Here are the best ways to keep dogs safe and comfortable in the car

International Dog Day (August 25) marks a point where owners get to celebrate their four-legged friends. Whether that’s with a walk or a new toy, it’s a great opportunity to appreciate what dogs give us.

But it’s also a good time to think about how to safely transport your dogs in the car, which is why we’ve been speaking to The Net Vet’s Dr Alex Crow and Porsche about how to keep your dogs as secure as can be when you’re on the move.

Start with familiarity

One of the best places to start when bringing a dog with you in the car is familiarity. Whether it’s a younger dog or one that has recently joined the family, Dr Alex says that making sure that your four-legged friend gets used to the car before you even start moving is vitally important.

Drivers should be “putting dogs in the car on the driveway for a few minutes before taking them out and giving them a treat before building up very short drives of five minutes or less and doing that regularly – a few times a week, ideally.’

Make sure dogs are secured properly

Pet owners also need to make sure that their dogs are properly secured within the vehicle. Failing to do so could cause a dangerous situation and could result in a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points on a licence if a case were taken to court. Luckily, there’s a broad range of harnesses, boxes and dedicated options for all types of cars, including the Porsche-specific inflatable luggage compartment box for dogs that we tested out.

“Never have a dog loose in the car,” says Dr Alex. “It’s dangerous to them. People injure themselves if they have to suddenly brake or turn. But also, it can be very distracting to the driver of the car if you’ve got a loose dog in there.”

Make journeys as comfortable as can be

“If you’re doing a long journey, make sure that you’re stopping every half an hour to an hour,” says Dr Alex. “Obviously, toilet breaks give the dog a bit of fresh and a run around while making them more comfortable by breaking up that potential stress and anxiety.”

You should also make sure that you’re packing plenty of water for your journey – alongside a bowl, of course. Dr Alex says that drivers should avoid leaving their pets in the car ‘at all costs’, particularly during the warmer summer months. In winter, drivers may need to think before cranking up their car’s heating if a dog is in the car, too, as they could have a negative reaction to it.

Drive smoothly

Drivers can make a big impact on their dog’s well-being through the way that they drive, too. It’s all about “smooth driving and smooth corners,” says Dr Alex. “Gradual braking and avoiding sudden stops.”

You might want to take a look at your planned route and see if there’s any way of avoiding twisty roads or tight lanes, which can often be a cause of travel sickness in dogs.

Make sure that your destination is dog-friendly

One of the best ways to improve a dog’s journey is by double-checking that the place you’re heading to is dog-friendly. Whether it’s a restaurant, a tourist destination or a city centre, making sure that there are places where your dog is allowed to walk about is important.

“If it’s a hotel, make sure that they’re dog-friendly, and they’ve got plenty of dog-friendly facilities on site,” says Dr Alex. “Or if you’re going to a particular national park or something like that, make sure that they actually allow dogs in.”