Most dog owners will need to transport their dogs, whether it is regularly to local walking spots or for occasional trips such as to the vets/kennels or even for longer trips when taking your dog on holiday. The highway code stipulates that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that our canine friends travel safely with us. In the rules laid out about animals; Rule 57 of the highway code states ‘When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves.’
Depending on the size and the temperament of your dog certain safety devices will suit you better than others. Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look at this for dog owners in practice.
The first step when considering travelling your dog safely is to sort through the variety of products on the market available. As there are a wide range on offer, dog owners can choose what travel solution fits their vehicle and budget and provides their dog with the comfort they need.
Crate or Carrier
Travelling your dog in a crate will ensure they are totally safe and secure, and for those dogs that have crates in the house it can be an ideal way to minimise anxiety during travel. The downside to crate transportation is size, as most crates are bulky so this method would typically require a large boot space. An alternative to this could be a soft crate or carrier which is often smaller and can be placed on the back seat.
Pet seat belts
For some dogs being close to us in transit is important and this is where travel harnesses or seatbelts come in handy. The simple devices clip into place on your dog’s collar and the car’s seat belt so your dog can sit on the back or front seat.
Dog guard
Larger and more independent dogs may prefer to sit in your car’s boot and placing a towel or your dog’s bed can make it a comfortable way to travel. Fitting a boot gate or guard to prevent access to the car will stop dogs jumping through and ensure safety in the event of an accident.
Some key points to help make your dog’s car journey as comfortable as possible especially on a hot summer day:
- Keep the in-Car cabin Air Temperature as cool as possible
- Ensure your chosen restraint method is comfortable for your dog
- Always travel with Water
- Stop regularly on long journeys so your dog can go to the toilet and have a leg stretch
- If you are travelling your dog in front seat – turnoff Airbag
For middle-aged and older dogs their comfort is extra important as they can become stiff and uncomfortable in transit. Regular stop-offs on long journeys can be highly beneficial as well as supporting your dog nutritionally for their joint health through their diet.
Scientific Nutritional Products offers Canine Joint Right for joint health and joint mobility. Canine Joint Right provides a comprehensive supplement which includes Glucosamine for Dogs, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, DHA Gold and Omega 3 offering your dog the ultimate joint health package. For more information about Canine Joint Right and their full range of supplements why not visit their website:www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk.
