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Pack Your Bags: Preparing Your Pup for Summer Adventures

  • Jun 1
  • 2 min read

June is here, and summer travel season is in full swing! Whether you're planning a long road trip or a weekend getaway, taking your dog along is a blast—but it requires serious safety planning to ensure everyone stays protected.


​The Most Important Safety Rules

  • ​Use a Harness, Not a Collar: If you are using a seatbelt attachment, always use a secure, well-fitted body harness. Never attach a seatbelt lead to a dog’s collar, as this can cause catastrophic neck injuries or choking in the event of a sudden stop or accident.


  • ​Secure Your Pet: We never let a dog sit on a passenger's lap while driving, as it is incredibly dangerous for both the pet and the human. We know that using a crate is not always possible, especially when traveling with multiple pets. At Just Making Smiles, we utilize a combination of crash-tested seatbelt harnesses to limit movement and dog hammocks to prevent pups from falling forward during sudden stops.


  • ​Keep Them Contained: Always keep vehicle windows closed or only cracked just enough for airflow. Never let a dog hang out of a moving vehicle, as the risk of injury from debris or sudden swerves is simply too high.


​Why This Matters

​Beyond keeping them from being a distraction, this gear is a lifesaver. We have all seen the heart-wrenching stories of dogs that were lost or hit by traffic after running away in a panic following a car accident. Using a combination of secure crates, harnesses, and hammocks ensures that if the worst happens, your pup stays safely in the vehicle and isn't left running free and scared.


​The Temperature Trap

​Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a "quick errand." Even on a mild 80°F day, the temperature inside a vehicle can skyrocket to dangerous levels in just a matter of minutes—often exceeding 100°F. Dogs cannot cool themselves down as efficiently as we can, and overheating happens fast. If you can't bring them inside, it is safer to leave them home.


​Tips for a Smooth Trip

​Plan Your Pit Stops: Research dog-friendly rest stops along your route. Plan frequent breaks to let your pup stretch their legs, sniff around, and get some fresh air.


​Hydration & Nutrition: Pack a dedicated "dog bag" with their usual food, a familiar bowl, and plenty of fresh water to prevent tummy upset.


​Exercise First: Before a long drive, give your pup a good exercise session. A tired dog is a much better traveler.

​Update Your Info: Check that your dog's microchip is current and that their collar has an ID tag with your active cell phone number.


​Need Travel Help?

​If your summer plans don’t include a spot for your pup, please make sure to find a reliable, trusted, and knowledgeable pet sitter or dog boarding facility, such as Just Making Smiles. We provide a home-like, safe environment so you can travel with total peace of mind.


 
 
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