Have you recently added a puppy to your household? Congratulations! Little Fido has lots to learn in his first year, as he figures out the do’s and don’ts of being a dog. Before getting into the details of puppy care, you might want to check out our article, “Is Your Child Ready for a Puppy?“, to ensure your family is fully prepared for the responsibilities. One thing he’ll need to get used to is riding in cars. Whether you plan to take your canine pal out and about with you frequently, or only for occasional veterinary appointments or dog park excursions, you’ll need to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable in the car.
Here are some important tips:
Safety
We strongly recommend keeping your canine pal crated on car rides. There are far too many ways for a curious puppy to get into trouble if he’s loose in the car! Be sure to choose the sturdiest crate you can find. You can also get doggy seat belts and harnesses, or wire or mesh barriers, but these may not offer Fido enough protection in case of an accident. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Comfort
Little Fido won’t be used to the stops and starts a car ride entails, and may slide around a bit until he gets the hang of it. Be sure to make his crate comfy by adding a soft blanket or pillow.
Temperature
Keeping the little one at comfortable temperatures is very important. Never, ever leave a dog in a hot car! Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can reach deadly levels in just minutes.
Carsickness
Did you know that dogs can get carsick? If little Fido isn’t used to cars, he may get an upset tummy. To prevent carsickness, don’t feed your pooch just before car rides, and crack the windows enough to allow good airflow.
Leashes
You’ll want to keep your canine pal leashed while going to and from the car, but unclip his leash while traveling. Choose a leash that you can easily snap on and off your pup’s collar.
Papers
Make sure that little Fido always wears his tags and collar for car rides. We also recommend keeping copies of his vaccinations in your glove compartment, so you always have them.
Puppy Car Kit
Make a little car kit for your pup. Include a few gallons of water; a dish; a leash; treats; a first aid kit; plastic bags; and a waste scooper.
Please contact us, your local animal clinic in Hobe Sound, FL for all of your puppy’s veterinary care needs, including veterinary surgery. We’re here to help!
