Car travel can be lots of fun, and long road trips can be family adventures. If you’re planning on bringing your dog along though, you’ll want to prepare for their needs along with the rest of your family’s food and pitstop requirements. Here are some tips from The Dog People to make it work:
Caring for Your Canine
● Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, make sure that you have the right safety supplies. Flying requires a sturdy crate that is the right size for your pooch. You have more options with driving, but teaching your dog to wear a harness that you can attach to the seatbelt is a great idea.
● Prioritize a trip to the vet before you head out so you know that your pup is healthy enough to travel, and that they’re up to date on their vaccinations.
● If your pup isn’t microchipped, make an appointment. Dogs can slip their collars, which makes identifying a lost pet much harder. A microchipped pet carries your information with them wherever they go.
Be Prepared
● If your dog hasn’t traveled much with you, do a few test drives around town and to neighboring cities to make sure they don’t get car sick. Motion sickness can look different in dogs, so look for drooling, excessive panting, and restlessness.
● Consider purchasing pet insurance before your trip. That way, if your pup gets dehydrated or munches on a dangerous plant, you don’t have to think twice about getting them emergency care. If you need help finding the best pet insurance, look online.
● Make sure there are plenty of dog friendly places where you are going. Some cities are extremely friendly to our furry kids, but other places are not. Use Pet Friendly Travel to find plenty of pet friendly places at your destination. And if you’re staying in a hotel or rental, they are often not keen on guests leaving pets unsupervised on their properties.
● Check that the restaurant, cafe, or store you’re going to is dog friendly because leaving your pup in the car is a big no no. Temperatures in a car, especially during summer, can be extremely dangerous, even with the windows cracked.
Slow Down
● Traveling with a dog is kind of like traveling with a child. Be prepared to make more frequent stops for bathroom breaks, water, and exercise. It’s important to know how much exercise your dog needs so that your dog doesn’t become bored, restless, and destructive on the drive.
● Bring a few toys and plenty of treats. Make stops to play with your pooch. If they’re a heavy chewer, invest in a few tough rubber or nylon toys to keep those chompers busy on long stretches of highway.
Now that you know how to prepare for the trip, you’re ready to hit the road with Rover. You can enjoy the trip knowing that you’ve got the whole family’s needs taken care of. It’s time for an adventure!
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