Like you, dogs love road trips and adventures. Road trips offer a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your family and fur babies.
However, before you let them hop into your car, here’s the ultimate guide to ensuring your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy when taking a road trip with your dog.
Plan Ahead Your Trip Details
The first and most important step to a smooth and stress-free holiday with your pets is planning your trip. What are the things you should consider?
First, look for a pet-friendly place. If you plan to stay in hotels or Airbnb, do check with the reception before booking if they allow pets or dogs.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Road-Ready
If it’s your first time for your dog to embark on a trip, try some shorter trips to see if he gets motion sickness or if he gets anxious. Train your dog by taking him on short drives a few times before your road trip.
This way, he will get used to the sensation of being in a car. If your dog has motion sickness, ask your vet for some medications to make his trip more comfortable. In addition to medication, there are also natural remedies that can help soothe your dog’s motion sickness and anxiety. One such option is a passionflower-based supplement like those seen at xen pets, as it has calming effects on both humans and animals, and it can be a safe and effective way to help your dog relax during car rides. By taking steps to prepare your dog and provide him with natural remedies, you can help make your road trip a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
Get Your Documentation Organized
Gather together your dog’s vaccination certificates and medical documents, recent lab work, and rabies vaccination tag as these documents may be required in some parks, hotels, or other recreation places.
Keep Your Dog’s Tag Updated
You want to prepare for the unexpected. Make sure your dog’s tag and microchip are updated so people can help you find your pooch easily if he gets lost. If you haven’t changed your dog’s tag for a long time, now is the time to do so. Make sure your address and phone numbers are updated and clearly printed.
Look Up Animal Hospitals and Vets Along Your Route
When planning for your trip, search for animal hospitals or clinics along your route just in case something goes wrong. This way, you’ll have peace of mind that help is not far behind when you embark on a road trip.
Pack a Road Trip Bag for Your Dog
Make a list of your dog’s travel essentials, find them at lutherbennett.com, and make it a comfortable journey.
Don’t forget to pack several packs of disinfecting wipes, poop bags, chew toys, diapers, a blanket, and pet food.
Rules To Follow During Your Trip
For a safe and fun ride with your dog, check out these rules to follow:
Keep Your Dog Secure With a Seatbelt or Crate
Just like you wouldn’t let your child roam inside the car while it moves, you also want your dog to stay put in the seat. It’s best to use a crate so he can still move somehow and be comfortable. Choose a crate where your pooch can stand up and turn around in.
A regular seatbelt is not suitable for a dog. You want to use a doggy seatbelt or harness. This tool will keep any size dog safely strapped in the backseat. If you have a large dog, consider installing a back-seat barrier. Make sure the barrier is securely attached before hitting the road.
Check To See if It’s Too Warm or Cold
Don’t leave your dog inside a hot car. If you’re stopping by for a bit to buy some supplies, make sure that your AC is turned on. Temperature control is an issue on drives.
Never leave your pet unattended in the car. Temperatures in vehicles can rise almost 20 degrees in the first ten minutes. Check every so often to make sure that there’s plenty of air circulation and that your pooch is feeling comfortable.
Turn the Music Down Low
Remember that dogs are very sensitive to sounds so be mindful when you’re listening to some tracks. It may not be too loud for you but it can be for your pooch. Adjust the fade in your stereo so the sound is in the front speakers.
Make Frequent Potty Stops
Stop every couple of hours (two to three hours) for a potty break. This will keep him comfortable during your trip. It’s also a great time to stretch out, move, and enjoy some fresh air.
Stay In Pet-friendly Hotels Along the Way
Not all hotels accept pets so make sure to do your research. Also, even some pet-friendly hotels may only allow certain breeds or will have a few rules before they allow a furry visitor. Avoid frustration by planning your route and booking hotels ahead of time.
Keep Safe Distance from Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from other animals when taking your dog on a hike and make sure to keep him on a leash. This will prevent any stressful situations or encounters that can result in attacks and injuries.
Try to Maintain Your Normal Routine
While it’s impossible to stick to your normal routine with your dog when you’re on a road trip, at least you can keep things like his normal feeding time.
Don’t forget to allow your dog to play and rest. Bring his favourite toys and feeding bowl so he will be more comfortable even when he’s in a strange place.
Wrapping Up
As long as you follow this guide, you can keep your dog happy, comfortable, and safe during a road trip. You’re sure to be on an epic adventure that both of you will enjoy.
