If you have pets, especially a dog or two, you likely want to bring them with you wherever you go. Having your dog with you as you travel is as much fun for you as it is for your dog.
Before you load the members of your fur family into your car, it’s important to make sure you’re vehicle is safe and comfortable for them.
Can you Keep Them Away from You?
As appealing as having your dog or cat on your lap while you drive might seem, it’s not a good idea. Not only is having a pet on your lap while you’re driving distracting, but it’s also dangerous. If something happens and your pet jumps up, it could temporarily cause you to avert your eyes from the road at a crucial moment or even bump the steering wheel, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. It’s best to have your pets either buckled up in their seat or at the very least restricted to the back of the vehicle.
There are lots of pet safety seats, vehicle barriers, and even attachments that hook to the seatbelt that you should consider. Having your pet restrained and far away from the driver is safer for both everyone driving on the road and your pet.
Do They Have Water
Set up your car so that your pet can access water whenever they want. This will keep them hydrated and allow them to enjoy the drive far more than they would if they were thirsty. Look for ways that you can set up a travel water bowl. Placing a thick towel under the bowl will take care of any water that splashes over the edge while you’re driving.
You should also consider setting your pet, particularly young ones, up with a chew toy or snack that will keep them occupied.
How Will They Stay Cool if You’re Parked
The biggest danger connected to traveling with pets is the possibility of them overheating while you’re parked somewhere. Ideally, you’ll be able to plan your day so that your pet is never left alone in a parked car. However, if for some reason you do have to leave your pet alone, park in a shaded area, and cover the windows. Crack the windows enough to let some fresh air in. Set up a battery-powered fan that blows on your pet. Provide them with plenty of cold water and a few ice packs they can lay on. Keep the amount of time they are unattended in the hot car as short as possible.
Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
The last thing you need or want is for your car to break down while you have important members of your fur family riding with you. The best way to make sure you never have to deal with a nervous dog or jumpy cat while you’re stranded on the side of the highway is to keep your car in excellent repair. In addition to routine maintenance, regularly get it serviced and repair any issues your mechanic finds.
Contact us today for an honest quote on high-quality, reliable car repairs.
