The comfort and safety of your dog should come first regardless of how long you plan to travel for. Long drives can be hard on dogs, particularly puppies unfamiliar with long journeys, or older dogs who may struggle with stiffness or discomfort during extended periods of travel.
A few short test drives before embarking on longer trips is well worth testing out to help your dog feel more comfortable with the car environment. Try to avoid feeding your dog just before setting off to reduce the chance of car sickness, and stick to light snacks or treats during travel.
It’s also essential to restrain your dog properly during car drives as a free roaming dog can become a dangerous distraction or hazard. A well-fitted seat belt harness, travel crate or dog guard are required by law under the Highway Code and will protect your dog in the event of sudden braking.
Plan to stop every hour or so during your journey, allowing dogs to stretch their legs, hydrate and go to the toilet.
Keep your car clean (despite wet dogs & sandy paws)
Beach trips are notoriously hard on a car’s interior. Sand can work its way into everything, and the classic ‘wet dog’ scent can linger long after the journey ends. Fortunately, with the right accessories, you can protect your car and help simplify the post-road trip clean up.
Heavy-duty rubber car mats that are waterproof, easy to clean and tailor-made to fit your vehicle perfectly are perfect for those with dogs. All you need to do once home is remove them, shake off the sand/mud/debris from the trip, and give them a quick hose down.
Similarly, waterproof boot liners can help protect a vehicle for those who put their dogs in the back of their cars during journeys. CarMats4U boot liners, for instance, feature a protective 2-inch lip, specifically designed to contain all sand, mud, and dog hair, preventing it from spreading into your car’s upholstery. They will not only protect against muddy paws and shedding hair, but will also help prevent your upholstery from getting soaked following a dog swim.
To combat any odours, it’s worth investing in a pet-safe car air freshener, or even storing a sachet of baking powder under your car seats in order to naturally absorb smells.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to check that any beaches you are planning to visit with your pet pooch allow dogs during peak summer months. Many popular tourist spots impose seasonal restrictions that either ban dogs from beaches or require them to be kept on leads and only within designated areas.
While at the beach, remember that the combination of saltwater and sand has the ability to irritate dog skin and paws, so be sure to rinse them off with freshwater before returning to the car. Bring a towel specifically for your dog, and don’t forget to find a shady spot to prevent overheating.
Final thoughts
Travelling with your dog can make summer adventures even more memorable, provided you take the right steps to ensure both their comfort and your vehicle’s condition. With the proper planning, the right products, and a sense of adventure, you and your dog can enjoy the freedom of the open road without worrying about mess or mayhem.
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