Chris Auffenberg

The hot summer heat of Texas can make it difficult to safely travel in the car with your dog. But, if you follow some basic precautions, there is no reason you can’t take your beloved family pet along for the ride. Below, we break down how to safely travel in the car with your dog during hot weather.

How To Safely Travel In the Car With Your Dog During Hot Weather

Pack A Travel Kit

Packing a travel kit for your dog is a good habit to stick to year-round, especially when the weather warms up. Be sure to pack fresh water, a bowl, some food, and a leash in case your pup needs to hop out of the car for a break to enjoy some shade and a drink.

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Don’t Leave Them Unattended

Leaving your dog unattended in a hot vehicle, even just for a few minutes, is dangerous and potentially fatal. The inside of your car heats up a lot quicker and to a much higher temperature than the outside air, even if you leave the windows cracked open. If you need to travel long distances and will need to take breaks for food etc, we recommend bringing a travel buddy so you can swap out who is in the air-conditioned car with the dog.

No Heads Out The Window

While your dog may enjoy the cool breezes that come with sticking their head out of the window while you’re driving, it’s not the safest activity. Small airborne debris can get lodged in their ears or eyes causing injury or damage. It’s best to keep all of the windows shut and keep the air conditioning running to keep things nice and cool.

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Avoid Hot Asphalt

While the pads on your dog’s feet may be able to handle hotter temperatures than a human’s bare feet, they are still susceptible to burns from walking on hot pavement. Whenever possible, try to let your dog exit the vehicle in a shady spot or on the grass. If hot asphalt is the only option, use some of the water you packed in your travel kit to wet the ground first.

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