Dog Car Travel

If your pet is unaccustomed to car trips, take her on a series of several short rides first before attempting a long one. Make sure that the first few car trips are to pleasant places (other than the vet), so that the dog will associate drives with positive experiences. Our dog enjoys going to the the bank drive-thru where the tellers dispense dog cookies along with our transaction.

From experience we've found that a happy, content, tired dog makes a pleasant travelling companion. Take your pooch on a long walk before setting out for the open road to burn some energy off. She will be less likely to get into mischief or bark for no reason. This holds true for dog car travel as well as around the house. Tired dog = Happy dog.

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For safety, do not allow dogs to ride in the front seat, no matter how much the pet enjoys it. Pets riding in the front seat can be thrown into the windshield if you have to make a sudden stop. Also, the pup can climb on the drivers lap, interfere with driving or fall down by the gas and brake pedals, causing an accident.

Another reason to keep pets in the back seat secured, or in a crate, is that airbags can pose hazards to dogs. Air bags can launch out of the dashboard at a great enough force to severely injure a pet or small human.

Crates or sturdy pet carriers are an ideal way to restrain dogs in cars. Stressed pets need a nice quiet place to rest and be alone at times. Secure the crate so it does not fly forward or flip in case of a sudden stop or accident. Other good alternatives are dog seat belts, safety harnesses and dog barriers for your vehicle to keep your dog friend safe during the trip.

These should go without saying, but almost every day I see someone driving down the road with their pet in the front seat, head out the window, or my number one pet peeve - driving with a dog in their lap. What are people thinking!?! This is dangerous for everyone in the vehicle and can lead to accidents.

A recent study by AAA Motor Club found that two-thirds of dog owners admitted engaging in some sort of distracting behavior while driving with their dog. More than half of those polled said they've petted their dogs while driving, and one in five allowed their dogs to sit on their laps. Yikes!

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A restrained 10 lb. dog that's involved in a crash at 50 mph will exert 500 lbs. of pressure. That could easily kill someone inside the vehicle. Some towns issue tickets for driving with a dog in your lap - you can receive a $75 fine for "obstruction of driver's mechanism". This behavior is as stupid and dangerous as texting while driving.

Some dogs enjoy hanging their heads out the window, ears flapping, nose twitching, a million smells a minute flying by - what could possibly be the harm of that? Eye injuries for one - that's what veterinarians hate to see. Think of all the things that go "splat!" on your windshield, and you'll know why eye injuries happen to joy-riding dogs. So here's a compromise we can all live with: roll down the window just enough for the dog's nose. The intriguing smells will still be there. All that's missing is the risk to your dog's precious vision.

The rankings are based on the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and other things to do with your dog.

1. San Diego - The best dog beaches anywhere. Boutique hotels. Many trails and parks to hike and great weather year-round for outdoor dining.

2. Portland (OR)- Enjoy the famous rose gardens and the parks. Have food and drink at the Lucky Lab. This town is dog-friendly inside and out.

3. Austin - Dine in outdoor cafes. Visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens and take a walking or carriage tour. Enjoy many dog-friendly parks.

4. Northern Virginia - Visit outdoor monuments in Virginia and Washington, take a cruise just for dogs and dine or go to yappy hour in dog-friendly Old Town Alexandria.

5. San Francisco - Many off-leash beaches and areas. Shop and dine in many parts of town. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Boston - Tour Boston by boat or take the subway. Follow the Freedom Trail and visit nearby historic sites. Stay at many pet-friendly hotels.

7. Orlando - Glamorous pet-friendly resorts. Boat tour, shop Winter Park or Celebration. Attend concerts in Lake Eola Park.

8. Salt Lake City - View downtown from Ensign Peak. Ride the Temple Square Carriages and walk the downtown area. Visit an amusement park and many historical parks.

9. Charleston (SC) - Visit the beach or a number of plantations. Take a ghost tour or an eco tour.

10. New York - Great luxury hotels, famous shopping and outdoor dining. Watch a morning show, enjoy Central Park on leash.

Honorable Mentions: Anchorage, Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, San Antonio (list courtesy of DogFriendly.com)

From a basic motel, to a cozy bed & breakfast on the lake, to a high-class resort, you can find the perfect venue for you and your favorite dog friend. There are many options nowadays for people travelling with pets. Research ahead of time and make a reservation.

We strongly recommend that you call ahead to double-check that they still are pet friendly. Sometimes hotel management and pet policies change. It's important that you and your dog feel comfortable and confident and, most importantly, be well-received upon your arrival.

