Can A BMW And A Dog Ever Live In Harmony?
When you think of the classic BMW, an image of a stylish motor with a kidney-shaped grille, crease line angles, and a plush leather interior comes to mind. Meanwhile, most will associate a dog with muddy paws and a shedding coat. So, it’s fair to say that letting a mucky pup into your pride and joy is something that most BMW owners would rather avoid. This is especially true if you’re one of the 2,490,664 people who bought one last year, or if you’ve just revamped your classic car. But with a growing population of dog owners in the UK, is it possible to merge your two loves?
Getting used to the thrill of the road
Whether you’re driving the classic 2002 with vibrating steering, or a newer model with sharp steering, riding around in a BMW is an experience like no other. Furthermore, the Hofmeister kink found on the window outline accentuates the dynamic forward thrust that BMWs are renowned for. However, these feelings will be new to your pup and could lead to motion sickness and unwanted mishaps. So, it’s advisable to initially embark on a few short journeys together in your beloved BMW. This will get your pooch used to the BMW motion, as well as the thrill of the road in a classic and stylish car.
Know the dos and don’ts of doggy travel
When you go out exploring with your dog, it’s essential you follow basic safety advice. Make sure you take regular rest breaks, as this will give your dog the opportunity to go to the bathroom, have a drink and stretch his legs. By providing regular breaks to your dog, you’ll prevent boredom from kicking in and your door handles being gnawed. After all, BMW’s iconic design integrates the handles with the crease line, so you don’t want them to be ruined. Meanwhile, adhering to legislation is a must. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.” Therefore, for optimum protection, secure your hound in a dog crate on the back seat.
Protect your interior
BMW pride themselves on driver orientation in every one of their vehicles. But, the infamous leather interior is another feature which makes your classic set of wheels stand out from all the other cars on the road. The good news is that leather interiors are much easier to clean than cloth ones. So if your hound does, unfortunately, make a mess on your seats, you can clean it up in just a few minutes. However, one thing to be wary of is your pet’s sharp claws on your precious interior. Keep your dog’s nails trim by cutting them once a month. You should also train him not to scratch as this will ensure that your BMW always looks its best.
On first thought, BMWs and dogs don’t mix. But, so long as you introduce the BMW ride to your hound gently and take precautions, you can enjoy the open road with your pet by your side.