Summer in Seattle can reach scorching temperatures, especially inside the car. Traveling or driving around town with pets? Be careful-your car could potentially get too hot to handle.
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Car
While taking your pets-especially your dogs-on long road trips or up the mountain for a quick hike can be a blast, you'll want to take measures to keep them cool and hydrated. Here's how to keep your dog cool in the car-no matter the destination!
1. Never, ever leave your dog unattended.
Number one rule for wandering pet owners-never, ever leave your pet in a hot car alone. Even if the temperature outside is a breezy 75 degrees, the inside of your car will feel like a sauna to your dog. Even if you're parked in the shade, the heat inside can escalate very quickly and leave your dog panicked and overheated. When driving around with your dog, make sure you are taking them to places that are pet-friendly to avoid leaving them alone.
2. Travel with cool water.
Whether you're heading to the vet or going on a long road trip, always travel with cool water handy during the summer. Keeping your dog hydrated will help to keep them cool. Worried about the excess water this will create? Investing in a travel water dish can help keep your car from getting messy.
3. Keep the AC on at all times.
Unlike you, your dog can't shed his fur coat during the summer. It's important to keep the car well-ventilated and cool. Turn the AC on high and keep it on for the entire ride. If you're cold-natured, pack a sweatshirt to off-set the chill.
4. Consider investing in a cooling pad.
In many cars, the AC vents exist in the front seat leaving the backseat passengers in a position to sweat. If you're planning a long road trip and making Fido sit in the back, consider buying a cooling pad. Cooling pads for pets can be found at most pet stores or on Amazon.
5. Change up your driving time.
Thinking of starting your trip in the middle of the day? Think again. When traveling with a dog in the car, you'll need to consider outdoor temperature. Choose to start your journey in the early A.M. before the sun has had time to heat up your leather seats. Not a morning person? Drive through the night to avoid the sunshine and mid-day heat altogether.
6. Use a sunshade to cool it off.
Lastly, do everything you can to cool off your car even when you're not inside it. At home? Park in the garage to avoid overheating. When you're out and about, use a sunshade to keep the heat off the seats-your dog's paws will thank you!
Trying to get your dog to ride with you in your Subaru this summer? Here are a few tips on how to lower your dog's anxiety during a car ride.
Suburb Service is Seattle's Trusted Subaru Technician
At Suburb Service, we're here to offer exceptional maintenance and repair service for Subaru owners in and around the Seattle area. Need an oil change? Have a broken AC? Time for your annual maintenance tune-up? Schedule an appointment online today or give us a call at (206) 705-8695. We're always here for you! Show your Subaru some love.