Whether you’re headed to the vet, running errands, or hitting the road for a family getaway, your dog is often along for the ride. But like people, pups need protection in the car, too. Taking a few extra precautions can help keep your furry passenger safe and make every trip a little less stressful.
How to protect your dog in the car
You wouldn’t ride in a car without a seat belt, right? Your dog shouldn’t either, says Jolee Stegemoller, DVM, medical director at VCA North Idaho Animal Hospital. “In the event of an accident, a dog will be less likely to be thrown from the vehicle, reducing injury,” says Stegemoller, of why doggy seat belts are so important. “Dogs are also incredibly distracting to drivers. They walk over center consoles, cross from side to side, and create chaos that shouldn't be managed while driving.”
Yes, even if your dog is well-behaved, she adds.
Never let them ride in the front seat.
Dogs should never be on a driver’s lap or in the front seat. These spots put you at risk of being distracted and put your pup at serious risk of injury in the event of the driver needing to suddenly stop or in an accident. In those cases, the dog can easily become a projectile, and if airbags are deployed, the situation would likely be fatal for the dog.
“Dogs in secure crates or with approved car seat harnesses are the safest,” emphasizes Stegemoller.
Pick the right crate.
If you opt for a crate, make sure it’s designed for car use and has been crash-tested for safety, she says. Crates aren’t always an option depending on the car or dog’s size, so a dog seat belt is an excellent, safe option for many pet parents. These restraints not only keep dogs safer, but also protect other passengers—especially if children are in the car. “So no one is accidentally squashed or bitten, poked or tormented, creating less distraction for drivers,” says Stegemoller.
Clear out snacks and trash.
Don’t forget that there can also be hidden dangers inside the car. Snacks and trash on the floor also present hazards for your pup. For example, food wrappers could be ingested and cause a blockage, and chewing gum, which typically contains xylitol—a toxin for dogs—is another concern.
Don’t leave dogs in the car.
If you are bringing your dog on a car ride, make sure they can join you on any errands. Temperatures in parked cars can rise quickly and can even lead to heat stroke and death if it gets hot enough. In fact, 32 states across the country have laws that protect dogs from being left in cars.
Pack pet essentials.
Consider having extra supplies on hand in the car, too, such as water for your dog, a collapsible bowl, poop bags, and an extra leash, collar, or harness. If you and your dog enjoy hiking, keep a towel in the car to dry them off, and always have a well-stocked supply of disposable pet grooming wipes.
Watch out for car sickness.
Even if your dog loves car rides, some can struggle with car sickness, just like people. Not only is car sickness messy, but when dogs are car sick, it “can create very negative emotions in the car,” says Dr. Stegemoller. “If your dog is fearful or car sick, I recommend working with your veterinarian to obtain medication to reduce car sickness and also a positive reinforcement trainer to help reduce the experience of fear and stress,” she says.
Try training for nervous riders.
If your dog is nervous about getting into the car because it’s new or they’ve had negative experiences, training can help ease their anxiety. Your goal is to make being in the car a fun experience for your dog, so they associate getting in the car with fun things.
To do this, do short training sessions when you don’t need to take your dog anywhere. Approach the car, then use lots of praise to encourage your dog to get in. If your car is high, a dog step or ramp can help dogs feel more confident and reduce the risk of injuries from jumping in and out.
Make the car fun.
When your dog is in the car, give lots of treats and praise. Once your dog is comfortable getting into the car, try taking them on a short drive to a nearby park, dog-friendly pet supply shop, or another fun outing. By taking frequent, short, and fun outings with your dog, they will come to associate getting in the car with good things happening.
