If you plan to take your dog on a road trip, you need to make the experience as safe and comfy as possible for them. Learn more about driving with a pet in this post by Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego.

With summer in full swing, you're probably looking forward to taking a few days off for a road trip. Maybe you want to visit family and friends on the east coast, take a road trip across the country, or take a few days to explore the best of California. In any case, it's always a good idea to have a good travel companion, don't you think? On that note, what better companion than your furry friend? If you have a pet at home, you surely want to take them with you; after all, they deserve a good vacation too. That said, there are essential things you should know to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip for both your pet and yourself; thus, this post by Synthetic Oil Inc. has put together the best tips for driving with a pet. If you are interested in this topic, read on.

Keep your vehicle safe to drive and in optimal working order by giving it the most effective synthetic oil change in San Diego. Reach out to Synthetic Oil Inc. at (800) 653-0323 and ask for the best products and formulations for your vehicle. Don't forget to stop by AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the top formulations for your car's routine maintenance.

Top Tips for Driving With a Pet

First, Pay a Visit to the Veterinarian

First, you should verify that your dog is in a fit condition to travel; to that end, we recommend you book an appointment with your veterinarian a few weeks before your trip. Following this advice is essential since not all dogs enjoy long road trips. Some have medical conditions that prevent them from tolerating long car rides, while others are too old or young to travel comfortably and safely. A few dogs are even prone to become severely anxious due to the noises and movement of vehicles. That said, getting your dog's health and temperament checked by the vet is essential. Once the vet approves taking your dog on the road, make digital copies of their health certificate and medical records. Having these documents available on your cell phone will be very useful in case your dog has an emergency during the trip.

Take a Few Practice Trips

Before taking your pet on a long-distance road trip, take short test drives to see how they react to the vehicle's sounds, smells, and movements. To begin with, you can place their favorite toys in the back seat to encourage them to get in and play with you (with the car turned off and the doors open). Once they get in and out of the vehicle smoothly, take them for short drives to places where they can play, such as the dog park or the beach. Don't forget to reward them with treats if they behave well inside their cages. These short pre-trip outings will help them feel comfortable and calm during long periods inside the car.

Prolong your vehicle's life by feeding it with top-shelf formulas like AMSOIL's XL 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, a lubricant engineered to deliver outstanding friction control and superior heat protection. Call Synthetic Oil Inc. at (800) 653-0323 or browse AMSOIL's online store to purchase the most effective synthetic oil in San Diego.

Pack Everything Your Pet Needs

Next up, pack a doggie suitcase with everything your pet needs to travel comfortably and happily. Start with toys that can keep them entertained for hours, for example, puzzle toys with jerky or peanut butter treats inside. Next, pack their collar or harness, food, bedding, litter bags, towels, food and water bowls, medication if needed, and their travel crate or carrier. Extra tip: Before setting off on the road trip, take your dog for a run or walk so they can spend as much energy as possible before getting into the vehicle. Exercising will help your pet stay calm and relaxed during the first few hours of the trip.

Take Frequent Stops

Once you start your road trip, make stops approximately every two hours to prevent you and your dog from getting dehydrated, numb, or tired. Use each break as a chance for your dog to discharge energy by taking them for a walk for at least 15 minutes. Remember to offer your pup water and food before returning to the car.

Keep Your Pet Cool

Finally, keep your furry friend cool inside the vehicle. Remember that most dogs are comfortable at a temperature range between 50 to 85 degrees; that said, keep your vehicle's interior at a safe temperature by turning the air conditioning on, especially during the sunniest and hottest hours of the day. On top of that, you can get a cooling mat and place it on your dog's bed for them to lie on when temperatures rise at noon.

Keeping up with your vehicle's maintenance schedule is key to safe and trouble-free driving with a pet. Reach out to Synthetic Oil Inc. at (800) 653-0323, and talk to their oil specialists about the benefits of switching to the top synthetic oil in San Diego. Don't forget to stop by AMSOIL's webpage to place an order for the most reliable formulas and products for your engine.