Summer is arguably the best season of them all, not least for the travel opportunities that it offers. While your holiday overseas is the highlight of the year, there’s plenty to see and do at home in the UK as well. As a dog owner, the idea of taking to the roads in search of more exciting “walkies” terrain is a tempting one – and with those long summer days, it feels like nothing could be holding you back. A trip to a National Park like Snowdonia or the Dorset coast if you’re a fan of fossil hunting could be just the break from the norm that you and your pooch need.
Of course, that does bring with it the problem of transporting your dog to these sites. While commonly agreed to be better travellers than cats, dogs rarely actively enjoy being in a vehicle. It’s easy to see why, too; if you didn’t know what was going on, being strapped into a moving box of tin would be pretty strange as well!
There are a few ways and means you can make the process better for your dog. By following these, you can both arrive in a good mood, ready to explore the walks and trails that await you.
Belt Up!
If you want your dog to be comfortable on the move, then they need to be secured. No dog – even the best-mannered “good boy” that there is – isn’t going to feel comfortable if they’re sliding around with wild abandon. So if you’re travelling in a car, ensure your dog is strapped in with a dog-standard seat belt – these should easily click into the existing mechanisms in your car. For other transport types, you have options such as a motorcycle dog carrier, or you could figure out how to secure the boot of your car if you think they’d be more comfortable.
Water All The Way
One of the major threats for any car journey with a dog is dehydration. When dogs are nervous, they tend to pant more – which is their way of sweating. Too much panting and dehydration will swiftly follow along. That’s why you should try to schedule a stop every 30 minutes or so, which you use to offer your dog a drink. You can buy inflatable bowls that are great options for quick usage on the move. If your dog is reluctant to drink, then try dampening their paws at least – they’ll get some moisture from licking it off.
Stretch Their Legs
In the same way that humans tend to cramp up if they have been sitting in one position for too long, dogs tend to get restless and stiff. Use those aforementioned stops to give your dog a chance to get out of the car or their basket and just wander around for a short while. It doesn’t have to be long – five minutes will do it – but it will ensure they reach your destination in the mood for some exploring.
