Thinking of taking your dog on a road trip, moving further away or visiting friends or relatives out of state? Some of our furry friends adore car travel while others cower at the sight of a car. Whatever the case, preparation is the key to a successful journey.
Let’s go into 9 of our best dog travel tips for car journeys to make traveling with a dog in a car a breeze.
1. Practice ahead of time
If you normally only take your dog in the car with you when it’s time to go to the vet, you might have some trouble convincing your pooch to get in there when it’s time to travel!
The car should be a fun place. Try practicing by sitting in there together without leaving the driveway, going for short drives to fun places and gradually working your way up to longer trips. Don’t forget to crate train as well if you’re planning on using one for car trips.
2. Think about accommodation
Are you going to be staying in a hotel, Airbnb or other type of travel accommodation? Be sure to check whether they allow dogs and see if there are any special restrictions in place. Make absolutely sure your dog is fully house-trained, even in unfamiliar surroundings, as accidents can absolutely lose you your deposit.
3. Restrain your dog
It’s a common practice to let dogs roam the car freely while traveling, but we’d really like to recommend using a crate or a doggy seat belt. Safety should be your #1 priority, and even calm dogs can get distracted, scared or excited by something they spot on the road. What happens if your dog starts thrashing and jumping? Accidents happen easily, so limit free-roaming time to when you’re parked. If you own a station wagon, the trunk can be a great option, though make sure your dog can’t jump to the seat area.
If your dog is not crated, like when you’re using a seat belt, still make sure they can’t stick their head out of the window. Although it’s adorable and something most dogs greatly enjoy, your pooch wouldn’t be the first dog injured by branches or sudden braking to avoid an accident.
4. Make sure your dog is chipped
And don’t forget to use a collar with an ID tag either! Include your address and phone number, possibly even a temporary tag that includes your holiday info. We don’t want to think about our furry friends getting lost during a trip, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
5. Pack a doggy travel bag
Having everything your dog needs on hand makes travel a lot less stressful. Making a list beforehand can help to make sure you don’t forget anything!
Go for a big bottle of water and a dish, a supply of normal food and some treats, medication, toys and waste baggies. We’d also like to stress the importance of bringing all of your dog’s documentation, as proof of vaccinations may be mandatory in some places. This is also why it’s probably best to wait to travel with a new puppy until they’ve had all their shots.
Lastly, a little first aid kit with essential items is a must-have. Include things like tweezers, bandages, a tick removal pen and an antiseptic.
Only let your dog stick its head out of the window when the car isn’t moving.
6. Plan feeding times
Dogs can get carsick just like humans, which can result in vomiting. To make sure your pooch doesn’t get uncomfortable, don’t feed right before leaving. Ideally, the last meal before getting on the road should be an hour or two in advance. If you have to feed on the road, like during a longer trip, take some time at a rest area for the dog’s stomach to settle afterward.
Even if your dog is not known to have accidents in the car, it can still be handy to use a seat cover or a comfy blanket and bring some wipes just in case.
7. Don’t leave your dog alone in the car
Even if temperatures are safe (and they’re often not!), it’s still illegal in many states. Passersby may become concerned and break your car windows, which is not surprising, as some areas actually have laws in place that allow them to do so.
8. Exercise your dog
For most dogs, sleeping is the preferable way to spend a car ride. It can be helpful to tire your pooch out a bit before getting on the road, so try to make time for a nice walk and some playtime. If you’re on a longer trip, you’ll obviously already have to make regular stops for food, water and potty breaks. Don’t forget to let your dog run around a bit during these as well if it’s possible to do so safely! It can be handy to look up dog-friendly rest stops before you leave.
During the car trip itself, you can help keep your dog entertained with their favorite chew toys.
9. Have a Plan B in place
Sometimes things just don’t work out, even with these tips for traveling with a dog in a car. Some dogs become too car sick despite taking measures, or you can run into other types of trouble. Although you can’t prepare for anything, give the possibility of your trip not working out as it was supposed to some thought before you leave.
If your dog just doesn’t like to travel, you should obviously find another solution for them when you’re planning a holiday. We can actually help: have a look at our services if you’re looking for a dependable pet sitter. For unavoidable trips like cross-country moves, be sure to consult your vet beforehand to see if there are any anti-nausea medication types or calming supplements available.
