How to travel by car with your dog

First of all, safety. When traveling with a dog (which one in five Italians does on vacation), you need to be careful that it doesn't get in the way of the driver. If it's small, like a bass otto, goes in a carrier or with a seat belt; if it is large in size, for example, a German Shepherd, it is preferable to use a dividing net for the trunk.

Unwary and reckless drivers often drive with dogs in the car, either loose or even curled up on the driver's lap. Nothing is more dangerous. For the animal, for the driver, and, in the event of an accident, for anyone involved. German researchers at the Allianz Centre for Technology, part of the German insurance group, have studied the potentially serious consequences of our carelessness with animals in the car. By conducting simulations and crash tests with dummies, the researchers discovered that a dog of about 35 kilos, in the event of an accident at just 40 kilometers per hour, it turns into a projectile with an impact force of 1.400 kilograms. You can imagine the consequences of such a case.

What the Highway Code says

Moreover, the law (in this case the Highway Code) is very clear on the matter, as stated in Article 169 of the Highway Code. Each automobilista You cannot transport more than one dog in the same car, and in any case, the animal cannot impede driving. This is for obvious safety reasons.

When the dog needs to eat

To travel by car with your dog, you simply need to pay attention to a few things.

• The dog must eat at least two hours before departure. And preferably dry food.
• Check if your dog suffers from car sickness, and in this case make sure it has plenty of air during the journey.
• Stops should be frequent and short. The dog must move and relieve himself according to his habits.
• Don't travel during the hottest hours of the day: dogs suffer when temperatures are very high.
• Turn on the air conditioning if it is very hot during the trip.

To get your dog used to car travel, we suggest you watch the video

The stop

Pheromones

If the dog is a puppy

If the dog is a puppy, on his first trip, there are particular precautions that should not be underestimated.

• Il pet carrier becomes indispensable.
• Inside, it's a good idea to put a towel, a blanket, and one of our items of clothing: the puppy should feel at home, in contact with its owner.
• Don't hold your small dog during the trip. You risk making him nervous.
• Encourage his patience with your caresses and also with the distraction of some games during the journey.

If the dog is old

An older dog has habits that can't be disrupted by a car trip. So:

• Put it in the back of the car with its own cover
• Stay close to your dog during the journey and don't leave him alone.
• The stops are increasing: do it drink often
• Make sure he doesn't suffer from the heat, it could be dangerous
• Don't let the car skid and avoid jolts; older dogs are very sensitive to unexpected and sudden movements.

What to pack in your dog's suitcase

The following items should never be missing from a dog's suitcase when travelling by car:

• A towel: it can be used for many things. Even for refreshing your hair.
• Dry food that you can perhaps give during a break if he seems particularly hungry
• Medicines for any therapies
• Valerian or passionflower for possible car sickness
• All documents required by law, starting with the passport and vaccination booklet
• bags for the little needs
• Some wet wipes to clean it or freshen it up
• Games to distract him

Read also:

• How to make your dog and cat live together
• How to wash your cat with natural products
• To each his own dog: 10 tips for the right choice
• Traveling with dogs and cats: tips to avoid unpleasant surprises
• How to Play with Your Dog. Indoors and Outdoors
• How to Train Your Dog: 10 Essential Rules