Happy Pet Travel Safety Day!

Taking your pup along with you for adventures is extremely exciting – however, it is so important that safety remains a top priority when travelling with your canine companion

To help any pawrents who don’t know where to start, we have listed a few tips and tricks that you can take on board the next time you go travelling with your four-legged friend!

Get a suitable restraint

According to the Highway Code – you must make sure that dogs are suitably restrained whilst you are driving. Some good options for this are a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or a dog guard.

Be sure to do thorough research – every dog is different, and some things will work better than others. For more information on the Highway code please check out this link - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rules-about-animals-47-58

Getting used to the car

Like most animals, travelling can be a stressful experience. Therefore, it is a good idea to slowly introduce them to the vehicle you are travelling in. You can do this by giving them short bursts of exploring in and around the vehicle to get themselves used to the smell and environment.

For some pups, this can really help to reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable.

Bring plenty of water and treats

Especially as summer is here – it's important to keep water on hand to keep your pup cool. It’s a good idea to bring a transportable water bottle for your dog to drink out of when they want to. There are so many options to choose from and you can often get them from your local supermarkets!

In terms of treats, bring these to reward your pup when they are staying calm. Positive reinforcement throughout this entire process can be very beneficial for everyone involved and can improve travelling with your dog in the future.

Furthermore, you can also use treats in relation to tip 2 above - introducing your dog to the car.

Bringing comfort items

If your pup has a toy or blanket that they love, make sure to include it on the trip. It can give your dog some familiarity to help reduce stress and give some comfort in their otherwise disrupted routine.

Take regular stops

It's extremely common for dogs to get anxious in the car or experience motion sickness. Be sure to look out for signs of this in your pup such as excessive drooling, whining or shaking. If this happens, it might be best to take a break before continuing the journey.

For more information surrounding this, check out the link - https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/dog/dog-advice/dog-training-and-behaviour/treating-dog-car-anxiety/

What do you do when you’re travelling with your pup? Be sure to let us know any of your tips and tricks over on our Facebook and Instagram @BrandyDogFood 🐶🐾