One of the simplest joys in life is driving down the road with your pet. Many drivers allow their pets to place their head out the window and have free range of the vehicle. With this in mind, is should be noted that riding in a car can be just as dangerous for a pet as humans, and every effort should be taken to keep your pet safe.

What can I do to protect my pet?

No matter if you are seeking to travel a long or a short distance, being responsible for the safety of a pet in a car should be taken seriously. Driving with a pet involves a little bit of planning to ensure the best trip for all.

When traveling with a pet, here are some things to do to ensure their safety:

• Use a well-ventilated and comfortable pet carrier for trips
• Keep the carrier in the backseat foot well
• Feed a pet well before getting in the car and never try to feed them when driving
• Never leave a pet alone in the car, no matter what the outside temperature is
• Use flat collars instead of choke collars in case they become trapped
• Install a microchip in your pet in the event they get loose or run away from the vehicle
• Do not allow the pet to ride with their head out of the window
• Bring plenty of bottled water for drinking
• Take your pet on a walk before the trip and after they get out to calm them down

If your pet has been in the car for a while, be sure to let them out to relieve themselves, stretch their legs, and provide them with food and water.

There are many factors that affect a driver behind the wheel, and your pet will not be equipped to react safely if any of these occur. If you have any questions on what you can do to keep your beloved animal safe when they join you in the car, speak with your veterinarian. They will be able to offer appropriate products and tips specific to your animal.