Summer is a great time to get out and explore with your best furry friend. We often see commercials showing a man or woman with their dog, speeding down an empty road with the sun shining and windows wide open. While this is a common occurrence, it can also be impractical and dangerous. It's no doubt that a pet is considered a member of the family, so why wouldn't a pet owner do everything in their power to ensure their safety?

You can certainly enjoy the warmth of summer with your pet, but you want to do it safely. It's a lot of fun to take a road trip or joyride with your pet, but you have to keep in mind that there are quite a few dangers when traveling with your pet in general, as well as in the summertime.

Here's How to Travel Safely with Your Pet this Summer

Keep Them Restrained

There are many dangers for you (the driver) and your pet (the passenger) if you let them roam free in a moving vehicle. Using a safety restraint is a good idea. It keeps your pet safe if you need to make a sudden top, and also keeps them from wandering up into the front seat.

Keep Them Hydrated

Stopping frequently and allowing for regular water breaks is a must. It's best to keep bottled water with you when you travel with your pet. Make sure the water stays cool by not leaving it in a parked car. The interior temperature will quickly rise and heat the water temperature. Have a small bowl or collapsible container that you can keep in your car bag or travel bag, which is easily accessible.

Take them for a Walk

No pet owner can drive for hours on end without taking a break to stretch legs. Your pet shouldn't be expected to sit in a car for hours without taking a break either. Find a safe rest area or park to take a nice walk in. Make sure that the area is well lit if you need to stop after dark, and always keep your phone with you in case of emergencies. Don't forget to keep a few trash baggies in the car to pick up after your pet in case the area you've stopped at doesn't provide them for visitors.

Keep them Calm

Many pets tend to become anxious when riding in a vehicle. It's a great idea to talk to them when you're in the car together or play light, soothing music to keep them calm. If they become easily agitated in the car and it becomes a safety issue for them or for you, don't hesitate to talk to your vet. They may be able to offer helpful advice, or even medicinal treatments to help keep your pet calm in the car.

Keep them Cool

This probably goes without saying, but never ever leave your pet in a parked vehicle... not even for five minutes. In the dead of summers, temperatures rise 10-20 degrees in a matter of minutes and can be the difference between life or death for pets, and people, alike. If you know you're headed someplace that doesn't allow pets indoors, leave them at home, where they'll be safe, happy, and cool.

Do you like to travel with your pets? 

How do you keep them safe in the summertime?

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