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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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In some ways having a pet is like having a child. You have to do all of the thinking and planning for him. You have to be prepared for every contingency. That means being prepared in case of emergencies and taking the proper precautions ahead of time.

Here are some tips that should help you take good care of your dog:

1. Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations and that he has proper tags and ID at all times. Microchips are recommended. This is a great help should your dog ever become lost. It gives him the best possible chance of being returned to you if somebody finds him.

2. Obey leash laws. This means that you should keep your dog safely contained in your own yard behind a fence. When you have your dog out with you make sure that he is restrained on a good quality leash. Don’t let your dog run loose. This is dangerous to him and a nuisance to the neighborhood.

3. Be careful what you feed your dog. No chocolate. No onions. No raisins. If in doubt about something your dog eats or if you suspect poisoning call your local veterinarian immediately. Know the number of your closest emergency vet clinic and the shortest route in case you have an emergency at night.

4. Crate train your dog. Your dog should ride in a crate in your vehicle. This is the safest way for your dog to travel. Crate training is also a great way to help house train your dog. If you ever intend to fly anywhere with your dog he will also need to fly in a crate.

5. Keep a pet first aid kit on hand and know how to use the contents. A good first aid kit should contain blankets, surgical tape, a muzzle, an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin), cotton swabs, tweezers, gauze and gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, ipecac, scissors, forceps, diarrhea medication, and activated charcoal. Remember that if your dog experiences an injury that he may react out of fear or pain. Be careful in handling him. He could bite you accidentally.

6. Take special precautions in hot summer weather and during extreme cold. Remember that dogs can’t sweat and that they suffer during extremes of weather just as people do. They should not be left in vehicles during either extreme, even for a few minutes.

7. Remember that your dog needs fresh water available at all times. Dogs can become dehydrated just as people can.

8. Take special precautions with dogs when there may be fireworks or other loud noises. Many dogs are sensitive to these loud booms and can become frightened from them. Some dogs can bolt and become lost.

9. Old dogs need special care. Keep an eye on their weight. You don’t want them to be either too thin or too much overweight. Both can be signs of an underlying health problem. Make allowances for their age. Provide a softer place to sleep, give them more time to eat, make their food more appealing. Take them for a senior check-up starting when they’re about seven-years-old.

10. Be patient with puppies. They come to you not knowing anything. They will make mistakes. Teach them using positive training techniques and they will be able to learn anything you want to teach them. A trained dog is a happier dog and has a better chance of fitting into your home and lifestyle and living a wonderful life with you.

10 Pet Safety Tips You Should Know courtesy Dog Articles.

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