Every dog is different, which is why travelling in the car with your furry friend can be unpredictable. Whilst some will sit quietly on the back seat, others will strain to hang their heads out of the window, or whine for the entire journey.
As a responsible dog owner, you must make sure that your dog is properly restrained during car journeys.
Understanding the Highway Code for Dogs in Cars
Familiarise yourself with UK laws on driving with pets
According to the Highway Code, dogs (and other animals) must be suitably restrained during car rides.
Fines if you get caught breaking the law
If you fail to follow The Highway Code, your actions can invalidate any car insurance claims and result in fines of £5,000.
What’s more, failure to obey pet travel laws can also result in a £5,000 fine.
How to restrain your dog in the car
Seat belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages, or dog guards should be used to make sure that your animal can’t distract or injure you whilst you’re behind the wheel. If you have to stop suddenly, appropriate restraints will also help to prevent your pet from injuring themselves.
Securing your dog appropriately makes travelling much safer and helps to avoid the fines and penalties you’d be subject to if you were caught breaking the law.
Preparing Your Dog for Car Travel
You might assume that it’s a good idea to wait until your puppy is a little older before you introduce them to car travel. In fact, the opposite is true.
Start car training early for puppies
It’s best to introduce your puppy to the car as soon as possible. That’s because it’s easier to help a younger dog develop better behaviours.
Many breeders incorporate car travel into their socialisation and habituation programmes, so the journey to your puppy’s new home may go smoother than expected.
Make sure to familiarise your puppy with car travel and take them out for a ride more often than you might otherwise.
Gradually introduce your dog to car travel
It will take time and patience to get your dog accustomed to your car and its movements. With gradual exposure, you can train your dog to understand that the car is a great place to be.
Consider your dog’s comfort and safety
A happy dog is essential for an enjoyable car experience. Before you leave the house, make sure to bring your dog’s favourite toy and some treats for them to enjoy during the ride. Your aim is to make car journeys a positive experience for your dog, rather than a source of stress.
Safe Seating for Dogs in Cars
Avoid the front seat for your dog’s safety
The Highway Code bans dogs from traveling in the passenger seat. They could distract the driver or potentially injure themselves if the passenger airbags are activated. For the sake of your dogs, you should consider using a pet carrier or restraint system in the back seat instead.
Consider a dog harness or pet carrier
A dog harness or pet carrier can make the car a safe and comfortable space for your companion. You should research restraint options carefully and choose the one that suits both your pet’s needs and the size of your vehicle.
- Larger dogs may be safest in the boot of a hatchback with a well-fitted dog guard or crate.
- Mid-sized canines can wear a harness that’s clipped to the seatbelt in the back of the car.
- Smaller animals, such as cats and rabbits, will be fine in a pet carrier that’s strapped in with a seatbelt.
Always make sure your dog is safely restrained to avoid fines and penalties.
Managing Car Sickness in Dogs
Signs of car sickness
Whilst they’re getting used to car travel, puppies and younger dogs may get car sick. Adult dogs are also susceptible to travel sickness, but most tend to outgrow it by the time they turn one year old.
If your dog starts to pant or drool excessively, pull over and give them time to calm down.
How to prevent car sickness
There are many things you can do to try and limit the effects motion sickness can have on your dog.
- Keep your car cool and well ventilated
- Limit meals before travelling
- Administer anti-nausea medication if recommended by your vet
- Bring familiar smells from home – such as a favourite blanket
- Give your dog toys they can play with in the car
- Plan frequent breaks in your journey
- Offer water to your dog regularly
Prepare your dog for car journeys from an early age as doing so can help to avoid car sickness. Ask your vet for advice on car sickness and anxiety if your dog’s symptoms are excessive.
Whilst travelling in the car, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and toys to try and help your dog feel more comfortable.
Calm your dog down during a car journey
When trying to relax your dog, it helps to make sure that they are safely and comfortably restrained. Always keep the car well ventilated and consider turning down the volume or choosing softer music if you like to drive with the radio on.
Whilst travelling, speak to your dog in a calm, reassuring tone and keep their favourite toy or blanket close to hand.
Never leave your dog in a hot car
Leaving your dog in a hot car may result in heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Dog owners should never leave their pets unattended in a car. Even with a gap in the windows or water provided, the potential consequences don’t bear thinking about.
What to bring in the car if your dog isn't a great traveller
If you know your dog doesn’t enjoy car journeys, there are things you can bring with you to make the experience more manageable for them.
Pack essentials like food, water, and medication
- Keep your dog hydrated and fed during the journey
- Pack a pet first-aid kit in the car
- Bring your dog’s favourite toys and blankets
Plan regular breaks and rest stops
The stress of travelling can be eased if you factor in regular stops on longer journeys. By providing frequent breaks for exercise and stretching, you can help to keep your pet both happy and healthy.
As always, make sure to pack essentials like food, water, and medication.
Keep your dog entertained during long car travel
Just like humans, dogs can find car journeys boring. That’s why it’s recommended to bring toys that provide the mental stimulation they enjoy. Not only that, if your dog finds travelling stressful, those same toys can bring comfort too.
If car journeys are a real bone of contention and it’s affecting both you and your pet, consider asking a dog behaviourist for expert advice on travel issues. They should be able to help you make car travel a more positive experience for your dog.
What to do in an emergency
Dogs have been known to pick up injuries whilst out and about. Keeping a pet first-aid kit in the car could reassure you that, if something happened, you’d be able to provide basic medical aid before taking your dog to an emergency vet.
When preparing your pet first-aid kit, make sure to pack essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. You may also want to consider including a muzzle and a blanket. The kit should always be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Having pet insurance in place may help to cover the cost of vet bills that arise, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on helping your dog to recover.
Final Checks Before You Leave
Double-check your dog’s restraint
Travelling last-minute can mean missed opportunities to make sure your dog is properly secured.
Always give yourself plenty of time to check that your dog is safely restrained and your restraints work. If anything is broken and your dog is able to free themselves, this causes a distraction for the driver. Not only that, it also puts the dog and any occupants in the car at risk of injury.
Checking restraints can also be the difference between a safe, uneventful trip and a fine.
Is your car dog-proofed?
Many of us are guilty of carrying all sorts of odds and ends in our cars, some of which could be harmful to our pets. Before securing your dog, make sure to remove any hazardous materials or objects from the car.
Time for a recap…
Make sure to:
- Secure your dog in the backseat or boot, using appropriate restraints for their age and size
- Bring your dog’s favourite toys and a blanket
- Take some treats to give to your dog during the journey
- Keep the car cool and well-ventilated
- Pack your pet first-aid kit, including any medication
- Plan frequent breaks in your journey for exercise
- Fill a bottle with fresh water and offer it to your dog regularly
- Use a calm, reassuring tone when talking to your dog
- Turn down the volume on the radio
- Listen to calming music
We know we’ve said it once, but it’s worth repeating that you should never leave your dog unattended in the car.
We wish you safe and happy travels with your dog.