Embarking on a road trip with your furry friend is a great way to create lifelong memories, but ensuring their safety is paramount. Whether you're headed for a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, implementing proper dog car safety measures will not only protect your pet but also help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey for everyone!

Dog car safety tip #1: Invest in a quality car harness

Seat belts aren’t only important for humans – your dog should always be secured while your car is in motion. One of the safest ways to restrain your dog in the car is by using a car harness specifically

designed for pets. Two popular options include:

●     Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness: This harness has been extensively crash tested at a university testing facility following child car seat standards. This testing has been done for dogs up to 75 lbs, so if you have a small to medium-sized dog, Kurgo is an excellent option.

●     Ruffwear Load Up Harness: Available in sizes XXS to XXL, this harness has a universal seat belt loop which attaches to existing seat belts. This allows dogs to stand, sit, and sleep as they please while keeping them secure during sudden vehicle movements.

Regardless of the harness you choose, just make sure that it securely buckles your dog into the seat, preventing them from roaming freely – this is the best way to minimize the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or accidents.

Dog car safety tip #2: Use a car-specific crate

For dogs who may feel more comfortable in an enclosed space, a car crate is an excellent option. Just like with a harness, in the unfortunate event of a car accident, a well-designed and crash-tested crate can protect the dog. Your dog should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably when they’re in the crate, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing one. It’s also important that the crate can be securely anchored in the car to prevent it from shifting during travel.

Our top choice of car crate is the MIM Safe Variocage Single. The Variocage is the most rigorously crash-tested and proven dog transport cage in the world – it’s actually the only crash-tested crate rated using government safety standards. It can also be adjusted to 14 different sizes to fit a wide range of car models and dog sizes, meaning that if you ever get a new car you won’t need a new crate!

Dog car safety tip #3: Take regular breaks

When on your road trip, you’ll want to add a bit more time to your travel plans to allow for frequent stops. There are three key reasons why your dog needs regular breaks from the car:

●     Give them time to stretch their legs: Dogs, like humans, can experience discomfort and stiffness from prolonged periods of sitting or lying down. Regular stops allow them to stretch their legs, preventing muscle cramps and promoting joint flexibility.

●     Reduce feelings of stress: Dogs may become anxious or stressed during long car rides. Frequent stops provide a break from the confined space, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being.

●     Ensure they stay properly hydrated: Dehydration can be a serious concern for dogs, especially during hot weather. Not all dogs enjoy drinking in the car, so providing them with water breaks outside the car ensures that they stay adequately hydrated throughout the journey.

These breaks can also be a nice time to reward your dog for their good behavior. If your pup is prone to car sickness, you’ll want to choose a small treat that is gentle on their stomach. Freshpet treats are a great option because they can be easily broken down into small pieces and are made with high-quality, natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s stomach.