Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Car

A survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicates that about 68% of U.S. households own a pet. Taking your furry friend on vacation is an exciting experience as you get to explore new places and spend some quality time with him. In this post, we share useful safety tips when traveling with your dog.

Crash-Tested Kennels

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) endorses the use of safety-certified and crash-tested dog kernels for long-distance travel. The kernel should be secured on the backseat and strapped in so that it won’t tip over. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. However, it should not be too large that he will get tossed about when the car is moving. Select a kernel that allows your pet to breathe easily.

Car Harnesses

If putting your pet in a crate or kernel is not an option, you might want to consider using a car harness. A harness will slip over your dog’s head and fit around the upper torso or chest area. The back of the harness has an opening through which your car’s seatbelt should fit through. This allows you to seatbelt your pet, so they aren’t ejected during a crash while still allowing them to have some freedom.

Exercise Beforehand

A few days leading to the trip, ramp up your dog’s exercise. This could mean longer stays in dog parks or walks. This helps minimize your pet’s energy levels during the trip. They are also less likely to get restless or antsy after heavy exercise.

Take Frequent Breaks

You will need to take breaks every two or three hours during your trip for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives your pet time to stretch and relieve themselves. It is also an opportune time to offer them water.

Ease Pet Anxiety

If your pet gets anxious during car rides, products containing CBD can provide an effective solution. Cannagurt from Steve’s Real Food contains Hemp Protein, Raw Goat Milk, and Hemp Oil. Since CBD doesn’t contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it will not produce the “high” associated with marijuana. The Hemp protein is packed with omega fatty acids is full of anti-inflammatory benefits. Raw goat milk has over 50 nutrients which include vitamins A, C, B1, and B12, amino acids, citric acid, enzymes, fatty acids, electrolytes, and CBD, among others, providing your pet with a host of benefits.

Safe Travels

Whether you are moving places or going on vacation, you must prepare for your trip beforehand. This ensures your safety and peace of mind as well as that of your pet.

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11/18/2017
CONVENIENT, RELIABLE, DOGS LOVE THE FOOD I switched my dogs to a raw diet about 2 months ago. My older dog was panting a lot and he had a potato sized growth on his shoulder. The growth is now the size of an egg and his excessive panting has stopped. My younger dog was overweight despite the fact that she was very active and on a strict low calorie diet. She has slimmed down quite a bit.

Trish C
10/22/2017
We were skeptical of feeding raw. Finally we decided to take the plunge. The first surprise was, my dogs loved it. And the goat milk yogurt is a complete hit! They all love it. We had one small issue with the shipping and after one email everything was taken care of. But now that it's been several months we have noticed many other things. None of my dogs chew on their feet anymore. None of my dogs have itchy flaky skin anymore. And they are all pretty and shiny with tons of energy.

Denise Moitoza
8/12/2017
My dog was a picky eater and overweight. After 4 months of eating this raw diet he is almost at his recommended weight. I no longer have to coax him to eat by doctoring up his kibble. He eats the food as is and empties his bowl right away.

Carrie Thompson
12/10/2017
I wanted to give a shout out to Tara at the corporate office. She really went above and beyond! I had several questions about switching my dog over to raw food and the transition that's involved. She met with me in person and took the time to listen and gave me some great suggestions/feedback to my questions. She shared what her own dog went through and how raw dog food helped. Tara made me feel comfortable and was so kind and thoughtful to take the time out of her busy day to be so helpful. My dog is LOVING the food and has been transitioning very smoothly. Thanks so much for being so awesome, Tara. It meant a lot to me and because of the experience I had and the kindness you showed to me, I will continue to be a grateful customer and will recommend Steve's to all my fellow dog moms and dads.

Susan Romney
6/20/2018