Dogs and Travelling There are times when youneed to travel with your dog, be it for a trip to the veterinarian, or to thedog park or beach.  You may also enjoytaking your dog on holiday with your family.If you regularly share a journey with your dog, there are someaccessories that can make your trip more convenient. ·If yourdog rides in the back of your station wagon or utility, it is better to confinethem to a crate for the trip. Make sure the crate is firmly anchored to yourvehicle, and your dog will be safer if you have to turn a corner sharply, or areinvolved in an accident.  If you do needhelp from the emergency services, they’ll be able to reach you without beingworried about your dog escaping or even worse, snapping at them.

 

·You maynot want to use a crate, and would prefer to let your dog ride on the tray ofyour ute. That’s okay; just make sure they are securely tied in.  A fall from a moving vehicle can seriouslyinjure your dog, and that’s the last thing you would want to happen.

 

·Crates arealso handy when you arrive at your holiday destination. Your dog will enjoy afamiliar place to sleep, and you won’t have to worry about them sneaking ontothe furniture when you’re not looking.

 

·For thosedog owners who drive a sedan, your dog can be safely restrained in the backseat of your car by a Kramar Safe T Harness. This acts like a seat belt foryour dog and keeps them from being thrown around inside the car. It alsoprevents them trying to ride on your lap, which is not only unsafe, but willget you in trouble with the long arm of the law.

 

·Dogs canbe dusty and they can shed a lot of hair, so to keep the back seat of your carin good condition, invest in a seat protector. These protect your upholsteryfrom mud, and stop any accidental damage from your dog’s toenails. They aremuch easier to clean than your car seats, as you can pop them in the washingmachine whenever they get too dirty.

 

·We allknow how much dogs enjoy hanging their head out of the car window. They seem tolove the smells and the feel of the wind in their hair. This can be a problembecause the wind and dust can irritate their eyes and lead to painfulconjunctivitis. Protect your dog’s eyes by using removable plastic windowguards in your car. These allow your dog to enjoy the fresh air whilepreventing them sticking their head out the window and irritating their eyes.

 

·Anyone whotravels with a dog should invest in a small, fold up travel bowl. They easily fitin the glove box of your car and allow you to give your dog a drink of waterwhenever they need it. These bowls are particularly handy if you are planning along trip, as you can keep them within easy reach.

 

Dogs are a part of thefamily and they love to share our outings and adventures. There’s no need toleave them at home; with the right equipment and some forward planning, theytoo can travel safely with us.