Purple and Paws Before I had Socks, all three of my family’s dogs were not great car riders. Cleo, our first dog, was nervous in the car. Misty, our second dog, hated going in the car (and I can’t really blame her since pretty much the only times we put her in the car were when she had to go to the vet), and Patch, our third dog, didn’t mind the car but he was not a great passenger (digging his paws into your legs while barking at anything and everything).
So I braced myself when I got Socks. But, to my surprise, he turned out to be the best of the lot. He loves going in the car, be it the 15-minute jaunt to PetSmart for Doggy Day Camp or a six-hour slog to San Diego for a beach vacation. At this point he’s been in the car a lot and I’ve learned a few things about driving with dogs, so here’s some tips for driving with your four-legged pal.
A Seat Cover is Your Friend
Hair, drool, bodily functions, and dirt are bound to find their way into your car when your dog is along for the ride. Some people put down towels or blankets, but a much better option is a seat cover. Socks stays in the back, so I have a nice, thick backseat cover that also doubles as a seat belt. If your dog enjoys riding shotgun, you can purchase a passenger seat cover as well.
Seat Belts Are Smart
Socks adores sticking his head out the window. The look of bliss on his face as he surveys his surroundings while his shiny black nose quivers with new smells fills me with joy. Which is why I just can’t bring myself to buckle him in with a doggy seat belt. I know I should and one of these days I will, but in the event of a car accident, a seat belt is the best way to keep your dog safe.
Take More Breaks
This tip applies to long car rides, obviously. As much as Socks likes being in the car, it’s not very fun for him to be cooped up in the backseat for hours. When we’re on a road trip, I do my best to stop every two hours or so and let him out to sniff around and take a potty break.
Keep a First Aid Kit Somewhere Handy
You never know what’s going to happen. Maybe your dog gets a splinter in his foot while exploring a rest area. Maybe she ingests something toxic and starts choking. Be prepared for anything and keep a first aid kit in the glove box, back seat, or trunk. Not sure what to put in a dog first aid kit? Check out this article on Dogtime for a list of all the essentials.
So there you have it, my tips for taking your dog in the car. If you have any more tips or tricks to add to the list, please share!