Thinking about taking your dog for a ride or a road trip? Traveling can be stressful for both you and your pet companions. We put together the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car ride for yourself, your pet, and your passengers.
Always use a harness and a seat belt.
A dog should never be roaming freely in your car or sitting your lap. Petting your dog, letting him sit in your lap, and other behaviors can distract you and increase the risk of a crash. The best way to travel with a dog is to keep them in the back seat in his/her crate or with a harness attached to a seat belt.
Going on a longer drive or trip? Another option is to keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. And make sure it is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.
Keep your dogs’ head inside the car.
Dogs with their heads hanging out of the window sure look cute, but are at risk of injury to their eyes, nose, ears, mouth and face from airborne debris, or could be injured by flying objects. Plus, they are not protected in a crash. Keep the windows up and the dog securely belted in.
Don’t leave pets in the car.
Never leave a pet unattended in your car. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can become very hot, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, your car can act as a refrigerator, and causing your pet to freeze to death. Unless you're taking your pet to the vet or traveling with your pet, just leave him at home.
Pet travel kit.
If you travel frequently with your pet, you should have a pet travel kit that includes food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit. Also pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Additionally, you may want to invest in rubber floor mats and waterproof seat covers, available at any of our 7 Mossy Nissan Parts Centers.
Looking for a new car to travel with your family and pets safely? Check out our inventory of Nissan SUVs, Trucks and Sedans.
