A few precautions when driving around with a dog

A lot of people like to bring their dog along with them when they go for a ride in their vehicle. That’s understandable of course given that your dog is a member of the family. That said, because dogs can get excited in the car, and because they probably won’t listen to you, there are a few precautions you need to take to make sure everyone is safe.

The first thing is to prevent the dog from moving around freely in the vehicle. Although we don’t want to restrain our friend, you don’t want him or her jumping around in the back seat or worst, jumping on your lap when you’re driving. There are quite a few automakers and third-party companies that supply specially designed restraints for pets that are comfortable while also safeguarding your animal if there is a crash.

Next, make sure your dog has plenty of air. We all know that dogs can get very hot in cars, so in summer make sure the air conditioning is reaching the back seat, or at the very least make sure that they windows are open. Moreover, never leave your dog in a car that is shut off and unattended.

Also, you want to plan your trip ahead in order to make sure you stop and allow your dog to walk around, smell the fresh air, and of course do its business.

Finally, you may want to put a muzzle on your dog, just for the ride. Sudden barking can scare you while incessant moaning in the back seat may quickly become annoying. In any case, make sure your dog will not distract you as you are driving.

Thank you to Portland Street Honda for their help with this article.