Travelling with your dog in the car: safety, car sickness and hot weather

Car journeys open up days out, walks and holidays with your dog. But car travel can be stressful for dogs who aren't used to it, and an unrestrained dog is a risk to everyone in the car. These steps help keep your dog safe, calm and comfortable.

What the Highway Code says

Rule 57 of the Highway Code says to make sure dogs are suitably restrained in a vehicle so they can't distract you while you're driving, or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. The Highway Code applies in Great Britain; Northern Ireland's Highway Code gives similar advice. It lists four ways to do this:

• a seat belt harness
• a pet carrier
• a dog cage or crate
• a dog guard

Choosing the right restraint

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says the right restraint depends on your dog's size, safety and comfort:

• Seat belt harness. RoSPA calls this the best option for medium and large dogs. It should go around the chest, back and shoulders, have wide straps, and attach to a fastened seat belt. Make sure your dog can't get tangled in it.
• Pet carrier. Good for small dogs. It should be the right size and held firmly in place with a seat belt or wedged in the footwell.
• Crate or cage. Your dog must be able to lie down and move comfortably. Leave space around it for air and secure it with a seat belt or to anchor points in the boot.

Keep your dog on a lead when getting in and out of the car, and use the door on the pavement side.

Getting your dog used to the car

Blue Cross and Dogs Trust recommend introducing the car gradually, rewarding your dog for staying calm at each step:

1. Walk your dog near the car with the engine off, then on.
2. Let your dog sit in the car with the engine off.
3. Try very short trips, of no more than five minutes at first.
4. Build up the length of journeys a few minutes at a time.

Drive smoothly and leave plenty of time for braking. A jerky journey can make your dog anxious. Give them something comfortable to lie on so they don't slip around.

If your dog is frightened of travelling, Dogs Trust advises never forcing them. Avoid car journeys while you get help from an experienced behaviourist.

Signs your dog is unhappy in the car

Blue Cross lists signs of stress during car travel, including:

• excessive panting, pacing or vocalising
• travel sickness
• lip licking and excessive yawning
• tail tucked, ears back, or the whites of the eyes showing
• chewing the lead

Car sickness

PDSA says car sickness is common, especially in puppies, and is more likely in dogs who haven't been slowly introduced to car travel. It tends to get worse over time if it isn't managed, so speak to your vet as soon as you notice a problem. Anti-sickness medication can help in the short term. The best long-term fix is restarting travel training so your dog learns to feel safe in the car.

Long journeys

• Plan regular breaks for exercise, water and the toilet.
• Use a non-spill water bowl.
• Never leave your dog alone in the car. If you need to stop, Dogs Trust suggests bringing someone who can take your dog out on a lead.

Keeping your dog cool in hot weather

Blue Cross warns that when it's 24°C outside, the inside of a car can reach 38°C within minutes. Dogs can't sweat as we do, so they struggle to keep cool.

The UK Brachycephalic Working Group, a group of vets and welfare experts, advises:

• never leaving a dog in a car for any length of time, even with the windows open
• avoiding travel at the hottest times of day. In the UK, cars are hottest inside between 2pm and 5pm.
• using air conditioning and window shades
• carrying water and planning for delays
• watching closely for signs of overheating

The group notes that the risks of travel in hot weather are much higher for flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs.

If your dog shows signs of overheating, contact a vet immediately.