Dog safety in the car

A guide to keeping your dog safe in the car.

As a nation of pet lovers, it may come as no surprise to learn that there are more than 10 million dogs in the UK. While many of us now enjoy a four-legged family member, there are some things to consider before taking your pet in the car, so below is Tusker’s guide to this, to help you bone up on everything you need to know.

What is the UK Law about driving with a Dog?

Section 57 of the Highway Code states that your dog or other animals must be suitably restrained in the car, to avoid causing distraction and to avoid injury to them or you if you stop quickly. The Highway Code lists harnesses, pet carriers, cages and dog guards as suitable ways to keep your pet safe.

Finding the right solution for you will depend on the size of your pet, what type of car you have and of course, the preference of you and your pet as to where they travel, making sure that both you and they are comfortable and secure will make journeys easier for everyone.

What are my options?

We know of a spaniel that loved to curl up on the front passenger seat, and a pug that won’t settle anywhere other than her crate in the boot, so you will know what’s best for your dog. Most pet stores will sell a full range of car safety products, from seatbelt harnesses that clip onto a collar, through padded baskets to full cages, which makes finding the perfect solution easy.

How to make your dog comfortable in the car

If the car is not somewhere that you dog is used to being, building up their familiarity with some short journeys is a good way to get them comfortable with longer journeys. Bringing their favourite blanket and toy will really help to ease any anxiety and let them feel more at home.

If your dog gets travel sick (most young dogs grow out of this as they get older) then making sure that your interior is a cool and comfortable temperature, and that a window is open just enough for a breeze can really help.

On longer journeys, don’t forget to make regular stops to allow your pet to go to the loo, and get regular water. It’s suggested to avoid giving your dog a big meal within two hours of a journey, as this can make them travel sick, but you can reward them for calm behaviour with treats throughout the journey.

We know that you know this by now, but you should never leave your dog unattended in the car for any length of time, as it can become uncomfortably hot within minutes, and letting your dog put its head out of the window risks them getting injured, however much they enjoy it.

If you are looking to find the perfect car for you and your dog, why not have a look at Tusker’s stock page for our latest range of cars.