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Consider These Tips When Driving With a Pet

Are you planning to take your dog on a road trip? If so, keep reading this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton for some tips on driving with a pet safely.

Summer is undoubtedly the best time to hop in your car and embark on a road trip anywhere you want. Maybe you want to drive along the Sea-to-Sky highway, on the Icefields Parkway, or across the Viking Trail. Regardless of the places you want to see, it's essential to bring a good traveling companion, someone with whom you want to share the most fun adventures and breathtaking scenery, your most loyal, tender, and fun friend; that is, your pet. Driving with a pet can be a fun and memorable experience; however, there are specific preparations you should consider to make your road trip a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for both your canine companion and yourself. That said, this post by Jim Ackney has put together some helpful tips for you to plan a road trip with your pet.

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Best Tips When Driving With a Pet

Book a Routine Checkup With the Vet

First, it must be acknowledged that some dogs are unsuitable for road trips due to their health, temperament, or age; hence, our first recommendation is to take your dog to the vet. Scheduling a routine checkup is essential to ensure your four-legged friend meets the proper health requirements to travel. If the vet gives you the go-ahead to take your dog on the trip, inform them about the places you plan to visit so that your pup can be immunized if necessary. After all, your canine friend could be exposed to fungal, bacterial, or viral infections depending on the places you go. Once the veterinary checkups are complete, ask for your dog's medical history and a health certificate. Bringing these documents with you could make a big difference if your dog has a medical emergency while traveling.

Get Your Pet Used to the Car

Our following recommendation is to take your dog on practice rides before setting off on the trip. You can start by placing toys and treats in the vehicle's back seat for your dog to climb into and spend some time with you playing and eating in the cabin; when doing this, leave the doors open so your dog can get in and out as they please. Once your pet becomes familiar with the aromas of the car's cabin, take them for practice drives to the park, to the surrounding trails, or anywhere they can have fun and play. What matters the most is that they begin associating the vehicle's sounds, aromas, and movements with positive experiences.

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Pack Your Dog's Essentials

Once you pack for the trip, make a checklist of all the items your dog could need during the journey; for example, food, bowls, bedding, a carrier or travel crate, collar, harness, waste bags, towels, and grooming items such as their brush and shampoo. Don't forget to include a copy of your dog's vaccination records and toys that can keep them occupied during the trip, such as licking mats or puzzle toys with treats inside.

Exercise Your Pet Before Leaving

A good tip you can follow to keep your dog from getting anxious during the trip is to exercise them before you leave; after all, getting their energy out before hopping into the car will help them start the journey relaxed; they may even want to take a nap in their crate. If possible, take them for a run on a trail, to the park to play, or for a walk around the neighborhood; what's important is to give your pet a chance to release energy before spending several hours inside your vehicle.

Take Frequent Breaks

If your road trip is meant to be long, take breaks of 15 minutes every two hours. You may feel comfortable and willing to stay on the road for longer; however, these breaks are essential for your dog to stretch their legs, walk, release pent-up energy, drink water, and relieve themselves; that said, be sure to make these frequent stops during the trip.

Keep Your Dog Cool Inside Your Car

As you may already know, a car's cabin can get quite warm, especially during the hottest and sunniest hours of the day; considering that, make sure to keep your dog cool during your trip. To that end, start by turning the air conditioning on if the temperatures inside your car rise above 29°C (85°F); also, place a cooling pet mat over your dog's bed for them to lie on if you notice they are panting or drooling.