Need to get away from the city but donât want to leave your dog behind? Road trips with your dog can be fun as long as you prepare well. Whatâs more, theyâre a great way to spend quality time with your best friend. Hereâs how to prepare your dog for road trips:
Before the Trip:
Dog-friendly road trip tip #1: Test Drives
Get your dog used to car travel with a few test drives. Start with short trips and gradually increase the length of the trips. This will help you spot potential issues â Does the dog get carsick fast? How soon before he needs to relieve himself? Does he have a tendency to paw at you while driving? Knowing all of this will help you prepare better.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #2: Plan routes & stops
Plan your route and stops well in advance to minimise confusion on the road. If its a long trip, look up pet-friendly hotels or favourable spots which have a lot of open ground. In case youâre sleeping in the car, look up safe spots to stop at. It might also be helpful to make a list of animal clinics and medical stores along the route.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #3: Visit vet before your trip
Visit the vet before your trip for a health checkup to prepare your dog for the road trip. If your dog has just recovered from an illnesses, he might need special arrangements when traveling. Your vet can also prescribe medication for car-sickness.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #4: Carry Essentials
Carry all of your dogâs essentials such as bowl, food, water, leash, collar, car-sickness bags, treats, medication, blankets, toys and most importantly a name tag on the collar. If youâre staying outdoors, be sure to carry a dog bed and a crate thatâs large enough. If itâs just you and your dog on the road, considering getting a seat belt harness.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #5: Adjust your car
Apart from the regular checks that you do for every road trip (fuel, servicing etc), you might want to make adjustments to your car to make it dog-friendly. Install sunshades if its summer. You can get a slipcover for the seats to protect them from fur and scratches.
During the trip:
Dog-friendly road trip tip #6: Feeding Dogs before Travel
Avoid giving your dog a heavy meal just before you travel. Make sure the dog is fed at least four hours before travelling. Prepare your dog for the road trip by taking him on a walk just before you get in the car. This will let him stretch his legs and relieve himself.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #7: Cooler rides
Dog-friendly road trip tip #8: Keeping your dog calm
Dog-friendly road trip tip #9: Open Windows
Make sure the dog is monitored for restlessness, dehydration, signs of wanting to throw up etc. Dogs can get restless in closed, air-conditioned vehicles during the road travel, so you might have to roll down your windows a bit to let in fresh air every now and then.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #10: Regular Stops
Remember to stop every two to three hours and let your dog out to relieve himself and give him water. When you stop for meal times, feed your dog light and wait for enough time before you get back on the road. Always keep your dog on leash if youâre stopping on highways and never leave your dog alone in the car for extended periods of time.
Dog-friendly road trip tip #11: Time off the road
If youâre driving around for several days, make sure that dog has enough time off the road to recover from the dayâs exertion. Let your dog run around a bit after you stop at the end of the day. Give him adequate water and food. Also, check for signs of dehydration, ticks, fleas etc.
Lastly, put all the stress aside and bond with your dog during the road travel. Stop by interesting spots such as wooded places or take mini hikes you can come back from within an hour. Let your dog enjoy himself safely. Have a wonderful trip!