It’s no secret, we are a nation of dog lovers. And, if you’re anything like us, you want your furry friend with you at all times, even on those long car journeys. But, before having them join you, there are a few things you should consider. Here are our tips to make your car more dog-friendly…

CAR SEAT COVERS
Nobody wants muddy paw prints and dog fur in their car. There’s a quick and simple solution for this one if you haven’t already guessed – simply buy yourself washable seat covers to keep your car looking its best.

PORTABLE DOG WATER BOTTLE
This is a must for any long journey. Just like you, your dog will appreciate stopping off for a quick break to have a drink. Sometimes service stations are nowhere to be seen when you need them most – so, with that in mind, buy your dog a portable water bottle. They’re cheap and easy to find, and your furry friend will appreciate it more than you know.

SAY NO TO NORMAL CAR AIR FRESHENERS
Normal car air fresheners are a big no when travelling with your dog on a long journey due to the chemicals they contain. We understand that on long journeys with your dog, your car can start to smell like them, even when they’re clean, but always avoid normal car air fresheners for their health. Instead, take a trip to your local pet store and ask for a pet-friendly car air freshener.

SAFETY FIRST
Sorry to break it to you, but rule 57 of the Highway Code says that animals must be restrained when joining you in your car – “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars”. If your dog is a distraction to you when driving, you could be stopped by the police, fined up to £2,500, and get 9 penalty points on your license. Your car insurance could also be invalidated if you find yourself in an accident that’s caused by you not restraining your pet in the vehicle.

If you’re looking for a new car and want to take your dog into consideration when choosing it, cars such as the Skoda Superb Estate, Ford Focus Estate, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports have more than enough room if your dog is small or large.

LMC has a great selection of pet-friendly cars in stock now. Take a look on our website to start your search.