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Traveling with your dog, whether for a day out or a holiday away, can be an exciting time for both you and your pooch. It's the chance for new walks, adventures, and a plethora of exciting new smells. There's nothing quite like taking your dog on a day out and seeing their sheer and pure enjoyment.
So, to help you get from point A to point B in your car and provide your dog with a comfortable experience, we've put together a list of helpful tips and items that will prove useful. Some you might already have, some you may need, and others you might not have even thought about. The list includes everything from keeping your dog safe and secure while on the road to how to help with any car anxieties your pooch might have.
What's included (if you want to get to a specific section, click the link):
Our top tips, and products to help you get the most of travelling in the car with your dog
Car Safety
Did you know that it’s actually UK law that your
dog be ‘suitably restrained’ while traveling with you in a car? Essentially, this is in place so that the dog can’t distract you while driving, or should you need to suddenly stop to help prevent you and your dog from coming to any harm.
It's advised that dogs shouldn’t travel in front of the car; should an accident occur, your dog could be hurt by the airbag.
Here are a few options to ensure your dog's safety and comfort when in the car:
Dog Car Seat Belts and Travel Harnesses
If you’d like to clip your dog directly to the seat belt clipper, then a doggy seat belt and harness might be what you need. Travel harnesses are generally safer than using a collar to clip your dog in because the harness wraps around the body of the dog and not just the neck. Seat belts are adjustable in length (within reason) and allow your dog some movement while keeping them safe.
A car seat belt and travel harnesses don’t have to cost the earth either. Here’s one that is affordable, with good reviews - many of the seat belt clips are universal, but just double-check it will fit your car.
If you're considering the seat belt and harness option, you may also want to consider a back seat car cover for those muddy and sandy paws.
Dog Car Seats
Another option is a dog car seat. Think of it like a dog bed combined with a booster seat, where comfort meets safety. Essentially, the car seat is attached to the seat (normally by attaching it to the headrest) and then your dog is clipped into the dog car seat. Depending on the size of your dog, this might be a good option (normally suitable for small - medium sized dogs) - so take a look at what size you might need.
Here are 3 high rated dog car seats depending on the size of your dog (as of the date of this article being published) are as follows:
Transportable Dog Crates
If your dog is one that finds comfort in being in a crate, then a dog car/travel crate might be a good option for you. These sit in the boot of the car, so you’ll need to ensure you have a boot large enough and are able to ensure it can stay secure (our little Aygo boot, for example, just wouldn’t cut it!)
There are a few different ones to choose from, but the recommendation would be to look for one that is sturdy, lightweight, durable, offers security, and is comfortable. Make sure you get one for your pooch that is the right size.
Here are 3 high-rated one:
Managing Your Dogs Travel Sickness and Anxiety
As much as dogs might love going on new adventures, some struggle with the journey to get there. It’s important to be aware and attentive to your dog at all times while traveling in the car - not all dogs are suited to it. If your dog isn’t fond of or used to car travel, try taking your pooch on shorter journeys first, offering lots of positive praise, and try taking items your dog finds comfortable, maybe their favourite blanket or toy?
Apart from this, there are several products on the market that can help your four-legged friend feel more comfortable when on the move, from travel sprays to collars.
Travel Calming Spray for Dogs
A travel spray can be used on your dog's blanket or travel bed and can last for up to 5 hours. The idea is that it releases a synthetic copy of the ‘dog-appeasing pheromone,’ which a mother would naturally release to calm and reassure her young pups. This pheromone continues to have the same effect on adult dogs. The leading brand for this is Adaptil, which you can find here.
Thundershirt for Dogs
A Thundershirt helps to reduce anxiety much like how a baby is swaddles, essentially the jacket applies a comfortable and gentle pressure - think of it like your dog receiving a consistent calming hug. It’s worth noting that although your dog can wear these for extended periods of time, the recommendation is that you remove the Thundershirt every one to two hours to begin with - this is to ensure your pet is comfortable wearing it, that the fit is correct and to ensure your pet is happy. You can explore Thundershirts here.
Calming Chews for Dogs
There is a range of different dog calming tablets and chews that can help your dog feel calmer while on the go in the car. Zylkene, for example, contains a natural ingredient derived from a protein in milk that aims to promote the body's relaxation.
The recommendation is that you begin giving these chews 1-2 days before travel (or the environmental change), but make sure to read the instructions as the different chews can vary.
There's a huge range and types of dog sickness and anxiety travel products, which you can find here. And if in doubt about any of these anxiety products, then speak to your vet to see what they believe the best approach would be for your dog's needs.
Getting In and Out of the Car
If your dog is older, has a health problem, or may be too heavy to lift into the car, but it’s too high for them to jump in, you might want to consider a portable ramp or dog steps to take the strain off you both
Dog Car Steps
These are often sturdy, easily foldable, and non-slip. They’re easy for you to put against your car, and it makes it easier for your dog to get in and out. This one, for example, has high ratings for its price, durability, and portability capabilities.
Dog Car Ramps
Dog car ramps, similar to steps, are for those dogs that need support accessing the car but may require an option that isn’t as steep. The ramps can reach the same height but are longer to ensure a steadier incline/decline. Portable versions of these are also available
Make Sure to Take Regular Breaks
Just like humans, dogs need regular breaks on long drives to stretch their legs, go to the toilet, and take the opportunity to drink some water. So, when you’re on the go, make sure to factor this in to ensure a comfortable and more enjoyable experience for your dog. Make sure you take water with you, and you might want to consider a retractable dog bowl that you can easily keep with you and not packed away.
Don’t Overfeed your Dog Before Traveling
If your dog suffers from travel sickness, we recommend not feeding your dog a full meal at least an hour before you’re on the go. Make sure they’ve had the opportunity to go to the toilet before you set off.
Bring Comforting Toys and Blankets
If your dog has a favourite toy or blanket, and you think it might help reassure them on their car adventure, then there is no harm in bringing it along.
Being Ready for the weather
Traveling in the UK can be unpredictable. We can go from glorious sunshine one minute to sudden downpours the next. So it’s a good idea to have pet products in your car that can help to dry and clean them when they get back into your car after a walk up hillsides or a day at the beach. And there are quite a few different inventions out there now to make it easier than ever.
There’s Paw Buddy - a portable brush where you just add water
Portable Tinioey Dog Paw Cleaner - where you put your dogs foot in one by one - just add water
And don’t forget towels
Traveling in Wales
And finally, just so you don’t get caught out, if you're coming to Wales be aware of the travel rules in Wales. Wales has reduced their 30mph default speed limit to 20mph.
So, are you and your four-legged friend ready for your adventure in North Wales?
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