Make sure to stop for a ride on the London Eye for a unique bird’s eye views of the urban sprawl.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sunway Lagoon is sure to put smiles on faces as well, this awesome waterpark will exhaust the little terrors for the next flight. And finish your day at one of the city’s swanky rooftop pools, a cocktail for you and a final swim for your kids before an early night ready for your onward journey.
London, England
No family trip to London would be complete without a trip to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Imaginations will come alive as your budding explorers and scientists learn more about the world around them. And by night, take in a West End show for an evening your kids will never forget.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is not only a common halfway point if you are traveling to Asia, but a fabulous family holiday destination in its own right. Year-round sunshine and modern comforts abound, you’ll want to stay more than a couple of days in this abundant country. Start your trip to Dubai by visiting Burj Khalifa to admire the views as well as the impressive architecture. Next, play marine biologist at Dolphin Bay, where you can get up close with these intelligent and playful mammals.
Aquaventure is another perfect place for your kids to let off some post-flight steam, with slides, wave machines and awesome pools to explore. And if you have some spare time, a desert safari is sure to be an adventure your kids will be talking about for years to come.
New York, United States
Heading West? New York is a likely layover with a lot to offer. Let the kids run riot in the spacious beauty of Central Park before refueling with some of the best pizza in the world. The Top of the Rock viewing platform at the Rockefeller Centre offers the best views of Manhattan and beyond, including the Empire State Building. If you're looking for more iconic views, take a trip on the Staten Island ferry to wave at Lady Liberty. And if you have any extra time your little tykes would love the Great New York State Fair, a touch of the old world in a modern city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a fairly big hub for layovers when going almost anywhere in Europe and it also happens to be an amazing city to explore if you have some time. The airport; being so close to the city allows for easy transportation. Just hop on a bus to the city center or grab a cab for a few extra bucks.
One of the best ways to see the city for a day would be to set off on foot and explore around at your own pace. Although it might be difficult to get the kiddos on board with that idea after an exhausting travel day. No need to worry though, another great option is to take a canal tour through the city. The charming boat ride through Amsterdam's colorful canals makes stops at some of the most famous attractions such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Aquaventure is another perfect place for your kids to let off some post-flight steam, with slides, wave machines and awesome pools to explore. And if you have some spare time, a desert safari is sure to be an adventure your kids will be talking about for years to come.
New York, United States
Amsterdam, Netherlands
One of the best ways to see the city for a day would be to set off on foot and explore around at your own pace. Although it might be difficult to get the kiddos on board with that idea after an exhausting travel day. No need to worry though, another great option is to take a canal tour through the city. The charming boat ride through Amsterdam's colorful canals makes stops at some of the most famous attractions such as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
There you have it! I hope this article was helpful for making the most of your next layover!