Are you gearing up and getting ready to hit the road this summer? Whether it’s a short trip or a longer one, we know some of you might be hitting the road with your best pal aka your pooch! And while this is exciting, it’s important to know a few things about keeping your pet safe and healthy along the way. Below we have some tips to help you out. We encourage you to put these to good use and of course, contact your vet before hitting the road – it’s important that your pet is cleared before heading out. And if you’re ready to upgrade into a newer, bigger BMW, our team is here and ready to help you! Schedule an appointment online today or stop in at a convenient time! 

Never leave your pet alone in the vehicle. Never. Ever. Repeat, never ever leave your pet alone in your vehicle. When traveling, plan your bathroom stops in dog-friendly places like pet stores. 

Make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip. Whether you just stopped in to have service or it’s been some time, make sure that everything seems to be in proper working order. The last thing you need is to be dealing with a breakdown or broken AC along the way. 

Start early in the day. While summer temperatures are high in the mornings too, it’s a great idea to start the day early while temperatures are at their lowest. Take your pet for a walk or a little exercise while the temperatures are still bearable. 

Freeze water. Freezing your water the night before offers cooler drinks the next day. While we recommend freezing two water bottles for you and your pet, we also recommend keeping a few bottles that are not frozen. And we recommend packing twice as much water as you think you’ll need – a good rule of thumb. 

Offer water often. Sometimes when traveling we forget to take a drink of water and if we’re forgetting, so is our pet. So it’s important to offer water often to ensure they are staying hydrated throughout the day. Also, grab a collapsible water bowl, they offer convenience and are easy to clean. 

Beware of the pavement. When temperatures are climbing, the asphalt temperature is hot as well. When you stop to hop out for a potty break or to stretch the legs, look for shady areas with grass. This will keep your pet from burning their paws. If you can’t find a grassy area, spread a towel on the ground to protect their paws while stretching or pour some water on the ground to cool it off. 

Watch out for signs of heat stress. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very dangerous conditions that even our pets can suffer from. Look out for lethargy, vomiting, agitation, uncontrollable panting, foaming at the mouth, and tongue and gums that turn from red to blue to gray. And always consult your veterinarian before traveling with your pet.