The summer holidays are the time of year when the most pets travel by car. And also when the most mistakes are made that can put their lives in danger. Heat transforms any vehicle into a hazardous space, even on short journeys.
This guide covers the most common mistakes — some with fatal consequences — and practical tips to make the journey as safe and stress-free as possible for your pet.
The most serious danger: leaving your pet in the car
It is the most common and most dangerous mistake. With an outdoor temperature of 20°C and sun, the interior of a closed car can reach 47°C in just 30 minutes. At 30°C, it can exceed 60°C.
A dog can die when its body temperature reaches 41°C. Heatstroke can occur within 10–15 minutes. Opening a window a few centimetres does not reduce the temperature significantly.
Never leave your pet in the car in summer, not even “just for a moment”. If you cannot take them with you, it is better not to bring them.
Before you set off: journey preparation
Last meal before the journey
Do not feed your dog or cat immediately before getting into the car. A full stomach increases the risk of travel sickness and vomiting. Wait at least 2–3 hours between the last meal and the start of the journey.
Water always available
Bring fresh water and a portable bowl. The car can heat up very quickly even with the air conditioning running, and dehydration sets in faster than you might think.
Approved carrier or harness
Spanish legislation requires that pets be transported in a way that does not distract the driver or project forward in the event of sudden braking. Safe options include:
- A carrier secured with a seatbelt or anchored in the boot.
- A dividing grille that confines the dog to the boot.
- An approved harness for dogs.
- A special seat for small dogs, secured to the headrest.
During the journey
Interior temperature of the car
Keep the air conditioning on throughout the journey. If the car does not have air conditioning, long journeys in summer are especially risky and should be planned exclusively during cool hours.
Frequent stops
Stop at rest areas at least every 2 hours. Give your pet water, let them stretch their legs (always on a lead), and allow them to relieve themselves. Always choose shaded areas.
Do not let them stick their head out of the window
Although dogs love it, this practice is dangerous: dust particles, insects, or impacts at high speed can cause serious eye damage.
Signs of stress or heatstroke during the journey
- Excessive panting or rapid breathing
- Heavy drooling
- Restlessness, vocalisation, or attempts to escape the carrier
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy or loss of responsiveness
If any of these signs appear, pull over somewhere safe and shaded, give your pet fresh water and dampen their body with lukewarm water. If the symptoms do not improve within minutes, seek urgent veterinary attention.
On arrival at your destination
- Offer water before food: hydration is the priority.
- Allow them to acclimatise to the new space before feeding them.
- If they have gone many hours without eating, give them a reduced portion to avoid overloading digestion.
- Check that the accommodation is safe: unguarded balconies, unfenced pools, toxic plants.
Nutrition and travel: what makes the difference
A well-nourished dog or cat copes better with the stress of travel. A quality diet with highly digestible ingredients reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems during the journey.
If you are travelling for several days, bring sufficient quantities of their usual food. Suddenly changing their food during the trip can cause diarrhoea at a most inconvenient time. At OnlyFresh you will find Harper and Bone, Amanova, and TrovetPlus available to ensure your pet eats the same as at home, wherever they are.
