If you are planning to hit the road with your dog, then a few important things must be kept in mind. You are probably thinking about these matters already, and that has brought you here. Although traveling with your pets can be a tricky situation to handle, it is nothing too difficult to do if planned properly. As you read on, you will learn about some tips and items that could really come in handy in such a situation.
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Options to Use
Planning for something is like preparing a map, an outline that will serve as the key to achieving a certain goal. In a situation where you are moving your large dog like a Mastiff to a new location, planning can do wonders. Make a list of all the things that you might need for your dog, gather those things, and make sure they have been placed in the car before you leave.
Several objects are available that can be utilized to limit the movement of the dog within your vehicle. This will prevent any accidents from happening. Some options that can be utilized include:
Dog Crate
Placing your dog in a crate will minimize his movement. However, you must make sure that the size of the crate is appropriate for the dog so that it does not create discomfort during the journey. Also, the crate should be of good quality. Crash-tested crates are the best option for this purpose as they are safety-certified. Then, you must keep this in mind as well that the crate must be according to your vehicle.
For Car Backseat
Most of the time, owners find it best to place their dogs in crates that can fit on the backseats of the car instead of the trunk. This is comfortable for both the dog and the owner as the dog’s movements are easy to monitor, and he remains calmer seeing you around.
Several different dog crates are available for car back seats. Quality features like claw-proof material must be preferred. Various sizes are available, and you must pick the size that is right for your dog so that he does not get uncomfortable. Also, go for the material that is lightweight yet sturdy. Mostly, the crates for car back seats are preferred to be made of a durable fabric as they can adjust easily inside the car.
For SUV
If you are planning to travel in an SUV, then metal dog crates can be used as well. These are designed to fit in SUVs, vans, and other such large vehicles. You must pick a crate with features like a leak-proof pan, carrying handle, and durable rust-proof material. The latches should be heavy-duty so that you do not have to worry about the safety of your dog throughout the journey.
Besides crates, some other options can also be used for restraining your dog.
Leash and Harness
Carrying a leash and harness with yourself is a good option, especially when your dog is uncomfortable in a crate. Even if he is comfortable, he might want to get out of the crate sometimes when the journey is too long. In such a situation, a leash and harness can be a lifesaver. A harness helps the dog avoid getting entangled in the leash, so both these items go hand in hand.
Dog Seat Belt
If your dog has ever shown signs of travel anxiety, then it is important that you consult your dog’s vet as part of planning this trip. Also, it might be possible that putting your dog in a crate develops anxiety in him. In such a case, it is best that you avoid using a crate and instead get a seat prepared for your dog, which is equipped with a seat belt as well. You can have it fixed in the car. It will restrain the dog but be less captivating than a crate. Hence, it may relieve your Mastiff of the stress caused by placing it in the crate. Moreover, it will make the dog safe and prevent him from getting involved in an accident.
Dog Car Hammock
You have to make sure that the place where the dog is made to sit is comfortable. A dog car hammock is a great tool for this purpose. Moreover, while transporting a large dog that does not want to be in a crate, a hammock can be a protective shield for the seats. It will keep the seats safe from dog fur, scratches, and mud that come along with the dog’s paws.
Top qualities in the best dog car hammocks include them being water-proof and washing machine-safe with an anti-slip bottom. If you love your vehicle as much as your dog, then you will love this amazing tool as it works to keep your car clean.
Dog Car Barrier
Installing a dog car barrier between the driver or passenger seats and the sitting area of the Mastiff can also be quite handy. This will ensure the safety of the driver as well as the pet. Also, it will prevent the driver from getting distracted by any unpredictable movements of your canine partner.
A multipurpose car barrier can also be used to store the dog’s toys or blanket to make the journey less dull for your canine pal. The most important feature of a good-quality car barrier is that it should be easy to install and remove.
Tips
It’s important to make a list of all the situations that you may find yourself in and prepare for the best pet care during the journey. The details of different tips will eventually depend on the duration of your journey and your pet’s needs. However, you can keep the following points in mind so that the journey remains as smooth as possible.
Make Time For Breaks
Taking short breaks during the journey might slow you down, but with your pet along, it will be a good decision after all. If your journey is quite long, try to take a break after every one or two hours. Let your dog out of the car during this time. He might need to go defecate or even run around here and there to regain his energy.
The breaks should be about 15 to 20 minutes long, at least so that your furry pal can get enough fresh air. If you are traveling for a few days, you can plan for longer breaks at a dog-friendly rest house. This will be a good relief for your pet friend as traveling continuously can result in frustration in the dog’s behavior.
Empty Stomach
A great piece of advice here would be to not feed your dog immediately before starting your journey. This can save you from a number of problems later on. Feeding the dog immediately before the journey can lead to an upset stomach. This can, in turn, cause a messy situation inside the vehicle. You will certainly not want that to happen. Therefore, it is really useful that you feed your dog at least three hours prior to starting the journey.
However, if the journey is too long, then keeping an empty stomach throughout the journey might not be possible. In such a case, when you take breaks during the journey, make sure that you feed your dog with a small amount of dog food. Do not feed him too much as it can upset the stomach. Also, give him water to drink but that too in reasonable amounts. Too much or too little food or water will not be suitable for your canine.
Conclusion
An easy, comfortable, and smooth journey with your mastiff is possible with sufficient planning prior to starting the journey. All your pet’s needs must be kept in view, and measures must be taken accordingly. The better planning you have done, the easier the entire ride will be. During the trip, make sure you remain calm as your dog can sense your anxiety and develop stress himself. This is the single most important thing that you can do to keep your dog free of any sort of distress. In the end, the better you have planned the trip, the more enjoyable your moments will be as they will be stress-free and organized.
