Time To Buckle Up

"Want to go for a ride in the car?" This one little phrase sends my dog into a tail spin. She loves the car. But unfortunately this is not true for many pets. Before you decide to bring your faithful companion on the open roads, take a few precautions to ensure her safety.

If your pet is still a pup, start training early. Get her accustomed to your car by allowing her to jump inside and sniff around. Giving her little treats will reinforce a good experience.

The next step is to take short drives, maybe just around town or to the store and back. Each trip should progressively get longer. Treats and praise when she is calm and comfortable will let her know she's getting it right.

Nikki is crate trained, so it was fairly easy for us to get her accustomed to riding in her crate while in the car. If your pet is not comfortable in a crate this is NOT the time to get her started. Seat belts for dogs are now available at most large pet stores, and I strongly suggest you invest in one for your dog. Not only will she be kept safe in case of sudden stops, but she also will not distract your driving by walking around the car and looking for attention.

Other fairly good devises are the straps or barriers used across the backseats in cars and jeeps. These allow your pet some movement while at the same time prohibiting her from jumping into the front, once again distracting your attention from the road.

NEVER allow your dog to hang out of the car window. Dust and dirt from the road can easily kick up injuring her eyes. Most dogs will drool or whine continuously begging to get a head out but don't give in. Windows up at all times.

NEVER leave your dog unattended in the car. If you must leave her for a minute, park in the shade, open the windows a crack and leave water on the back seat. A car's internal temperature reaches 101 degrees in no time, causing heatstroke in animals.

Finally, take as many breaks from the road as you can. At least every five to six hours allowing your pet to walk around, do their "business" and drink some water.

A road trip can be a wonderful experience for both you and your pet, or it can turn into the nightmare of a lifetime. Spend the time preparing your pet for the long haul, and you will forever be happy that you did.

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