From experience, we've found that our dogs settle down and relax on a trip more quickly when surrounded by a familiar bed and/or blanket, a few of their favorite toys and their usual food in the dinner bowl. Dogs love routine! So try and keep to their usual routine as much as possible when away from home. They will be more comfortable and so will you!

Don't forget to pack your dog's heartworm preventive and flea & tick control. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are especially bad this year.

Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

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What's in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to rabies vaccination paperwork, remember food, bowls, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, dog cookies, chew toys, medication, and a pet first-aid kit.

Also we recommend to pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity away from home. Sometimes it takes me longer to pack for our dog than it does for me! ; )

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The chilling temps of winter bring many concerns for responsible dog owners:

Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than the actual temperature. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit his or her time outdoors. If you're cold - chances are your best friend is too.

Keep your dog warm, dry, and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

Groom your dog regularly and continue to brush his coat during the winter months. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat when taking a walk or car trip. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.

Towel dry or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from the rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean their paws too - especially with the salt and chemicals used this time of year on streets and sidewalks. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent cracking.

Don't leave your dog alone in a car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide fumes can endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold, too quickly.

Follow these tips and your dog friend will be most appreciative!

Portable Dog Crate

Lightweight Portable Dog Crate is designed for ease of use with machine washable indoor/outdoor fabric. These portable dog crates easily fold for transport and provide visibility and air circulation for your dog during travel or containment. Available in Green.

• Vent windows for air circulation and visibility
• Folds easily on itself for transport
• Do not leave your pet unattended for long periods of time

Make your dog at home wherever you go with the Portable Dog Crate.

Safe Traveler Dog Harness Set

Help protect your four-legged friend from sudden stops or starts and distracting you while you drive with this dog car harness.

• Two-click installation secures your dog in his seat
• Flexible dog car harness allows dog to sit or lie down
• Set includes black harness, fast connecting tether, seat belt adapter and travel bag
• One size fits all dogs over 20 lbs.

Your dog deserves a safe, comfortable trip. Barkle up!

Luxury Lookout Dog Car Seat

Perspective is everything - and this dog seat may just provide the perfect view of the world. Designed for pet comfort, with a fleecy faux lambswool liner and soft, durable foam cushioning, it elevates your dog while it enhances her safety - with a built-in harness strap and an easy seatbelt connector for secure travel. Let your canine commuter see the world - from a whole new place.

• The ultimate combination of comfort and safety
• Patented design with built-in strap for securing a dog harness
• Straps into seatbelt for security
• Fleece lining with durable, comfortable foam cushioning

When stopping the car, have things organized before opening the door, including stops at gas stations and rest areas. Make sure the dog is still secured. And when taking the dog out of the car, have the leash attached to the dog and in your hand so that the dog cannot escape.

During stops, provide fresh drinking water for your dog. Pack ice chips or cubes. This makes a tasty treat for your dog, plus it melts down into water along the way. For long trips, bring sufficient bottled water for you and your dog (to prevent tummy upsets from water they are unaccustomed to).

ALWAYS pick up your pet's droppings! Have bags on hand to take care of it quickly and efficiently. Your consideration will help keep dogs welcome guests.

Whether it's talking on a cellphone, eating or drinking, texting, adjusting the radio, or programming your navigation system, increasingly, it seems that driving is not always the top priority in the car.

Cell phones can be life-saving communication tools to have ready in a vehicle in case of emergency. However, actually using a cell phone while driving may be life threatening. The National Safety Council (NSC) released an estimate described as "conservative" that more than 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries, and 2,600 deaths are caused per year by distracted drivers on cell phones.

I live in Illinois where new laws ban motorists from sending text messages while driving, and make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving through a highway construction zone or school zone. In addition, it will become illegal to compose, send or read text messages, instant messages and e-mail on a cell phone or surf the internet while driving. I continue to see people with phones glued to their ears and thumbing away texting while behind the wheel.

Clearly the safest course of action is to not use a cell phone while driving. If you need to take a call or check messages while traveling - pull over and wait until the car is safely stopped. This should be common sense...to ensure you, your family and pets arrive safely at your destination.

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The majority of dogs love riding in the car, but there are some pooches who find it to be a stressful event. Luckily, there is a solution: the Thundershirt. The Thundershirt's gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. You very well may see significant improvement for noise, crate, travel, barking and other behaviors - with absolutely no training.

Depending on the severity of your dog's travel anxiety, a Thundershirt alone may be enough to solve your issues. The use of Thundershirt alone has eliminated or significantly reduced symptoms such as severe shaking, panting, excitability, barking and even vomiting. But there are also easy steps you can take to further help your dog to be a happy traveler.

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Thunder Shirt For Dog Travel Anxiety