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By Mark Russell |
Summer in Ireland is a great time to travel with your pets. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring the countryside, or visiting friends and family, taking your furry friend with you can make the journey all the more enjoyable. However, traveling with pets in cars during summer requires extra care, as the weather can be hot and humid.
Here are Some Tips to Ensure your Pet's Safety During Summer
1.Make Sure your Pet is Secure
Just as you would buckle up your human passengers, it's important to ensure your pets are secure during car journeys. This could involve using a pet harness or a pet carrier that is anchored to the car seatbelt. This helps prevent your pet from getting injured in the event of an accident, and also keeps them from becoming a distraction while you're driving.
2. Keep your Pet Cool
On hot summer days, it's important to keep your pet cool during car journeys. Make sure your car is summer ready & it's air conditioning system is working properly and adjust the temperature accordingly. If you don't have air conditioning, consider opening the windows to allow for ventilation. You could also bring along a portable fan or cooling pad to help keep your pet comfortable.
3. Provide Plenty of Water
Dehydration can be a serious issue for pets during summer travel. Make sure you bring plenty of water for your pet to drink during the journey and stop frequently to offer them a drink. It's also a good idea to bring along a portable water dish so your pet can drink comfortably.
4. Take Breaks
It's important to take frequent breaks during long car journeys, especially during summer when the weather is hot. This gives your pet a chance to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and get some fresh air. It's also a good opportunity to offer them some water and food.
5. Don't Leave your Pet Alone in the Car
This is perhaps the most important tip of all. On hot summer days, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even with the windows cracked open. Leaving your pet in the car for even a short amount of time can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal. If you need to leave your pet in the car, make sure it's parked in a shaded area and keep the windows fully open.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy during the journey. Remember to always put your pet's needs first and plan your journey accordingly. Safe travels!