It doesn't matter whether you are taking your dog for a short drive, or a long drive, you should always take care of your dog just like you do of your own child. Making sure of your dog’s safety not only keeps him safe but also keeps him distracting from you. This keeps you safe, too.

Even if the dog is well trained, one should always take basic precautions while taking your dog with you.

Here are some ways to keep your dog safe and sound :

If your pet has never traveled by car before, then it’s better to take him on a couple of short drives so that your dog gets known of all the surprises he would face during the drive. And by the time you plan a long trip with your dog, your dog will be used to the movement and won’t feel anxious anymore.

Just like you don’t travel without a seat belt, even your dog shouldn’t. Harness, also known as pet belt is used as a seat belt for your dogs to keep them safe. Also, you can find canine seat belts that attach to the dog’s harness. It is very helpful for the large dogs who find difficult to fit in the carriers. Seat belts also help to keep the dog inside the car even while opening the door or loading while loading the groceries, etc inside.

The other option is a crate, as seat belts can be very uncomfortable for some dogs. While selecting, make sure your dog is easily able to sit or lie down in that crate, else forcing your dog to be in one position for the entire trip could cause him discomfort and make him irritable during the drive.

Just like us, dogs love popping out their heads outside the window, but that doesn't mean that they should. Popping their head out could cause them injuries and accidents too, like dust or dirt can go inside their eyes or some flying object could hurt them.

Never forget to leave your dog unattended in a car, always take small breaks so that they also get time to stretch their legs. Give them time to move around a little and then you can continue with your journey. While your break for some refreshment or for fast food, never leave your dog inside the car as it would cause discomfort and suffocating.