Dwight Smith

OUR BLOG

Safety Tips: Driving With a Pet

Whether you’re ;driving with a pet ;to the store or on a road trip, it’s essential to keep both of you safe. In this post by AMSOIL: ;Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, we’ll go over some basic safety tips.

Prepare Your Pet

The first step when ;driving with a pet ;is to get them used to riding in the car. ;Cars can be stressful for many pets, cats usually don’t like to be taken out of their typical environment, and some dogs can get overwhelmed or nervous when riding in the car, but by getting them used to it, they can be great companions on the road.

One way to help them feel more comfortable is to take short drives around town to get them accustomed to the sounds, smells, and feeling of being in a car. ; Once you notice they feel comfortable with shorter distances, try building up from there and start driving long distances.

Puppy tip: ;If you’ve started driving longer distances with your puppy, and even if they’re already housebroken, don’t forget to stop for bathroom breaks to avoid accidents!

Using the best products for your engine is a great way to keep it in good shape for a long time. Call the experts at ;AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith, for more information at (702) 561-3706 or visit their ;online store ;to see their full range of products.

Keep Your Pet Restrained

One essential safety tip for ;driving with a pet ;is keeping them restrained in the back of your car. There are a few ways to restrain your pet, like barriers and pet seatbelts, but the safest way that’s proven to keep pets safe when in an accident are crates. The crate you choose for your pet should be spacious enough for them to stand up and walk around and to lay down comfortably. Crates can also prevent you from being distracted by your pet while driving and can be covered for pets that need darker environments to feel more comfortable.

Be Careful with Temperatures

Having your pet with you to run errands or company while driving is great, but it’s not so great when you have to leave them in the car to run into the store. It’s important to remember that it’s illegal to leave your unattended pet inside of a vehicle under Michigan law. This is because temperatures can reach a much higher level inside of a closed car than outside.

Staying in a hot car can be very dangerous for pets as temperatures rise quickly, so make a plan for your pets while driving around, and even if you’re not leaving them alone, always make sure they have enough water to hydrate themselves.

Make your car a safe place when ;driving with a pet ;by keeping up with its maintenance. Use the best products like ;Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil from ;AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. Call them at (702) 561-3706 for more information, or ;shop online ;anytime!

Travel Kit and Health Certificate

If you’re planning on taking your pet on a more extended trip, you must pack for them too. Include essentials like water and food for them as well as any medications they might need. If you’re going somewhere adventurous like hiking, pack a pet first aid kit with things like antiseptic and medical wrap, so you have it if needed. If you’re visiting the lake or the beach, don’t forget to pack a towel. If you’re staying overnight, pack their favorite toys, pillows, and blankets, so they feel comfortable in a strange environment.

Lastly, it’s also a good idea to take your pet to the vet to make sure they’re up to date with all their vaccinations and get a health certificate to make sure you don’t have any trouble in your travels.

Microchip Your Pet

As the last recommendation, if you’re planning on a road trip and you haven’t microchipped your pet, it’s a good idea to do so before leaving. A pet microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that can be registered to an owner. If you’re planning to take your pet on a road trip, it’s a good idea for them to be microchipped in case you get separated. Vet clinics and rescues are equipped to scan microchips so they can reunite owners and pets easier.