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Puppy Car Safety

Published 29th Apr 2022 | Last updated 15th Nov 2023

Having adventures with your pup is one of the best things about pet ownership. Exploring new places and having fun getting there are how memories are made!

Driving with your dog on your lap in the car in an offense in all Australian states and legally in NSW, dogs must be secure when travelling in a motor vehicle. So what is the best way to travel with your pup?

Here are some things you can do to ensure your dog has a safe and enjoyable car ride

Get your pup fitted correctly

Get road trip ready by getting your pup fitted for free by one of our expert team members in store. It’s also a good idea to try different brands and types of car travel harnesses, carriers and seat belts to see which one suits your pup best. Poorly fitted harnesses, incorrect seat belt or booster seat installations can be uncomfortable and unsafe for your pup.

Practice makes perfect!

Puppies that are not used to being in a carrier, restrained or riding in a car can develop anxiety about being in a car. So, start practising! Spend time getting your pup used to wearing their harness and seat belt and just hang out in the car.

This can be as simple and clipping them in and sitting in the car with them for 5-10 mins while giving them a long-lasting chew. Then go for a short drive around the neighbourhood or just sit back and enjoy some music!

Practice window safety

While it is common to see a dog with its head hanging out a car window in movies and on TV, it’s dangerous to let your dog do this in real life. Especially since they can easily get injured by another vehicle, tumble out of the car, or have debris hit their eyes! While it’s perfectly fine to have the window open slightly to allow fresh air to flow through, try to restrict your dog’s access so that they can’t get too close to the window.

Do not leave your dog unattended in the car

This might seem obvious on a hot day but even if it does not feel like a hot day or the windows are cracked, the temperature inside a car can raise rapidly and cause your pup to have heat stroke. Dogs don’t sweat like us, so they overheat quickly. 

Be prepared for a lifetime of amazing adventures with your pup by getting them fitted properly, teaching them how to safety enjoy car trips and always keeping them restrained in the car.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet