There are a few key things you can do to make sure that everyone on board is happy, comfortable and safe. Travelling with your dog should be enjoyable. Whether it s heading close to home or somewhere further afeld, it s always good to have your four-legged friend along for the ride. But you also need to think about how to safely transport your dogs in the car, which is why we ve been speaking to Te Net Vet s Dr Alex Crow and Porsche about how to keep your dogs as secure as can be when you re on the move. Start with familiarity One of the best places to start when bringing a dog with you in the car is familiarity. Whether it s a younger dog or one that has recently joined the family, Dr Alex says that making sure that your four-legged friend gets used to the car before you even start moving is vitally important. Drivers should be “putting dogs in the car on the driveway for a few minutes before taking them out and giving them a treat before building up very short drives of fve minutes or less and doing that regularly , a few times a week, ideally. Make sure dogs are secured properly Pet owners also need to make sure that their dogs are properly secured within the vehicle. Failing to do so could cause a dangerous situation. Luckily, there s a broad range of harnesses, boxes and dedicated options for all types of cars, including the Porschespecifc infatable luggage compartment box for dogs that we tested out. “Never have a dog loose in the car,” says Dr Alex. “It s dangerous for them. People injure themselves if they have to suddenly brake or turn. But also, it can be very distracting to the driver of the car if you ve got a loose dog in there.” Make journeys as comfortable as can be “If you re doing a long journey, make sure that you re stopping every half an hour to an hour,” says Dr Alex. “Obviously, toilet breaks give the dog a bit of a run around while making them more comfortable by breaking up that potential stress and anxiety.” You should also make sure that you re packing plenty of water for your journey , alongside a bowl, of course. Dr Alex says that drivers should avoid leaving their pets in the car at all costs , particularly during the warmer summer months. In winter, drivers may need to think before cranking up their car s heating if a dog is in the car, too, as they could have a negative reaction to it. Drive smoothly Drivers can make a big impact on their dog s wellbeing through the way that they drive, too. It s all about “smooth driving and smooth corners,” says Dr Alex. “Gradual braking and avoiding sudden stops.” You might want to take a look at your planned route and see if there s any way of avoiding twisty roads or tight lanes, which can often be a cause of travel sickness in dogs. Make sure that your destination is dogfriendly One of the best ways to improve a dog s journey is by double-checking that the place you re heading to is dog-friendly. Whether it s a restaurant, a tourist destination or a city centre, making sure that there are places where your dog is allowed to walk about is important. “If it s a hotel, make sure that they re dog-friendly, and they ve got plenty of dogfriendly facilities on site,” says Dr Alex. “Or if you re going to a particular national park or something like that, make sure that they actually allow dogs in.” PA/TPN PETS FOR ADOPTION ODI (5-years-old) is a calm and curious dog. Is very good on and of leash and loves to go to the beach and run with other dogs. He is a medium sized dog. Contact info@cadela-carlota.comto meet lovely Odi. PETE (2-year-old) is a wonderful dog with some special needs: he is deaf and one of his hind legs is stif (didn t heal well from a surgery to a broken leg when a puppy). He is an energetic dog, loves to walk and attention. Medium sized dog. Contact info@ cadela-carlota.com. BODHI is a very friendly 2 year old boy with lots of personality, who is good with other cats and children but not dog-tested. He is vaccinated, sterilised and microchipped and one of our blood donors helping to save other cats lives. If you can provide Bodhi with a happy home, please call Corinna on +351 918 552 788 or send an email to ccc.carvoeirocatcharity@gmail.com Ramsés 6 years old boy. Very sweet and calm. Is ok with other cats and humans. Never had the chance to be loved in a house. Sterilized, dewormed, vaccinated, and with chip. Please contact us at geral. adapo@hotmail.com PA; TPN