Travelling Tips To Settle Troublesome Tummies
Cars are a great way to get from A to B safely, however, they can be scary, uncomfortable journeys for furry friends.
Dogs overheat very easily and this can result in upset tummies, vomiting, heat stroke and can even lead to a fear of cars.
It is important that your dog gets used to travelling in the car and the best way to ensure that is by introducing them to car travel from an early age.
Begin by sitting them in the car and turning it on, gently talk to them and then move the car slightly. Increase the time in the car until they are used to it. It can help to bring them to places you know they’ll enjoy, such as the park, the beach or to a playdate with another doggie. Positive association is key, if your dog knows the car means adventures or good things, that’s half the battle!
Special doggie booster seats can be purchased for the front seat, which can help reduce nausea and can alleviate stress, as your dog is in close proximity to you. You can also use hammocks for the back seat, which can prevent your dog from jumping into the front seat to say hello! We want them to be comfortable but we also want to stay safe while driving!
In relation to safety, we would always recommend properly securing your dog using a travel restraint. These often feature a heavy duty clasp at one end that attaches to a collar or harness, while the other end clips directly into the seat buckle. There are various types of travel restraints but we do recommend this particular type as they are easy to use and can quickly be released in case of emergency.
Make the car a positive experience, chat to your dog and encourage them into the car with a light treat that takes time to consume, such as chewy sticks. Some doggies do not travel well with food, so unfortunately this is trial and error with each dog.
Some dogs may never be comfortable in the car or have a very low tolerance. In this circumstance, the best thing to do would be to avoid feeding at least an hour before driving so as to avoid the risk of vomiting or queasy tummies. The use of travel tablets or calming collars is also beneficial as they have a soothing effect. We recommend the Beaphar brand of calming collars and tablets. The tablets in particular contain natural herbs and plant extracts that are proven to have a calming effect, including rosemary and hop flowers.
Always consult a vet before using any herbal products.
It should also go without saying that your dog should NEVER be in the footwell, on your lap or in the driver’s seat. Not only for safety, but they’ll make a beeline for FluffyPaws if they get to the steering wheel!
Written by Peigí Conneff
