Journey with your Dog
Summer is just around the corner and the peak holiday season has already begun. If your family includes four-legged friends then you are probably wondering how to plan your trip well. What can you do to make it safe and stress-free?
We'll give you some ideas on how to do this and give you a hint on which things will definitely work.
To ensure everyone's comfort and safety when travelling by car, it's worth knowing the accessories that will help us do this.
Travelling by car - what do you need to know?
It is a good idea to tailor the car journey together to suit our needs and those of our dog. You all need to feel safe and comfortable during the journey. Let's try to get your dog used to driving by arranging short trips before we set off on our journey.
Before travelling with my dog, should I specify where I would like to place it during the journey? Polish regulations do not indicate where the dog should sit during the journey. The only condition is that it should be harnessed. However, the place you choose for your dog should be adequately protected against dirt and damage.
If your pet will be spending the trip on the back seat we suggest using the large cover. Firstly, it will provide a safe space. It creates a kind of hammock to prevent your dog from falling between the seats. It attaches to the headrests of the front and rear seats, separating them from each other. The pet is also prevented from getting into the driver's seat. However, to make sure your pet doesn't get lonely, we have included a durable mesh window in the cover so that you can keep an eye on each other.
Secondly, the mat will keep things clean. The mat is waterproof and protects the front and back seats, as well as the doors on both sides. We know very well how much mud, hair and other surprises after a walk can be found on the unprotected seats of our cars. Upholstery washing is a cost far greater than the cost of our cover. By using it, we also protect the car from scratches from claws, which can often no longer be removed. This is simply not worth saving on.
The mat is assembled and folded in seconds. It fits into any type of passenger car. To sit next to your pet in the back, simply undo the zip and divide it into two parts. You can place a dog or child seat on it, as it has belt slots. The mat comes with accessories for the car, which you get from us as a gift.
With a car prepared in this way, a long or short journey will no longer be a problem and a less stressed master means a happier dog.
Another way to carry your dog on the rear seat as well as in the front seat is car seat. A type of square seat attached to a car seat that keeps the dog in one place. It resembles a playpen, also giving him a sense of security and comfort
It is great for transporting small and medium-sized 'sleepers' who like to tuck themselves in and wrap themselves up to sleep. The seat can be unfolded by unzipping the zippers to make a mat. You can also unzip either of the sides to make it easier to get out of. The extra mat on the bottom of the seat unzips for even easier cleaning. Honestly, this is an incredibly versatile 3-in-1 product. We also recommend it when travelling by coach, plane or train.
If you are the owner of a larger dog you can strap your dog in the boot on the special mat. This type of carriage will keep him comfortable but unfortunately will take up luggage space. The mat will protect the luggage compartment from dirt in the same way as a rear seat cover. It protects the car from scratches while driving as well as when getting in and out. After use, it can be quickly shaken off and wiped down. It can also be used to transport, for example, dirty building materials or other objects. Thanks to the mat, no trace of them will be left behind.
So we already have an idea of how to ensure safety and cleanliness when travelling with our pet. What else you should think about before you go, we have written below.
Useful accessories when travelling with your dog
A very important thing - water and food.
Drinking and food bowls. Do we remember well the times when it was a rarity in Poland to see a bowl of water for a dog in front of a pet shop? Today they are in many places. Almost at every petrol station, in front of restaurants and even in front of large supermarkets. This is undoubtedly a lovely gesture on the part of the owners of these facilities. Unfortunately, vets strongly advise against using them. It's a bit like bringing back the chained-glass saturators of the communist era to people It's hard to imagine, isn't it? Dogs also contract various infectious diseases and some of them are deadly and are better avoided. The best solution for travelling would be collapsible silicone bowls. They are easy to store and can always be at hand. They can be unfolded at each stop and fresh water and food can be served. It is healthier and safer this way and it is important to keep your dog hydrated during the journey. The bowls are also ideal for train and aeroplane travel due to their compact size when folded.
Always clean and no arguments with passers-by.
Dog poop bags. We know that poop scooping isn't always the same here (although it's getting better). Thanks to these little bags, we have less bad smells on the streets and less ruined shoes, right? And seriously, it is an absolute "must have" when travelling in Europe. Not only can you cause an unnecessary row with the locals if you don't clean up after your pet, but you can also get a hefty fine. For bags, we have something great for you, case in the shape of ... You best check for yourself ;D
It's always a good time to play.
A toy for the journey. Our dog is like a small child. When he gets bored he gets frustrated and fusses. A long journey is always a challenge for him. It is worth ensuring that he is occupied with something. We should, of course, take his favourite toys with us, but surely a new toy will keep him occupied for longer. As far as the choice is concerned, it is very individual, because every owner knows his pet best and knows which toys he likes. We suggest, tug toys, which can be used for fun during a stopover. Chew toys and balls which are great for focusing your pooch's attention and provide relief by massaging his gums. Plush toys, will be perfect for cuddling and the built-in squeaker will keep your dog's attention for longer.
We would also put the toys in a carrier for air travel and take them on the train, let the children not get bored.
Avoid overheating.
Cooling mat. If you are going away with your pet during the summer or your holiday destination is one of the warmer ones. A cooling mat will be a great choice. It keeps the temperature a few degrees cooler than the surroundings. If you place it in the shade, your dog will have the comfort of a lower temperature by up to 5 degrees. We offer two mats, one of gel and the other of three layers of breathable material. It is worth bearing in mind that a dog can also suffer a stroke. Dogs with short snouts, obese dogs and those with dark colouring are most at risk. Such dogs will particularly benefit from extra help with thermoregulation.
Don't be afraid of ticks.
Tick removal hooks. Nowadays it is a must-have item. In spite of protection in the form of collars, drops and sprays or tablets, it does happen that an intruder attacks our dog. Then it is good to be prepared and be able to get rid of it as quickly as possible. The diseases they carry are life-threatening for our dog. The longer the tick remains in the skin, the more likely it is to infect him with bacteria or viruses. It is therefore necessary to act quickly.
Paws four paws
Paw Cleaner. This is a device with which you can clean your dog's paws in a very quick and simple way. It is a tube with a silicone insert with tabs into which you pour water, insert the paw and rotate it a few times. The clean paws are dried and the dog is ready to continue its journey.
Escape is no longer a threat.
Dog tethering screw. An interesting solution that will allow us to tie up our dog anywhere outdoors where needed. We often use various objects around us for this purpose, but what to do on a beach by the sea or by the lake, or somewhere where there are no such objects? Well, just use this screw. It will hold most dogs. It is weatherproof and easy to use. It comes with a swivel handle to prevent the leash from getting tangled. Screw it into the ground and your dog won't escape.
Anyone travelling with their dog by car is encouraged to make regular stops every 3-4 hours to stretch their paws. We also remind you to feed your pooch at least 2-3 hours before you leave. Stress or motion sickness can cause him or her to have a tantrum. If you have problems with motion sickness or excessive stress, it is worth consulting your vet for pharmaceutical assistance.
We hope you found our article helpful and that it answered most of your questions about travelling with your dog.
We wish you successful trips and only wonderful holiday moments with your four-legged friend.
