Does your dog often go on road trips with you? Or do they only spend time inside of a car when they go to the veterinarian? Regardless of how normal it is for them to be your passenger, take precautions to make sure that they remain safe while in a moving vehicle.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

1. Help Them Get Comfortable

Not every dog loves riding in the car right away. To ease any anxiety and teach your dog to enjoy car rides, help them associate it with happy feelings from positive reinforcement.

Feed them treats and bring favorite toys and blankets into the vehicle. If your dog is crate-trained, consider having them ride in a crate in your car to help them feel safe and secure.

Additionally, some dogs get motion sick. If this is the case for your pet, keep temperatures in the car low, provide fresh air with open windows, and consult your veterinarian about potentially prescribing motion-sickness medication.

2. Buckle Up

Human beings aren’t the only ones who should wear a seatbelt. In the event of an accident, your dog can get seriously hurt if they’re unrestrained upon impact. If your dog likes to ride in the main cabin of the vehicle, help them stay safe with a harness clipped into the seat.

3. Put Up Barriers

Many dogs like to ride shotgun or even sit or stand in their owner’s laps as their owners drive—but this creates a hazardous distraction. Keep your dog in the back of the car by installing a pet barrier designed for your make and model. After installing it, make sure there are no gaps your dog can slip through.

4. Check the Temperature

Never leave your dog in a hot car for any length of time. Pets can easily overheat and die from heatstroke. Do not underestimate how warm your car can get—even on a mild 75-degree day, internal car temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, in many states, it’s illegal to leave your dog in the car. When you can, always take your dog with you. 

If you’re a new pet owner who wants the best for their furry friend, choose an experienced veterinarian. Greatwood Veterinary Hospital of Richmond, TX, is one of the region’s top pet clinics, specializing in preventative care and emergency services for young and old pets at affordable prices. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (281) 342-7770.