Simple safety rules for traveling with Fido

Simple safety rules for traveling with Fido

Dr. William K. Fauks, January 3, 2012

OKLA. CITY — You’d think that most everyone that chooses to include the family dog in their auto travels would posses sufficient conventional wisdom to ensure Fido’s safety and comfort. It turns out that generally, this is not the case.

In a new study jointly conducted by the American Kennel Club and The Hartford their researchers found that two in three pet owners admit they don’t know the safest place for Fido when traveling in their car, and that three in five people say they’re unsure about how often to stop driving and give the dog a break from a long road trip.

The study consisted of a telephone survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who indicated they currently own a dog. So, you ask, why is a Fortune 500 company, one of the world’s leading providers of insurance and wealth management, interested in your dog’s safely and comfort while accompanying you in your auto travels? The answer is that The Hartford recently joined the AKC to offer auto and home insurance to AKC registered dogs. They also sponsor the AKC “Canine Good Citizen” program.

Not surprisingly, the study revealed that a large majority of the dog owners surveyed (66 percent) take to the road with Fido whether it’s on a family vacation, dropping the children at school, or heading home for the holidays. So if you’re one of that 66 percent you might want to check out the following canine car safely tips you can use to help keep your dog happy and healthy when your on the road — courtesy of the AKC and The Hartford.

• Secure your dog. A crate is the safest place for your dog while traveling in the car. During an accident a loose dog can become a projectile and not only injure himself, but injure human occupants. Secure the crate in the middle or rear of the vehicle. Pet supply stores also sell harnesses of all sizes that work well, and remember that no animal should ever ride loose in the bed of a pickup.

• Take a break. On long road trips dogs need a potty break more often than when left home alone. Ideally stopping every three hours for a 30-minute break gives Fido time to do his business, stretch his legs, get some water and take in some fresh air and scenery.

• Close the window. To prevent ear and eye injuries do not allow your pet to stick his head out of the car window.

• On hot days never leave your pet unattended. Hot cars can kill dogs. Temperatures can rise dramatically, causing heat stroke or death even with windows open.

• Should an accident occur rely on emergency cards and crate labels. In case you are injured and can’t attend to your dog make sure you have an emergency card as well as a label on the dog’s crate with your name, address and cell phone number, your dog’s name, and information on who to call to come care for your dog.

• Check with your insurance carrier to see if you have coverage for dog assistance in the event you are injured and cannot attend to your dog. For example, The Hartford provides coverage for dog sitting and dog walkers while you recover.

• Make sure your dog has a collar tag and is micro chipped.

Have a happy and safe trip.

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