The only thing better than a road trip is being able to take your favorite four-legged friend along for the ride. While most dogs love the opportunity to go for a long car ride, to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the trip, it is best to do a bit of pre-departure planning.
Schedule a Check-up
Make an appointment with the vet so they can make sure your dog is fit for travel. During a routine exam, the vet will check for common problems like fleas or eye infections. Depending on where you’re heading, your vet can also prepare travel documents to show that your pet is healthy and their vaccines are up to date. Many hotels may require this paperwork in order to admit your pet, so it is important to have up-to-date copies on hand.
Do Practice Drives
Dogs like adventure and new places, but they can also become overwhelmed by too many changes to their environment. Getting your pup used to the car before your journey will help keep them calm. Several weeks before your trip, make it a routine to drive your dog out to a place they love, like the dog park. Over time, they will associate car rides with fun destinations. If driving makes your dog a bit overstimulated, consider bringing calming medication such as canine CBD or melatonin supplements.
Teach Important Commands
Your dog may know exactly how to sit or stay while home or in the garden, but those skills may not transfer to the car. That is because dogs learn commands contextually. You will have to do some training sessions in the car so that your dog will know what is expected of them during the trip.
For example, if you don’t want your dog leaping out of the car every time you stop for gas, practice the stay command while holding the door open. Be generous with praise and treats. Eventually, your dog will learn not to get out of the car until you give the release command.
Prepare the Car
Cars are not made with dogs in mind, so you will need to purchase safety accessories to keep your pet comfortable during the ride. Firstly, you will need to find a way to keep your dog safely restrained.
While acceptable methods vary by state and local rules, the safest way to travel with your dog is with an approved pet carrier held down by the car’s seatbelts. The carrier should give your dog enough space to sit, stand, and turn around. If you prefer, you can use a dog seat belt that tethers your dog to the existing seatbelt. Either way, your dog should be in the backseat or in the cargo space.
For extra safety and cleanliness, you can line the backseat with a dog blanket or space divider. This will prevent your dog from falling between the front and rear seat, while keeping your interior fur and dirt free.
Pack Smartly
Your dog will get hungry, thirsty, and restless during the trip, so make sure you pack everything you will need to meet your pet’s needs. You can bring your dogs food in a hand tupperware container and pack water in specially designed dog water bottles. These bottles have a detachable vessel that allows you to give your dog water easily. It’s important to have your dog’s favorite treats and toys on hand. Of course, biodegradable dog waste bags are a must-have for a long trip.
Since the temperature in the car can quickly rise, even on an overcast day, pack a cooling vest or mat. Choose a product that works using room temperature or warm water. Pack a small first aid kit with iodine, gauze, and cotton balls. Dog wipes are also great for keeping your pet clean.
Plan Stops
As excited as your dog will be to travel in the car, your pet will still require frequent breaks for toileting and exercise. In fact, experts recommend stopping at least every four hours to give your dog time to stretch its legs.
While planning your trip, look for stops with open green spaces away from the road. Some ideas include national parks, camping sites, or rest stops. If you cannot find a safe area and your dog absolutely needs to get out of the car, keep your dog on its leash at all times. Consider swapping out your dog’s collar for one with reflective strips or LED lights so that you can safely walk together in the dark.
