Best Solutions for Transporting Large Dog Breeds

In many situations in the modern world, we have to take our pets on trips by car. But what if you have a large breed dog that can interfere with driving or just ruin the interior?

In general, the rules for transporting large dogs can be divided into three groups:

1. Safety of the driver and passengers. The dog should not restrict the driver’s view, interfere with the control of the car, or violate its stability.
2. The safety and comfort of the animal itself. It is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the dog so that it does not experience stress (must be fixed with the help of special devices, but at the same time can see the owner, look and turn around, etc.)
3. Cleanliness and safety of the salon.

Based on all this, the main rule is to keep the animal under control at all times.

How to transport a large dog in a car

Features of transportation depend on many factors: the type of car, the habits, and temperament of the dog, as well as your convenience.

If you want to make a long trip while traveling somewhere in an exotic country and use, say, a sports cars rental Dubai, then you probably shouldn’t take your four-legged friend with you.

The rental service there is at the highest level, of course, and you can rent various options from family SUVs to powerful sports cars for every taste and budget, and you will definitely be delighted with such a trip.

But! You can transport a large dog either in the back seat or in a large back area, and sports cars, as you know, in their mass do not have either.

A hatchback or station wagon is the best option for transporting dogs, especially large ones.

Spacious crossovers, pickups, and compact vans with transforming salons are also suitable for comfortable trips with an animal.

There are several options and special devices for transporting dogs in a car.

Harnesses

They are put on the pet’s chest. The harnesses evenly distribute the load and help secure the pet in the back seat while the vehicle is moving.

Vest with belt

It tightly encircles the body of the animal and is fastened to ordinary car belts or buckles. Vests are made of durable material that does not cause discomfort to the animal. The carabiners of such a device can withstand heavy loads, so the safety of your pet is guaranteed.

Bar

A special bar that delimits the trunk and the interior of the car. By installing the bar, you can regulate the field for your pet’s activities and limit it from dangerous interference in the process of controlling and driving the car.

Hammock

It is a large mat made of durable, wear-resistant, and waterproof material. The pad is attached to the head restraints of the rear and front seats so that it takes the shape of a hammock. It protects the interior from fur, dirt, and also allows the dog to sit comfortably in the car.

Mesh screen

A mesh screen can be installed between the backs of the front seats. It allows the dog to be near you without interfering with driving. And since the screen is mesh, it does not block the view and allows you to control what is happening from behind through the rear-view mirror.

Before the trip

• Feed your dog for more than 4 hours before leaving the house.
• Be sure to take your dog for a walk and make sure it goes to the bathroom.
• If the animal does not tolerate the road, give a motion sickness remedy, after consulting a veterinarian.
• Block the windows of the passenger doors – so the animal cannot accidentally touch the buttons with its paws and open the windows.
• Arrange things and luggage inside the cabin so that nothing falls on the dog and does not crush it.
• If you plan to stay in hotels, check in advance if they can accommodate pets.

During the trip

• Never place dogs in the front seat – you risk being distracted by them from the road.
• Avoid abrupt starts and brakes, as well as sharp turns – sudden braking or maneuvering can cause injury to your pet.
• Maintain room temperature in the cabin, avoid drafts, do not open wide windows, use an air conditioner.
• Do not transport a dog in a muzzle – it will disrupt normal thermoregulation, and the dog will feel discomfort.
• Stop every 2-3 hours if possible. Walk your dog for 10-15 minutes to warm up and go to the bathroom.
• It is undesirable to give food on a trip, and it is better to water it every 1.5–2 hours, but in small portions.
• Do not leave your dog alone in the car for more than 15 minutes. When leaving, leave the windows ajar to allow air to enter the passenger compartment.

Conclusion

To make a car trip with your four-legged friend comfortable and safe, plan your trip in advance. Think over the route, and, if necessary, buy special devices for transporting your pet. And in no case save on his safety, because you are fully responsible for it.