Knowing how to keep your dog safe in the car also keeps you and your fellow passengers safe. Australian laws in all states state that we have a duty of care to ensure pet safety in vehicles. In some states, it is illegal to travel with a pet unsecured within your vehicle. Wherever you live and however far you are travelling, you should protect your pooch whilst travelling and make sure their journey is as comfortable as possible. Keep reading to find out our four top tips to keep tails wagging on the road.
Show some restraint!
Some people believe that because their pet is well behaved in the car, there’s no need to restrain them. In actual fact, no dog is safe unrestrained in a moving vehicle, no matter how well trained and calm they may be. When a car is in a collision, an unsecured dog could be thrown from the vehicle at speed. It is also common for dogs who are lucky enough to have remained in the car following a collision to get spooked and run away from the scene. Fitting Fido with a harness or travelling with them in a crate will ensure they are as safe as possible in the case of a collision.
Turn the power (windows) down
Paws can make excellent button pushers and the last thing you want is to be driving down the highway when your overexcited pooch accidentally pushes activates the electric window and makes a break for it. If your car allows, deactivate the windows in the area of the car he is travelling in.
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Take a break!
Water Dog
No matter the time of year, it’s vital to provide water for your dog during a car journey. Taking a bottle and bowl to refresh each time you stop is fine (even making a bowl with your hands if all else fails!). If your pooch is in a crate, try freezing the water in the bowl before you set off to avoid a mess.
Are you off on a journey and can’t take your pooch? Book a Mad Paws sitter now to take care of Fido while you’re away!
