Traveling with a dog in the car - this applies

Are you thinking about taking your dog on a road trip? Before you get in the car, there are a few rules you should know.

Interest in getting a dog has increased exponentially, according to statistics from the Swedish Kennel Club and the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Here are some tips for the journey!

Sudden braking, changing temperatures and long periods in the car can quickly make transport stressful for your dog. But by planning and preparing for a comfortable and safe car journey, you increase the chances of a positive car experience - even for your four-legged companion.

As a dog owner, you should keep this in mind:

1. Protect the dog from injuries

By either using a transport cage adapted to the dog's size, a cargo rack or a dog-specific seat belt, you can protect your dog from injury when braking. If you use a transport cage, it should be designed and placed in a way that provides the dog with both shade and good ventilation. You can also choose to transport the dog in the passenger compartment of the car, provided that you have good supervision of the animal throughout the journey and that there is no luggage or other loose objects that could fall and cause injury.

2. Take regular pee and water breaks

Taking our own needs into account during a car trip is one thing – but it is much more difficult for a dog to communicate when it is hungry, thirsty or needs to pee. The requirement is to walk the dog and give it water at least every 6 hours during the car trip, and food at intervals of no more than 24 hours. The dog must not be kept in the car for more than three hours at a time when it is stationary.

3. Help your dog avoid motion sickness

A sick dog must not be transported in a car (the exception is if you urgently need to take it to the vet). However, many dogs get motion sickness during the journey – and even then there are a few things to consider. Make sure the dog has access to fluids, but avoid feeding it a few hours before departure. Keep the temperature in the car cool and walk the dog often. Avoid winding and bumpy roads if possible. You can also ask your vet to recommend a de-stressing scent pheromone to keep in the car, or a special dietary supplement with a calming effect.

4. Never leave your dog in a hot or cold car

Most people know by now that a car parked in the sun quickly becomes a death trap for a dog. But dogs can also get sick from the cold in a car, and the temperature can drop just as quickly in the sub-zero temperatures as it rises in the highs. The limited space in a car prevents the dog from keeping warm by moving around, and condensation quickly makes the air in the car damp and raw.

An animal should never be left unattended in a car if the temperature inside the car is likely to exceed +25°C or fall below -5°C. To stay within these limits, it is not enough to park in the shade or leave the window slightly open.

5. Are you going to travel abroad with your dog?

From April 22, 2026, new EU rules apply for travel with dogs, cats and ferrets. Therefore, check that your dog's passport, ID tag and owner information are in order before you cross the border.