Transporting your dog in the car
When you go out with your dog, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Are you going on holiday? Different countries may have different entry requirements for your dog, such as vaccinations or a microchip. That’s why it’s important to check the entry requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip. You don’t want to be faced with any surprises! You can find all the latest entry requirements for each country on the LICG website.
Is it mandatory to secure your dog in the car?
When you go out with your dog, you naturally want your pet to travel safely and comfortably. But is it actually mandatory to secure your dog in the car? In the Netherlands, there is no specific law that states exactly how a dog must be transported. However, the Road Traffic Act 1994 does state that a driver must always have full control of the vehicle and that any load (including a pet) must not pose a danger. This means that an unrestrained dog can be a risk and that you are obliged to transport your dog in a safe manner.
Although there is no explicit obligation to secure your dog, you are required to transport your dog in a safe manner. This can be done, for example, with a harness, crate, or dog guard, so that your dog remains protected throughout the journey.
In addition, dog owners who go on holiday with their four-legged friend should be aware of the rules in other countries. In some countries, it is in fact mandatory to transport a dog using a harness or in a crate. For example, in Germany a dog is regarded as cargo and must be secured safely, for example with a dog seat belt, crate or dog guard. Failure to comply with this rule can result in a fine. As the regulations can change from year to year, it is important to check the current legislation of the country you are travelling to before you leave. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises along the way and ensure that your dog travels safely wherever you go!
How do I transport my dog safely in the car?
A suitable and safe way to transport your dog is essential for a relaxed car journey. Think about:
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A suitable dog harness with seat belt ensures your dog can sit comfortably on the back seat. The seat belt is easy to attach to the car’s seat belt system and is fastened to your dog’s harness with a carabiner. By combining this with a car seat or car blanket, your back seat will also stay clean.
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A crate: if you prefer to transport your dog in a crate, you can choose a Trixie transport box that fits in the boot of your car or a foldable travel carrier that easily fits on your back seat. This way, your dog sits safely in an enclosed space but can still look around comfortably.
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A dog guard: do you have enough space in the boot? With a dog guard, you ensure that your dog sits safely in the back without being able to move forward in the car. Do you have a large dog breed or a dog that doesn’t like to be lifted into the car? Then a foldable ramp can help. A ramp minimises the strain on your dog’s joints and also helps protect your own back.
Stress in dogs during car journeys
How wonderful it is to go out with your dog, enjoy the beach or take a lovely walk in the woods! Unfortunately, for many animals, the car journey is not as relaxing as it is for their owners. If your dog experiences stress in the car, it can limit your ability to enjoy fun activities that are a little further from home. Your dog may be anxious due to a negative experience in the past. Your dog may feel nauseous during the car journey or may associate travelling in the car with something unpleasant. These causes can even reinforce each other. That’s why it’s important to reduce stress during car journeys and to start working on this in good time.
How do you recognise stress in your dog?
If your dog experiences stress during transport in the car, your dog may show one or more of the following behaviours:
- Excessive panting and yawning
- Barking
- Trembling
- Lip licking (your dog keeps licking its lips without any clear reason)
- A raised front paw
- Circling
- General restlessness
It is important to address this stress before you go out with your dog or before your holiday begins! Stress related to car journeys can in most cases be managed through training so that travelling by car becomes enjoyable again. Take your time with this and don’t rush the training. Break it down into small steps and start with a stationary car. If you encounter problems during the training, consult a behaviour specialist to help you. You can also support your dog with calming supplements such as Dr Ann’s Stress Reduction or Zylkene. Using products based on pheromones, such as Adaptil, can also help to reduce stress in your dog. It is wise to start with these measures in good time.
Travel sickness in dogs
Just like people, some dogs feel nauseous during a car journey. Travelling causes a disturbance in the balance system of these dogs. You may notice that your dog starts to drool, becomes restless, smacks its lips or even vomits. This makes the car journey far less pleasant. To support your dog, you can use a supplement such as Puur Tour. It is advisable to try this product in advance before you embark on a long car journey. This way, you can see how your dog responds to it. If you feel it is not effective enough, you will still have time to consult your vet so that they can prescribe medication.
