Summer vacation is just around the corner, and many of you are probably planning a trip with your ARISTODOG. We recently talked about how to travel by plane with your pet, so now we'll give you some tips for traveling with your dog in the car.
If it's the first time you're taking your dog in the car, don't worry, you don't have to make any major adaptations or worry about getting a fine. However, the animal cannot distract the driver or interfere with their field of vision or movements. Traffic law is quite ambiguous in this regard and only states:
"The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and permanent attention to driving, which guarantees their own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle, and that of other road users. To this end, they must take special care to maintain the appropriate position and ensure that the rest of the passengers maintain it, and the appropriate placement of transported objects or animals so that there is no interference between the driver and any of them."
The most important thing is to guarantee the safety of all vehicle occupants, including your ARISTOPET, of course. For this, it is necessary that they are always restrained, regardless of the method you use. If they travel unrestrained, they and the other passengers could suffer injuries.
Among the restraint systems, we have three options: Restraining them with a harness, carrying them in a carrier, or having them separated from the rest of the passengers by a partition grid in the back seats or in the trunk. If your dog is large, we recommend this last option, so they will have enough space to move around with a little freedom and will travel more safely and comfortably. In the trunk, they can travel inside a carrier (it is most advisable that it is as close as possible to the back seats) or with a double-anchored harness.
Car carrier
If they are small, they can be secured with a double-anchored harness, or also in a carrier at the foot of the back seats. The carrier is the safest method for them, although not the most comfortable. Remember that you should NEVER place the carrier on the seats or tie it with the seatbelt, as it could be thrown off in any sudden movement of the vehicle.
For older ARISTODOGS, we also recommend using a ramp to help them get in and out of the car as comfortably as possible.
Aluminum ramp| Safety harness
If your dog is not very used to being in the car and you have a long trip ahead, you can take short trips so they can get used to it. If you can, it's best to accustom them when they are small. Try to train them so they don't acquire bad habits like scratching the seats, sticking their head out the window, etc., and that they associate the car with positive experiences, not just with trips to the vet.
To avoid motion sickness, don't feed them a few hours before the trip. Make sure the vehicle is well ventilated, let air in but don't let your dog stick their head out the window. It's a risk for them and can damage their ears. Bring their favorite blanket or toy with them and make more stops than usual during the trip so they can relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch their legs a bit.
Car bed | Seatbelt | Double aluminum carrier
And remember, never leave your dog locked in the car unprotected. Not even for 10 minutes. It can have fatal consequences.
With these tips, your trip will surely be uncomplicated. Does your ARISTODOG like to travel in the car? You can tell us on our social media.