When we live with our dog, it is obvious that we want to have it with us when we travel by car. How do you make your trip enjoyable? What are the precautions to take, and how can you get your dog used to it?

Is it better to transport the dog in the front seat or in the back of the vehicle?

It is important to know that there is no law on this subject in road safety. All that is said is that the dog in a car is considered a passenger. Thus, it should not be installed anywhere where it could obstruct the driver's vision or distract him. So, make sure that the is not sitting on your lap while you are driving. Even if you want to put it in the front, it is recommended to put it on the ground and not on the seat.

Warning: It is important not to install the dog in the front or rear seat without safety. In the event of sudden braking, this could throw the hammer on the windshield. According to specialists, when you drive only at 50 km / h, and there is a sharp brake, the weight of the animal is multiplied by 25.

How can I help the dog get to know the car?

If your dog is not used to being in the car, he is certainly going to be uncomfortable being locked inside this device for several hours. He can then show signs of anxiety that will manifest themselves by tremors, dirtiness, restlessness, or great excitement. For this, you must first of all help the dog to familiarize himself with the car.

How to proceed?

• Put it in the car and play with it inside the car without it running,
• Occasionally put treats in the car so that the dog associates the car with something pleasing to him,
• After a few weeks, start the car and continue to play with the animal so that it gets used to the sounds of the engine,
• Then, it will be the moment to make small laps with him in the car, then to increase the distances little by little.

What security measures should I take?

The most important thing to consider is the safety of the dog. Even if you have educated the dog very well, it is sometimes unpredictable, and in the event of sudden braking, an accident can very quickly happen. Here's how you can secure your dog in the car:

The net: There is a kind of net that you can put between the two front seats to prevent the dog from finding you in the front of the vehicle while you are driving.

A car harness: The harness allows the dog to move around without being completely free to move around. Otherwise, he can quickly have disagreeable and inappropriate behavior.

The dog seat belt: It consists of a harness, which is attached to a short belt that you will attach directly to the rear seat of the vehicle. However, some of these belts are not strong enough, especially those found at very low prices on the market. Our advice is not to hesitate to pay the right price if you want to have a strong seat belt. We also advise you to see if the belt of your choice has been tested in a crash test.

Transport crate: If your dog is transported in his crate, it can be used to reassure him and to stay in his place.

Once you've secured your Doggie, here are some more tips that can help make dog travel more enjoyable.

What to do and what to avoid in the car

Preferably avoid the trunk

Most dogs are claustrophobic and afraid to be left alone in the trunk of the car. Thus, the dog can quickly see the car as a trauma or a means of torture, preventing him from being comfortable when moving. In addition to this, the heat and the exhaust gas can suffocate or intoxicate it.

Prevent the dog from suffering from heat in the car

For this, it is necessary to drive in the cooler hours, take a break every 2 hours, and put a refreshing mat or a cooling coat in the dog's crate or in the vehicle's back.

Prepare the dog before the trip

If your dog likes to stretch his legs and you lock up in a car for a long trip, he'll have a hard time staying focused the entire trip. So, we advise you to take it for a walk before the trip so that once in the car, it uses the trip to rest.

Take breaks

During the trip, take breaks every two hours to help the dog relax. And, when you go out to walk the dog in the rest areas, be sure to keep him on a leash and put a collar around his neck to catch him in case of unpredictable behavior.

Prevent his head from going through the glass

You should ensure that the dog stays inside the car so that dust and wind do not irritate his ears or nose.

How to relieve the dog who suffers from motion sickness?

Anti-nausea

You can find these medications at a veterinarian and give it to your dog 1 hour before departure. You will notice that the dog will be calmer throughout the trip.

Spray pheromones

Pheromones also help reassure dogs and make them calmer. You can spray in the vehicle or in the dog's crate 30 minutes before departure.

According to a recent study, dogs who smell lavender are much calmer and bark less. So you can use them to calm your pets in the car.

The atmosphere in the car

Your dog very quickly feels the positive or negative waves that are in the atmosphere of the car. That is why we recommend that you avoid arguments in the car, avoid too aggressive music, but instead put on classical music. Be calm yourself so that your attitude also reassures the animal.

If you are planning to travel with your pet on a rental car. It will be better to take permission first. You can rent a car in Islamabad from Carlay Car Rental, and you also don't need to take permission to travel with your dog.