Safety and Care by Team Vekaan: Your Expert Guide to Canine Health, Behavior, and Care.

Summary for safe car travel with your dog: An unsecured dog in a car is a major safety risk. To ensure a safe trip, you must use a crash-tested restraint, manage motion sickness, and plan for frequent breaks.

We all love the idea of a dog with its head out the window, ears flapping in the breeze. But as professional handlers, we know the reality is often different: motion sickness, anxiety, and significant safety hazards.

Whether you are driving five minutes to the vet or five hours for a holiday, safety must be the priority. In many countries (including here in Germany), it is actually illegal to transport a dog unrestrained.

Here are our top 5 tips for a safe, stress-free journey.

1. Restraint is Non-Negotiable

An unrestrained dog is a projectile in an accident. Even a low-speed impact can cause severe injury to your dog or passengers if they are thrown forward.

• The Crate: The safest method is a secured, durable travel crate placed in the boot (trunk) or secured on the back seat. It prevents the dog from interfering with the driver and offers the best impact protection.
• The Seatbelt Harness: If you don’t use a crate, use a wide, padded harness that clips directly into the seatbelt buckle. Never attach a seatbelt to a neck collar, as this can break the dog’s neck in a sudden stop.

2. Manage the Meal Times (Motion Sickness)

Car sickness is common, especially in puppies. A full stomach combined with the motion of a car is a recipe for disaster.

• The 2-Hour Rule: Avoid feeding a full meal within 2 to 3 hours of departure. A mostly empty stomach settles better.
• Hydration: Offer small amounts of water, but don’t let them gulp down a whole bowl right before getting in.

3. The “Head Out the Window” Myth

It looks cute, but letting your dog hang their head out of a moving car window is dangerous.

• Debris: Flying grit, insects, and pebbles can cause severe eye injuries at high speeds.
• Escape Risk: We have seen dogs jump or fall out of moving vehicles when startled or excited.
• Solution: Crack the window enough for fresh scents and air flow, but not enough for the head to pass through.

4. Pack a “Go-Bag” for the Back Seat

Don’t bury your dog’s essentials at the bottom of the trunk. Keep a small bag within reach containing:

• Water and a Collapsible Bowl: Hydration is key.
• Poop Bags: For those quick rest stops.
• Cleaning Supplies: Paper towels and an enzymatic cleaner (accidents happen!).
• A Familiar Item: A blanket or toy that smells like home to reduce anxiety.

5. Never Leave Them Alone

This is the golden rule. Cars heat up to deadly temperatures in minutes, even on mild days with windows cracked. Conversely, in winter, a car acts like a refrigerator.

Vekaan Policy: If you need to stop for food or a bathroom break, one person stays with the dog, or you use drive-through services. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle.

Arrive Happy and Safe

A car ride should be the start of an adventure, not a stressful ordeal. By securing your dog and planning ahead, you ensure that the destination is worth the drive.