29/06/2017
⚠️🚫 DOG CAR SAFETY 🚫⚠️
After a recent experience I decided to look up some advice about how to keep a pet safe in the car and thought I'd share these simple tips I learnt with you all! 🐶🐱
🔹Be a safe driver for yourself, your pet and for others - whether you have a pet in the car or not, stay alert, stick to speed limits, and don't take risks - it's always better to be safe then sorry 🙅🏼
🔹If your dog is nervous in the car you could bring along a travel bed or pillow, their favourite toy, and make sure to help them associate car journeys with good experiences by giving occasional treats 😋
🔹If you are going on a long journey, exercise your dog before so they are more likely to sleep, feed them 3-4 hours before leaving, make sure you take your pet for regular toilet breaks, and bring a travel water bowl 🍶💧
🔹Do NOT let your pet sit on the front seat due to the airbags, do NOT let them climb between the front and back of the car as it can be distracting for the driver, and do NOT let them stick their head out the window! It's dangerous for you, them and other drivers ✖️
🔹If you feel like your pet needs attention, pull over! Petting your dog means letting a hand of the steering wheel and distracting yourself from concentrating on the road. When you pull over make sure you let them out on the non-traffic side and teach them to wait to exit the car
🔹Harnesses, crates, carriers and barriers should be used when you can, BUT check if they are crash tested 😖 Unfortunately many makes and models aren't tested and could do more damage to your pet 😳😰
🔹Please try your best to not leave a dog alone in a car! I've known people who have had dogs lock the car from the inside by accident?! 😧 Cars can heat up extremely quickly so always leave a gap in the window (not enough that they could climb out), try to park in the shade where possible, and be as fast as you can! Don't dither over what McDonalds meal you want - your dog could die from heatstroke within 15 minutes 🙁‼️
*featuring my beautiful dog Amber not following these safety rules while in our camper van oops*
