BY CLAIRE HARRIS
With 89% of UK dog owners travelling with their dogs on a weekly basis, it’s important to make sure everyone stays safe.
We are a nation of dog lovers and who doesn’t love a countryside walk or trip to the beach on the weekend? Dogs love getting out and about with their owners, and why not? Dogs are part of the family.
Travelling with a large breed can sometimes be a bit tricker than a smaller breed. More care and consideration needs to be taken by not only making sure they are comfortable and have enough space, but that they are safe when you arrive at your destination.
The Animal Welfare Act states dogs must have enough space to stand up, sit up and lay down.
But under Highway Code Rule 57, dogs must be restrained.
This can sometimes lead to confusion about what’s restrained but also making sure they can lay down.
It’s important your dog has enough space to move around, but not enough they causes a safety issue. Plus, you want to consider how excited your dog is when you arrive at your destination, the beach is definitely a reason to be excited.
What you don’t want to happen is for your dog to jump out as soon as you open the boot, or even worse than jumping out, they run off excitedly ready to play.
The best way to transport a large or giant breed would be in the boot section of the vehicle, with a crash-tested dog guard and a crash-tested tail gate.
A tail gate ensures they are not able to jump out, whilst giving you the chance to open the gate carefully and put your hand in to grab their lead. The dog guard protects any people in the event of an accident.
I would always recommend keeping your dog’s lead on when they travel as long as its safe to do so. Obviously, if they are a chewer or the lead is likely to get their leg caught in their lead then it’s not worth the risk.
A lead will always give you something to grab onto should your dog bolt, even with the precautions you are taking.
Some extras to consider are;
- Additional room temperature water if your dog were to overheat on their walk. You can pour this directly on them, not cold water though.
- Extra water for drinking
- Water bowl
- Towel, you never quite know what’s in those muddy puddles, that could be licked off whilst you are driving!
- Consider the temperature in the car, depending on the breed, it depends on the temperature. Double coated dogs, for example, will love the air con blasting on a hot day, but an older short-haired dog may not want it on full blast.
And lastly;
Don’t forget your dog’s favourite toy!
Claire Harris is the Founder of Pets 2 Places. For more information visit: www.pets2places.co.uk
