Unless you are lucky enough to live out in the countryside with lots of private grounds you will have to travel to get your dog to a space open enough to give it a good run. If there is a dog friendly park nearby within walking distance you need only pop on a lead but for some dog owners living in a city or busy town centre the only option is to travel by car.
It is important that your dog is safe and comfortable during any length of car journey. This is a list of car accessories for dogs
Dog Safety
Dog car crates or cages specially adapted for cars not only makes your car journey safer for you but also for your dog, it also helps the dog feel more secure. Think how frightened your dog might be looking through the window of a moving car with everything whizzing past!
It could be there isn’t room for a travel cage or maybe your dog is taken out in more than one car in which case a dog harness with seat belt adaptor is a good alternative. This is a highly recommended multi purpose accessory for your dog!
Word of warning: For those who think these are extreme, imagine what would happen if you were to have a car accident. If unsecured, your frightened dog could easily jump out of a car and run right onto a busy road.
Dog Comfort
The boot of a car is not designed for comfort so if your pet has to travel in the boot a dog bed is much nicer to sleep on.
It is also a good idea to keep a dog blanket in your car especially if you are planning a long journey in the colder months. (remember to also keep a blanket for yourself in case of break downs!)
Food and Water
Your dog will get hungry and thirsty during a long car journey and will certainly need to quench his or her thirst after a long run. It is essental to keep water handy and for the bowl, consider disposable or re-usable material travel bowls that fold up neatly instead of the standard bowls that are bulky and take up more space.
Handy hint: The car engine might need water too! Keep a supply of water in your car for both dog and car engine especially during the hotter months. Large plastic milk or juice bottles are ideal for this. You can re-fill at a fresh water river or stream if out in the countryside.
Shade from the sun
Drivers and human passengers have visors to protect them from the glare of the sun so don’t forget your dog and fit a car window shade where appropriate.
Handy hint: Families with small children may already have car window shades which as perfect for pets too!
Dog Ramps
A dog car ramp can be a godsend! You can lift smaller dogs into the car but what if you have had a particularly muddy run or if you have an older heavier dog that can’t jump up? You can choose from a number of dog car ramps that will fold away neatly when not in use.
Pet First Aid
As exciting as running in the countryside can be for your dog, there can also hazards including barbed wire, broken glass and sharp sticks. The first aid you apply to your dog if it gets a nasty cut will be vital in its recovery and if you are out in the middle of nowhere it could be a while before you can get your dog to a vet. Dog first aid kits usually come with bandages, gauzes and sterile wipes and are small enough for your glove compartment.
Swellpets.co.uk has many more great products for dogs. Give it a whirl.co.uk
