How to Survive a Road Trip with Your Dog

02 Aug

How to Survive a Road Trip with Your Dog

If a road trip with your dog sounds like an exciting adventure, there are some things you should know before hitting the road. Traveling with man’s-best-friend can be meaningful and loads of fun. That is, if you prepare correctly and know all the tips and tricks to ensure a successful trip.

Continue reading to discover what you need to know to have the best time on a road trip with your fur baby.

7 Tips for a Road Trip with Your Dog

1 | Plan the Route Around Your Dog’s Needs

A road trip with your dog differs significantly from solo travel or a trip with other adults. If anything, it is more similar to driving long distances with young children. You must choose a route around their needs, such as bathroom breaks. The same applies to a road trip with your dog.

Before heading off, be sure to mark several stops where your pup can stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and exercise. Luckily, most rest stops will have areas dedicated to fulfilling your dog’s needs, like a fenced-in dog park where you can let them off the leash to run around. At the very least, rest stops should have grassy areas where you can walk your dog on a leash.

When planning your stops, remember to account for the extra time you may spend in these areas and add it to the total time you’ll travel. It’s best to estimate around 10 minutes or more at each break in your road trip with your dog.

2 | Pack All the Essentials

It’s critical to pack everything your dog may need on your trip. The last thing you want to encounter is an emergency where you don’t have the supplies to react immediately.

While some dogs, like service animals, can accompany you into a store to get extra supplies, not all dogs can. If you’re traveling with just you and your pet, this is very limiting. You should never leave your dog in the vehicle, even for a moment. Furthermore, it may be several miles before you can locate a shop with the needed items.

Of course, you’ll need the essentials, like food, water, and a leash. However, several supplies are often forgotten and cause significant issues when traveling if you find the need for them. Be sure to pack all of the following for your road trip with your dog:

Plenty of food
Jugs of water

Food and water bowls
Pet first aid kit
Training treats
Collar and identification tag
Your pet’s documents and vet records

Waste bags
Bed
Cleaning supplies for potential accidents
Entertainment toys
Calming supplies

3 | Practice Before You Go

If this is the first road trip with your dog, get plenty of practice before the big day! It’s typical for animals to become anxious, uncomfortable, or unsettled in unfamiliar situations, like being stuck in a moving vehicle for long periods.

First, take your pup on short car rides to exciting and enjoyable places, like the dog park or a hiking trail. That way, they learn being in the car leads to something positive, making your pet more comfortable and relaxed on longer trips. If the only trips they have taken with you are to the vet, a ride in the car can be highly anxiety-inducing. So, be sure to get your dog ready for your adventure by gradually teaching them that a ride in the car leads to a positive experience.

4 | Keep Your Dog Safe

The most important thing on your road trip will be to keep your dog safe. Like people needing seatbelts, your pet also needs extra security in an emergency. There are several ways to ensure your dog’s safety on the road, like back-seat hammocks, small dog booster seats, seat belt clips, and more.

One of the most traditional ways to keep your dog safe is keeping them in a crate for travel. If your pet is comfortable and used to their crate, this is the best option to ensure their safety. However, you should not use a crate if your dog has a past of anxiety.

5 | Get All Your Dog’s Energy Out Before Heading Off

Another great way to set yourself up for a successful road trip with your dog is to give them plenty of time to play and exercise before getting on the road. Visit the dog park, take them on a run, or play with them in the backyard, so your pet can rest and sleep most of the trip, keeping them calm.

6 | NEVER Leave Your Dog in the Car Alone

The one rule you can’t break on a road trip with your dog is never to leave them in the car alone. Even when you think you’ll be running into the convenience store for less than 10 minutes, it’s not worth the risk. You never know how long you will be in there.

Did you know the temperature inside a car can increase by 10 degrees in just 5 minutes? Especially when traveling during the summer, leaving your dog in a locked vehicle is never worth the danger.

7 | Plan for Emergencies

No one wants to consider facing an emergency while traveling with your precious pet. However, to be best prepared to address the situation, you must consider the possibilities. One way is to research and note where the nearest emergency vets are located along your route. Put the numbers in your phone for quick contact when things go array.

Furthermore, know all the signs of medical emergencies with your pet before heading out. For instance, get familiar with the symptoms of the following illnesses and situations: