Summer is the best time to explore the outdoors and go on road trips. For pet lovers who can’t bear to leave their dogs behind, bringing them with you on the road is a great way to make your trip even more memorable.
Warm weather is perfect for taking a dip in a lake or going on an early morning hike, but with temperatures quickly rising, it could put your pets at risk of heatstroke. If you plan on taking your dog on the road, there are some things you can do to make sure that they’re safe and comfortable. Here are four ways to keep your pets cool while riding in your car.
Pets should never be left alone inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside your car can go up by as much as 19°F in as quick as ten minutes after the air conditioning was turned off. If your car’s paint or interior trims are in a dark color, this can make the inside of your vehicle feel even hotter.
When traveling with a furry friend, it’s a good idea to bring along someone who can take turns watching your pet with you. Having another person in the car with your dog will give you peace of mind whenever you need to step out of the vehicle.
If you’re traveling alone with your dog, chances are you’ll need to be away from them at some point. You might need to fill out paperwork, stop-over for lunch, or go to the bathroom at a place where pets aren’t allowed.Unlike what most people think, turning on the A/C and cracking the window open does not make it okay to leave your pet in the car. The car air conditioning may suddenly shut down. At the same time, opening a window doesn’t guarantee that temperatures inside the vehicle won’t become too hot for your dog. The best way to prevent all of this from happening is to plan your stops ahead of time. It may take a bit of research, but it pays to find pet-friendly restaurants and establishments along your route. Having a concrete plan will make your trip less stressful for both you and your dog.
There are things that you should always have in your car—and this includes essentials for your dog. Aside from bringing enough dog food and a leash, there are pet accessories that can help your dog beat the summer heat.Canines pant a lot to cool themselves down. In the process, they lose a lot of water in their bodies. Therefore, it’s important to always keep a gallon of clean water and a portable water bowl in your car to keep your pup hydrated.
A gel cooling mat or vest is also good to have, especially for dogs who have difficulty regulating their body temperature, specifically long-haired and short-nosed dogs. Since these accessories are cooled in a freezer, having a waterproof seat cover in your car will come in handy.
Leaving your car parked under the heat for hours can turn it into an oven. Just like you, your pet will need time to adjust to the temperature inside your vehicle. A quick and easy way to cut this waiting time is to use window sun shades to block out direct sunlight.
Not only will this help keep the inside of your vehicle cool for you and your pet, it will also protect your interiors from sun and heat damage. The best part—window sunshades are affordable and widely available.
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