How To Have A Safe And Fun Road Trip With Your Dog

Last Updated: 3 months ago

Planning a road trip with your dog is an awesome idea. It provides you with the ultimate opportunity to bond with your furry buddy and have the time of your life.

The thought of the open road and your pup by your side is just what you need to make it through the workweek.

Although a long road trip with your dog can seem fun, it can also be challenging.

This is why you must be prepared. Your dog can get restless and cause trouble. Hence, you must know how to keep your dog safe and enjoy the trip.

This post has been prepared for dog owners who want to take their best buds on a long road trip.

It shares some of the best tips that will help you breeze through it all.

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s get started.

Plan A Pet-Friendly Route

Whether you have a German Shepherd Poodle or any other breed, you must plan a pet-friendly route. You have to take its needs into account. There will come times when you will have to pull over for exercise and potty breaks.

Choose a route that offers plenty of safe places to get your pup stretching its legs. However, you have to ensure that your route is not filled with crowded spaces, as you must take COVID-19 precautions. Keep your dog at least 6 feet away from other humans.

Treat your cute pup as a family member and understand its needs. Select the right final destination to make the trip worthwhile. You have to research different places to make sure that you pick out a location that is perfectly safe and pet-friendly.

Check-In With Your Vet

Before you embark on a fun road trip with your dog, you need to check in with your vet. Find out if your pet is healthy enough for travel. Only when you talk to your veterinarian can you be certain.

If your pup has certain health issues, you need to ask the vet about how travel might affect them and if a vaccine would be needed. It is also a good idea to ask your vet about stress-reducing or anti-nausea aids that you can use during the drive to keep your pet healthy.

Pack The Essentials

When you go on a road trip, you will need essentials. Therefore, you cannot forget to pack all your pet’s necessities for the trip. Some of the items you must pack include a feeding bowl, toy, medicine, treats, food, water, and other supplies.

The fact is that you do not know if a pet store might come along the way or not. This is why it is always better to be on the safe side. Everything should be disposed of safely. You will also need your essentials, like hand sanitizer and facemasks.

Protect Your Dog And Car

The safety of your pet should be your number one priority. Use a dog hammock or sling in the back seat to provide a safe and comfortable space for your travel buddy. Besides, these tools help protect the car’s upholstery from claw marks and fur.

Protecting your car is also important. You should consider getting water-resistant car seat covers to keep messes at bay. It will help keep your eyes on the road, as you will not be worried about your pup chewing on the armrest.

Wear Your Dog Out

The secret to a well-behaved dog is tiring your dog out. It might sound like a bad idea. However, you have to give it a try. Take your pup for a visit to the local dog park or a long run. It might lead to your pup sleeping for a portion of the trip or feeling more rested.

Wearing your dog out always works, which is why it is worth trying. Besides, it will help you get your exercise done at the same time.

Keep Your Dog Entertained.

Another great tip that will ensure that your drive is stress-free is keeping your dog entertained. Bring something for your dog to chew on. A nylon dog chew toy should work wonders. It will help keep your dog busy while you focus on driving safely.

A tug toy is also a perfect option, as it will physically and mentally wear out your pup. Thus, you can expect your pup to rest between pit stops. You can also get your dog running during rest stops by taking their favourite fetch toy or dog disc toy along on the trip.

Use Natural Stress-Reducing Remedies

If your dog starts to feel anxious or stressed while riding the car, it is advised to use natural stress-reducing remedies. Supplements and pressure wraps will help reduce stress so that your pup can enjoy the journey.

Take Frequent Breaks.

In addition to the above, you should also take frequent breaks. Being cooped up in the car for an extended period of time can tyre your dog out. It is recommended that you take a break every 2 to 3 hours.

Breaks also provide the ideal time to give attention to your dog, engage with it, and play. Do not forget about safety precautions while on a break. It is better to be outdoors than indoors, stuck with other people.

Teach Your Dog A Few Basic Commands

A well-trained dog will make your road trip a lot more fun. Knowing that your dog will listen to you will make things a lot easier for you.

Teach your dog the “stay” command, as it will help ensure that your dog stays in its seat and does not jump about. It is also wise to teach your dog to go potty.

Conclusion

Having a safe and fun road trip is possible with the tips mentioned above. It is important that you take your dog on a road trip from time to time.

From planning a pet-friendly route to teaching your dog some basic commands, you can expect the tips to go a long way in making your road trip easier. Being prepared ensures that nothing goes wrong.

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