Taking your dog on a road trip is undoubtedly fun; still, you must ensure a comfortable and safe experience for them. Learn more about driving with a pet in this post by Syntex Lubricants in Kyle.

Are you planning to take a road trip soon? Whether you want to take a few days to travel across the country, visit family or friends on the west coast, or spend a weekend exploring the wonders the Lone Star State has to offer, one thing is sure: there is no better travel companion than your four-legged best friend. If you've never traveled with your dog before, there are a few essential things to know to plan and enjoy a safe, fun, and successful trip for both you and your furry best friend; that said, this post from Syntex Lubricants has compiled the best tips for driving with a pet. Read on to learn more.

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Best Tips for Driving With a Pet 

Book an Appointment With Your Pet's Veterinarian

The first thing you should do is determine whether or not your dog is fit to travel; after all, they could be too young or too old to endure such a long trip, or perhaps their health could make it challenging for them to withstand your car's movement, noises, and confinement for too long. In any case, you must take your pet for a check-up with their vet. If all goes well and your dog shows no signs of illness, ask for an up-to-date inspection certificate to take with you on the trip. This document can be of great help in case your pet has an accident or emergency during the trip.

Take Practice Trips

If your dog isn't used to traveling in a car, we suggest taking a few practice trips to introduce your furry friend to the sounds, smells, and movements of the vehicle before taking them on a long-distance road trip. Start by taking your dog's toys inside the car and encouraging them to get inside the car and play while the doors are open and the engine is off. Once the dog is comfortable getting into the back seat, take them on short-distance trips to places they like, such as the park or the nearest hiking trails. If they behave well and remain calm in their crate, reward them with a cup of whipped cream, dog cookies, or whatever treats they like; this way, they'll eventually associate car rides with positive, fun experiences.

Stay on top of your vehicle maintenance for safer travels when driving with a pet. Reach out to Syntex Lubricants at (800) 890-0220 and talk with their oil experts about the benefits of feeding your engine with the most effective synthetic oil in Kyle. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to purchase top-shelf formulas and products for your engine.

Bring Along Your Pet's Essentials

Once you finish packing your suitcase, pack everything your dog needs for the trip in a separate bag. For starters, bring toys that can keep them busy and entertained for a long time, for example, licking mats, puzzle toys with peanut butter, or treats inside. Next, include any medications your dog may be taking, their food, bowls for water and food, their bed, travel crate or carrier, collar and harness, waste bags, towels, and grooming items such as their brush and shampoo.

Exercise Your Dog Before Leaving

Exercising your dog before the road trip is essential for them to spend the first few hours of the journey relaxed, so be sure to give them a long walk or take them to play in the park just before you leave.

Take Frequent Breaks

If you've taken road trips before, you know the importance of taking frequent breaks to stretch your legs and rest. Like you, your dog can become numb or uncomfortable after spending a long time in the vehicle, so taking a break every two hours of travel is essential. Take advantage of each break to walk your dog for at least 15 minutes. Before returning to the car, remember to offer them water to prevent them from dehydrating during the trip.

Keep Your Dog Cool Inside Your Car

Finally, be vigilant of your pet's temperature. Most dogs are safe at temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees; hence, you should be mindful of the car's cabin temperature during the trip. If you notice that your dog starts panting or showing signs of heat, turn the AC on to keep the car cool and comfortable. You can also place pet cooling mats on top of your dog's bed so they can lay on them during the hottest hours of the day.

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