Traveling with pets is almost as American as apple pie, but many states have laws in place making it illegal for Rover to ride unrestrained in a vehicle. The majority of existing state legislation only makes it illegal for an animal to be riding in our lap, while in New Jersey, they have a stiffer statute. After all we just want to keep these furry, four-legged friends safe and happy.
Hotter Than The Car
While everyone knows not to leave their canine in a hot car, or even a warm one for that matter, due to the threat of heat stroke, concrete and asphalt can also scorch our pet’s sensitive padded feet. When we’re on the road, we’ll obviously be stopping for regular potty breaks, but beware of these smooth surfaces in the summertime.
Researchers found that on a warm summer’s day, when the outside temperature reaches 35℃ (or 95℉), other surfaces were much hotter. Concrete and sidewalks came in at a singeing 52℃ (or 125℉), red bricks at a burning 57 ℃ (or 135 ℉) and black asphalt are a blistering 60 ℃ (or 140℉), all potentially harmful for pets.
Considering the fact you can fry an egg on a sidewalk at 55℃ (or 131℉), imagine how painful this would be on our pet’s feet. Stick to shady, grassy areas when it comes time for our dog to relieve themselves. If you do have to travel on the concrete or asphalt with your pooch, take a moment to feel the surface with your hand, if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them.
Take Your Time
When you do pull into a rest area or other park area for a pit stop, take your time and let your dog stretch, move about and not just simply relieve themselves. Better yet, see if you can plan your journey to stop at any beaches or parks across the road trip. If you’re travelling elsewhere, search Google for locations around your destination and along your route that allow dogs.
For more tips and tricks for safely travelling with your best friend, see this infographic, “Travel Tips For Road Trips With Your Dog.” You and the whole family will enjoy your excursion much when everyone is happy, including Fido.
Infographic: Travel Tips For Road Trips With Your Dog
Jenn Johnson
Born in Chicago and raised in Boston, Jenn Johnson is a journalist and a freelance writer. She completed her PhD in Journalism from Northwestern University. You’ll find this pet enthusiast and freelance journalist living happily with her husband, three kids and their two beloved dogs, Thunder and Lightning in the Back Bay area of Massachusetts, just outside Boston.