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Dogs are on the go with us these days. Wherever we go, our dogs go with us, too. Whether we’re traveling across the country or just going to the vet, dogs spend a lot of time in our vehicles. Here are some tips for safe driving with your dog.

1. Use a crate or harness for your dog when he’s traveling with you. Whether you have a large dog or a small dog, it’s much safer for your dog to be in a crate or safely harnessed in your car. Just as you are safer wearing a seatbelt when you ride in your car, your dog is safer when he is protected by a crate or harness. If you have an accident a dog in a crate will not be thrown through the window. If the crate is thrown around the vehicle your dog will have more protection. If the crate is thrown from the car, your dog won’t be loose on the road. Pet harnesses also provide some degree of protection in case of an accident.

2. Don’t let a small dog ride in your lap. If your dog slides down he can interfere with your use of the gas pedal and brakes. A dog in your lap can interfere with you when you’re steering. Driving with a dog in your lap is very dangerous.

3. When you travel with your dog in your vehicle make sure that he is wearing a collar with up to date contact identification. Your contact information should also include your vet’s address or someone who can take care of your dog in case of an accident. If you are in an accident you want people to be able to identify your dog immediately.

If you are taken to the hospital your dog would be separated from you. Anyone responding to the scene would need to be able to contact your dog’s ID information and speak to someone who could take care of your dog while you are being treated. Most veterinarians can take care of a dog for a few days while an owner is laid up. If you’re in the hospital longer than that other arrangements can be made, such as having a friend take your dog. So, make sure that your dog’s ID and contact information is up to date.

4. When you’re driving with your dog you should take along a water bowl and some water from home or bottled water. You never know when your dog may get thirsty when you’re out together. It’s good to have a water bowl for your dog that stays in the car at all times so it’s always there when you travel.

If you are going to be gone for more than just a few hours you should plan accordingly. Take your dog’s food, feed dish, bedding, favorite toys and other indispensable items for overnight trips.

5. Keep a copy of your dog’s vaccination records in your glove box. Your dog should be wearing his rabies tag and other local tags on his collar when you travel. It’s always possible that law enforcement or some other organization could ask to see proof that your dog is up-to-date on his shots. Most states require that your dog be current on his vaccinations when entering their state. This information is rarely asked for, but it can be requested if you are stopped by the police, for instance.

If you keep these tips in mind then driving with your dog you can have many safe and happy driving experiences on the road together.

5 Tips For Driving With Your Dog courtesy Dog Articles.

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When you became a dog owner you became responsible for his care in every way. This includes feeding him as well as meeting every other need in his life. While the process of caring for a dog is not complicated many people do not give as much thought as they should about some of the basic care. This includes things like training your dog basic commands that could literally save his life, and learning about proper nutrition for your pet so you can insure that he gets a proper diet. Taking that one step farther, consideration should be given to the type of bowl that your dog will eat from.

Nowadays there are lots of choices available when it comes to dog dishes. We can find bowls that match our décor, personalized styles, or even self-feeding type bowls. They are also made from various materials, including everything from plastic and ceramic to metal.

Ideally the dog bowl should be easy to clean. Plastic bowls may not be a good choice for puppies because young dogs sometimes like to chew on things, including their food dish. A more durable bowl may be safer for them.

Size really does matter. The size of the bowl should be right for the amount of food that you feed your dog. Using a bowl that is too large can easily lead to over-feeding. Obviously, that can result in your dog becoming obese and unhealthy. Using a bowl that is too small can mean more work for you since you will have to feed your dog more often.

Another very important consideration is the depth of the bowl. If your dog has a short face you will need to use a shallow bowl. But dogs that have long muzzles can eat from deeper dishes without difficulty. One more issue related to the dog’s comfort when eating is the elevation of the dish. When dishes are raised up at a higher level, so that the dog does not have to bend his neck downward as he eats and swallows, eating is more comfortable for the dog. This is especially true for larger dogs. Dishes can be purchased in small raised holders or you can improvise with your own devices.

If your dog has a tendency to scoot his bowl across the floor you may want to consider looking for bowls that have rubber feet that will keep them in place. Another option is adding the rubber pads yourself or simply using a rubber mat to place the bowls on. Self-feeding bowls are the ones that have a dish that is continually filled. The reservoir is filled with a large quantity of food that drops down as the dog eats.

Which Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

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