At least the dog is still happy. He still barrels out into the grass and throws himself down into a massive wiggle. He still wants to tear open every bag along the road to see if it might contain something he wants to eat.
I have to travel with him, soon, and I’m anxious about it. It’s so hot. And everything I read online is so dire. You can’t leave pets in the car for even a second or they will die, but I’m going to have to pee.
When I was little, we took our dog to California in the summer, through the desert, and he did fine. And I know we went and ate inside McDonalds while he waited in the car.
But now, if you can’t travel with another person who can wait in the running car with the air conditioning on with your pet, you must not travel or you hate animals.
I have to bring this dog with me, though, and I love him. So where’s the good advice for people like me?
My plan right now is to bring towels to hang in the windows while I’m inside somewhere, so that there’s something to block the sun. To leave early to try to be there before the heat of the day. To have plenty for him to drink. And to wet him down when we stop.
But, hey, if you have July car travel with dog advice that is different than “never go anywhere alone or you hate your dog,” I’d like to hear what’s worked for you.
Tiny Cat Pants 
I traveled with my black lab mix all the time. I left the windows half way down when I had to leave her in the car for five minutes, so I could use the restroom and buy a coke, then I’d take her out for a break. If there was shade to park in, even better. Leaving the windows open far enough for Sonny Boy to stick his head out but not to escape ought to be fine.
I seem to recall some photo that went viral a few year back. Dog in car with note on window that said “don’t worry he’s fine. he’s got the A/C running.” Which I guess could work if you had two car keys or a dog that would stop anyone from stealing your car left running.
That, or hang one of those office signs that has a “will return” time for 5 minutes from the present time.
I love the Professor’s “will return” time sign idea. I also picture you getting back, changing to a “Yes, we’re open,” sign and driving down the road.
Could you do test drives to see just how hot it gets in the car with all the variables? And the only thing about wetting him down is to make sure he shakes well so the water doesn’t just sit there and insulate him more. I just remember hearing that horses need to be scraped after wetting or they get hotter. And horse don’t shake as well as dogs anyway.