It is obvious that after a dog adoption in San Diego you will have to drive around with your dog from time to time. The last thing you want is for your dog to end up in an accident just because you forgot to close the windows or because he was looking for an opportunity to escape. In this post we shall be taking a look at the key things you need to do to keep your dog safe during a drive.
Keep him restrained
A common mistake most dog owners make is that of letting their dogs move freely around the car. Some people even allow their dogs to stay on their laps as they drive. This is not a wise thing to do because the distraction can take your attention and lead to an accident. Regardless of how perfect your dog is, you need to keep him restrained. This is something you should start doing immediately after a puppy adoption. Let your dog get used to being restrained while in the car.
In addition to that, failing to restrain your dog can lead to serious injury when your dog is turned into a projectile when you hit the emergency breaks. To prevent these issues, keep your dog in a car harness, barrier or crate. You must never allow him to ride in the front seat because the airbags can injure him or he may be thrown into the windshield.
Don’t leave him in the car
You must never leave your dog alone in the car for more than a minute. The main reason for this is to avoid heat stroke. Even when the weather is moderately warm, the inside of the car will heat up to extreme temperatures within minutes. It doesn’t matter if your car is parked in the sun or in a shade. Leaving the windows open is no excuse.
Leaving the dog alone in the car will also cause him to get bored or even anxious. This can lead to destructive behavior. A dog left in the car is also at a risk of being stolen or lost. From the day you bring your dog home after a dog rescue in San Diego until his dying day, you must never leave him alone in the car.
Some dogs hate car rides
Last but not least, you should note that some dogs hate car rides. Some dogs become fearful in a moving car. Some will get carsick while others just get anxious. You have to use extra caution if your dog doesn’t like car rides. After a puppy rescue, you should avoid feeding your dog several hours before the ride home.