Many dogs love jumping in the car on virtually any outing, unless, of course, you’re heading to the veterinary clinic. A road trip vacation is something they can enjoy if you’ve prepared well. The rewards of having your canine companion participate in a fun family trip can be worth the added effort, as long as you keep the following points in mind.
Ensure safety
To travel safely in a vehicle, your doggy should be either belted in with a seat belt system designed for dogs or housed in a pet carrier or crate. This is critical for both the safety of your dog and everyone else in the car. Without taking these precautions, your dog may decide they want to ride shotgun up front and distract you from driving.
Alternatively, they might get curious and bolt from the vehicle as soon as you open the door. Letting your dog travel with their head outside an open window or allowing them to ride unsecured in the bed of a pickup truck are also unsafe. In an accident, they can easily be thrown from the vehicle, seriously injured, or killed. Always keep your dog secure with a crate or seat belt system.
Focus on comfort
Your dog’s comfort is also paramount for a worry-free travel vacation. If they’re to be confined to a carrier or crate, select one large enough for them to move around in. They should have sufficient space to lay down easily and stand up to change positions. The crate or carrier must be properly ventilated and positioned in such a way in the car that the air flow isn’t obstructed. Whether you choose to have your pooch secured in a crate or have them in a safety harness in the back seat, make sure they have something comfortable to lie on like a soft blanket.
Pack sufficient supplies
Remember to bring a supply of your pet’s regular food as well as lots of bottled water. A collapsible water container that your doggy can drink from is a good investment. Take a quantity of pet waste bags for those all-important stops as well.
Expect that your dog will get bored en route. After all, they can only look out the window for so long before becoming a bit restless. Sure, they’ll probably take a few naps, but having something to amuse themselves with can help take their mind off their confinement. Take a few of your pet’s favorite toys to help them stay occupied while you keep your attention on the road ahead.
Prepare your pooch
Get your canine family member ready for the trip by giving them the chance to go to the bathroom in different places outside. Rather than letting them relieve themselves on their usual spot in the yard, bring them to other types of surfaces. Take your dog for a walk on pavement, on a gravel path, or on a trail in the woods to have them learn that it’s perfectly fine to do their business in other environments. This practice can make it that much less stressful for them when they have to go in unfamiliar surroundings.
You’ll also want to give them lots of exercise right before you go. Take your dog on a long walk or run, go to the dog park, or play some fetch so they can get their energy out. If they’re tired out, they’re more likely to sleep in the car.
Take precautions
It’s a good idea to have your doggy checked out by the vet before taking them on a road trip. Your veterinarian knows your pet’s history and can assure you that they are in good health to accompany you on a holiday. This is the time to have their vaccinations updated if needed and get some travel advice.
Emergencies happen, so be ready with a pet first aid kit, a supply of any current medication, a copy of your pup’s health records, and contact information for emergency animal hospitals on your route. It’s also necessary to have some form of identification with your dog. Think about having your canine microchipped in case you lose them and, at the very least, have your phone number attached to their collar.
Book dog-friendly accommodations
When booking hotels or Airbnbs, check their pet policy. You’ll want to be sure that your pup is allowed to stay with you on the premises and whether there are any restrictions on breeds or the dog’s size. To make your stay as pleasant as possible for yourself and other guests, do your best to keep your pet from barking and don’t leave them in the room on their own.
Consider requesting a room in a quieter part of the hotel where your pooch won’t hear as many noises, and make sure you know where you can and cannot walk them around the property when they need a bathroom break. When you get to your room, inspect it for anything that may be hazardous for your canine, such as electrical cords.
Happy trails
There’s no question that your dog is a part of the family—and that’s the best reason for taking them with you on a road trip. With a little advance planning to make sure you meet their needs, you can make some wonderful vacation memories.