South Africa’s majestic landscapes, pristine seascapes and excellent roads make it an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy the ultimate in freedom travel: a road trip. With stunning places to visit such as the lush Knysna Forest, the stunning Marakele National Park or the rugged Wild Coast, road trips are the perfect way to throw caution to the wind and bond with family members - logically, this includes your dog! In this post we focus on a few safety issues to watch out for, so that  driving ‘into the wild’ with man’s best friend is a totally stress-free experience.
 

Reducing Anxiety in Dogs
 

Road travel can be anxious for dogs who are not used to being in cars. Therefore, from the time your pooch is a pup, it is important to take him for rides in your car, which increase in length. Don’t fear if your dog is an adult, though; desensitise him to his fear if it exists, by taking him for very short drives, increasing your journeys together over a period of months.
 

Calm down stress and anxiety in your dog with quality products such as Pet Remedy Calming Spray, a potent essential oil blend made with Valerian essential oil, Vetiver, Sweet Basil, and Sage – all natural yet wonderfully relaxing. Valerian is a popular calming supplement for humans as well so if you suffer from insomnia, bring a bottle along to your trip.

Ventilation and Seatbelts are Key
 

If you are travelling during sunny or warm months, make sure that your dog is travelling in a well ventilated crate or carrier. Your dog should be attached to his carrier or the seat with a dedicated dog seat belt, since in the event of an accident, the crate or your dog can easily be flung towards passengers or suffer from injury by being flung with force against your car’s interiors.
 

Keep your dog hydrated at all times with a fresh bowl of water, and make sure you stop various times so he can stretch his legs and let off some steam by walking or running. Of course, never leave him alone in the car; in cold weather it will act as a refrigerator and in the summer it can cause heatstroke.

Make Sure Your Holiday Home or Resort is Secure
 

Pet friendly accommodations are a big thing these days, but just because your pet is allowed on a camping site or holiday home/resort doesn’t mean it is secure. Common dangers for dogs include unsecured properties (from which your dog can escape and get lost) and badly structured lawns on ground floor hotel rooms or camping sites. If your dog is a digger, make sure he can’t escape by digging under a fence. Any lawn your dog is allowed on should contain a paved walkway between the fence and the garden or some type of structure that will prevent your dog from escaping.

Insect and Bug Bites
 

Depending on where you are going, insect and bug bites can cause pain and discomfort for your dog. Research on common insects and pests in the areas you are visiting, let your vet know about your destination in case they have useful information, and prepare a first-aid kid for your human and canine family members. Acting quickly can save lives.

Ensuring your dog has a stress-free holiday involves long-term planning. Start by ensuring he is comfortable in the car; once you are ready to go, do the required research and ensure your accommodation is safe as well as pet friendly. Remember to invest in items you need (including a top quality crate and a dog seatbelt) and provide your dog with the food and drink he needs to enjoy your road trip with all the energy of a puppy.