lifestyle

Pets And Driving In The Heat

Photo by Gary Samaha on Unsplash

News reports today reveal that temperatures are predicted to reach highs of 42 in some parts of the country. While many will be out enjoying the sunshine, motorists are reminded to keep an extra eye on their furry friends this week as temperatures peak.

Car insurance expert at Confused.com, Alex Kindred comments:
"With hot weather reaching all-time highs this week, it's likely we'll see an increased footfall across our UK coastlines, parks and recreational areas. For motorists with pets, the decision to take them with us is always a popular choice. Our latest research found that nearly 1 in 2 (49%) drivers travel with their four-legged friends, with dogs being the most popular companion (68%).

"It was found that 3 in 10 (30%) motorists said they've travelled more than 50 mileswith their pet, but the average motorists will only stop once during their journey. With the sun being strongest between 11am and 3pm, it is advised to keep pets in the shade during this time."

If you must travel, then here are some tips to keep your pet cool during these hot journeys:

Keep the air conditioning on
Put the sun shade on the window to block some of the sun coming in
Crack the window a little for some breeze, but not so much that your pet can put their head out of the window
Let your pet drink lots of cool water on your scheduled stops
Get cool pads for your pet to sit on

"You should also never leave your pets unattended in your vehicle, especially when temperatures soar. It's also important to make sure that your pet is properly restrained when you travel, for the safety of all road users. If you're travelling with pets, our guide on how to keep them safe while driving will help clear up any confusion, leaving you and your pets to enjoy the sunshine safely."

https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/keeping-your-dog-safe-in-the-car