Travelling by road with a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to take steps to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable while on the road. This can mean buying a car that works not only well for you and your loved ones but also for your furry friend!
Finding The Right Car For You And Your Furry Friend
The Size Of The Car
The size of your car primarily depends on the size of your dog! While small dogs can pretty much fit in any kind of car (sometimes even a purse), larger dogs need a larger space to survive a long road trip or even a trip to the vet.
Make sure the car you choose has enough space for your dog to be comfortable and safe. For larger dogs, you may need to look for a car with a spacious backseat or cargo area.
Check Your Dog Harnesses And Seatbelts
It is important to use a seatbelt or some other form of restraint for your dog when travelling in a car. This is because unrestrained dogs can be a safety hazard in the event of an accident, as they can be thrown around the car or even ejected from the vehicle. In addition, unrestrained dogs can be a distraction to the driver, which can increase the risk of accidents.
There are a variety of seatbelts and other restraints available for dogs, including harnesses that can be attached to a seatbelt or to a car's LATCH system, and crates or carriers that can be secured in the backseat or cargo area. By using a seatbelt or other restraint for your dog, you can help ensure their safety and reduce the risk of accidents while on the road.
Check For Childlocks And Window Locks
Childlocks and window locks can be useful for dog owners in certain situations. Childlocks, which are safety features that prevent the back doors of a car from being opened from the inside, can be helpful if you have a dog that is prone to trying to escape from the car or if you have young children who may accidentally open the doors. Window locks, which prevent the windows from being opened from the inside, can be helpful if you have a dog that is prone to sticking their head out of the window or if you have young children who may accidentally open the windows.
However, it's important to keep in mind that childlocks and window locks can also be a safety hazard in certain situations. For example, if you are involved in an accident and the childlocks or window locks are engaged, it may be difficult for you or someone else to open the doors or windows to escape. Therefore, it is important to use childlocks and window locks carefully and only in situations where they are necessary
Cars With Dog Friendly Features
The size of car that is best for your dog will depend on the size of your dog and how much space they need to be comfortable and safe. Here are a few general guidelines to consider:
For small dogs: Any size car will likely be suitable, as long as your dog has enough room to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably.
A crate or carrier: A crate or carrier can provide a safe and secure space for your small dog to ride in the car. Look for a crate or carrier that is sturdy and properly sized for your dog.
A seatbelt harness: A seatbelt harness can help keep your small dog safe while riding in the car. Make sure to choose a harness that fits your dog properly and is designed for use in a car.
A built-in ventilation system: If your small dog tends to get anxious or overheated in the car, a built-in ventilation system can help keep them cool and calm.
For medium-sized dogs: A small or mid-sized car should be sufficient, as long as your dog has enough room in the backseat or cargo area to stretch out and move around.
A built-in pet barrier: A built-in pet barrier can help keep your medium-sized dog contained in the backseat or cargo area and prevent them from climbing into the front of the car.
A fold-down rear seat: A car with a fold-down rear seat can create more space for your medium-sized dog to stretch out and move around.
For large dogs: A larger car, such as a mid-sized SUV or a full-sized sedan, will likely be necessary to provide your dog with enough space. You may want to look for a car with a spacious backseat or a fold-down rear seat to create more room for your dog.
Dog-friendly cars are vehicles that are designed with features and amenities to make them more suitable for dogs and their owners. Now that you know all about the features needed to get a car that’s comfortable for both you and your dog, head on over to our showroom to get your hands on your brand new car!
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