The holidays are approaching and many of us will be traveling. Some of us might be hopping on a plane to visit family and others will be hitting the road. If you are planning a long car ride this holiday season and plan to take your four-legged friend with you, keep the following safety tips in mind.

1. Practice first. If your pup doesn’t usually go for car rides, be sure to practice first. Take him for a few shorter drives before your planned trip. Do they like it? Do they act scared or anxious? Do they seem to feel sick after or during the car ride? If your practice rides reveal that your dog doesn’t like the car or gets carsick, ask us for possible solutions before you embark on your interstate road trip.
2. Stay inside. We’ve all seen dogs sticking their heads out the windows of moving cars, but this can lead to ear damage, lung infections, or worse. Let him enjoy the ride inside the car where he’s safe.
3. Properly restrain. Don’t let your dog wander around the car while you’re driving. An unrestrained pet can distract you and cause an accident. And, unrestrained pets are more likely to be injured or to cause injury to another passenger in the vehicle if an accident occurs. Keep everyone safe by using a secure and well-ventilated travel crate or a harness attached to a seat buckle in the back seat.
4. Stay with your pet. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car even for a few minutes. The temperature inside the car, even with the windows cracked, can quickly change, even in the winter.
5. Plan for pit stops. Allow extra time so you can stop at least every three hours (or more frequently if you have a puppy or senior dog) for your dog to use the bathroom, drink some water, and move around a bit.
6. Before your trip, microchip. If your pup somehow gets lost while away from home, they will be much more likely to be returned to you if they are microchipped and wearing a collar with proper identification tags.

Questions about traveling with your furry pal? Call us at 201-337-7090. Stay safe this winter!