Car travel with dogs: safety, sickness and long journeys

There is a special joy in a dog with their nose out of a car window, ears flapping, eyes half closed. There is also the uncomfortable truth that a loose dog in a car is at serious risk in a sudden stop — and so is everybody else. In a collision, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile.

Securing your dog

• A crash-tested harness clipped to the seat belt, on the back seat.
• A crate or travel box secured in the boot of an estate or SUV, well ventilated.
• A dog guard between the boot and seats — it stops a dog coming forward, though it offers less protection than a crate.

Never let a dog travel on the front passenger seat, where an airbag can cause serious injury, and don’t let them ride with their head out of the window — eyes and ears are easily injured by debris.

Car sickness

Car sickness is common in puppies, whose balance system is still developing, and many grow out of it. For others, anxiety plays a big part.

• Travel on an empty stomach — no food for a few hours before.
• Face forward if possible, with a view out of the window.
• Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
• Start with very short trips to somewhere fun, and build up.
• Ask your vet about anti-sickness medicine for dogs — it is very effective and much kinder than repeated sick journeys.

Long journeys

• Stop every two hours or so for a walk, water and a toilet break.
• Keep your dog on a lead at every stop — service stations are dangerous places for a frightened dog.
• Take water, a bowl, bedding, food, poo bags, any medications and your dog’s records.
• Check that the ID tag and microchip details are up to date.

Travelling abroad

Rules for taking pets between countries change and vary: vaccinations such as rabies, health certificates, tapeworm treatment and waiting periods may all be required. Start planning with your vet months ahead, and check official government guidance for the countries you are leaving and entering.

Done well, car journeys become just another adventure — and the start of every good walk.

Questions owners ask

Is it illegal to have a dog loose in the car?

In many places, laws require animals to be suitably restrained so they can’t distract the driver or injure anyone. Check the rules where you live.

Can I give my dog human travel sickness tablets?

No. Some human medicines are unsafe for dogs. Your vet can prescribe an effective anti-sickness medicine made for dogs.

How long can a dog travel in a car?

Most dogs cope with long journeys if they have breaks every two hours or so for water, a walk and the toilet.