The Safe Ride Basics
  | Stay in the shade. If you're traveling with a dog, and he's getting out when you are, look for a shaded area to park the car while you're gone, and avoid direct sunlight. When you both get back in the car, it should be more comfortable than if you left it in the intense sun. | ||||||
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| Block the glare. For longer car rides, use specially designed window shades to block out the sun. | ||||||
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| Bring H2O. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available to your dog. And remember to stop often for bathroom breaks, bringing paper towels in case of an accident. | ||||||
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| Protect him from the elements. While we've all seen a dog with his head poked out a car window, it can be harmful. Bugs, dirt and other debris can fly in your dog's eyes, nose and mouth. | ||||||
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| No truck-bed roaming. Don't allow your pet to wander around the bed of your pickup truck while driving. It's not only unsafe — and sometimes even illegal — but your pet can burn his feet on the hot metal of the truck bed, or possibly even fall out. | ||||||
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| Buckle up. It's important to secure your pet to:
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| For a quick trip, try a car harness. It utilizes your car's already existing seatbelts to provide extra protection and security, and can be found in most pet stores. |
| Be cautious of carsickness. No matter how long or short your journey, carsickness can be an issue. If it's a problem for your dog, try not to feed him four to six hours before departure. |
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| Know when to say "no." The experts at Iams® suggest leaving your pup at home on extremely hot days to avoid heatstroke, because prevention is the best way to avoid overheating. |
Recognize the Signs
Experts offer these warning signs for detecting heatstroke in your pet:
Panting
Staring
Anxious expression
Refusal to obey commands
Warm, dry skin
High fever
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting
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