Tips for Safe UTV Riding With Your Dog
UTVs aren't just fun for people — dogs like them, too! As long as you take the proper precautions, riding the trails with your pet can be an exciting experience for you both. With a few simple steps, your four-legged friend can ride along in safety and comfort. To learn more, contact us at The Sports Center, or visit our location in Perry, Georgia, where we serve people across Macon and Columbus, Georgia.
Familiarize Your Dog With Your UTV
If you're a pet owner, you know that dogs can react in unexpected ways to new places, objects, and noises. A UTV is the perfect storm of stimuli. It's loud, bumpy, and windy. Before you take a ride, give your pup time to get familiar with the vehicle. Let it hang out while you work. This gives your dog time to get to know the smells and surfaces of the interior and exterior. If starting the engine causes panic, try offering treats or comfort.
Create a Safe Spot
Most UTVs are open-air, which means that your dog has plenty of opportunities to jump out. To keep it safe, create a comfortable and secure place to ride. A cozy bed with a harness is a good idea for smaller, more delicate dogs; bigger animals might need to ride in a crate in the bed. Just make sure the crate or kennel is strapped down tightly, and take it easy on bumpy trails. The key is to choose a place and a system that prevents your pet from distracting you or getting out when the UTV is moving.
Consider Heat Safety
With all of the air that flows through your UTV as you're riding, cooling might be the last thing on your mind. Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat than people, so they can overheat easily on a summer day. Since heat can be deadly to dogs, a cooling mat is a handy accessory to have on hand. They help dissipate warmth, so it doesn't build up while you ride. It's also important to pack a travel bowl and lots of water for your pup, especially on long trips.
Carry Treats and Food
When you're setting out for a day of riding, bring plenty of food for your dog. A plastic container can double as a food bowl. Make sure to take a package of treats, especially if you're not sure how your dog will react to the experience. Feeding your dog familiar, delicious snacks is one way to create a more relaxing trip.
When you take time to acclimate and protect your dog, riding in a UTV can be a great way to bond. Ready to see pet-friendly UTV models? Call our team at The Sports Center, or stop by to see our inventory at our Perry, Georgia, location, serving Macon and Columbus, Georgia.