No one wants to leave their dog behind when traveling, for us it’s part of the reason we got one!
Taking your animal companion along can make the road trip much more fun, however, planning for a trip can easily become too overwhelming, especially when there are a million things to plan ahead. This can also be a big stressor for your dog if they’ve never been on long rides before. But with thorough preparation, you can ensure that both you and your dog have a safe, comfortable, and fun road trip.
So here are some tips when traveling with your dog to help you navigate each point of your journey as smoothly and as pleasantly as possible.
If your dog is not used to being in a moving vehicle, you should definitely introduce them to the environment in a gradual way. First, start by taking them for a short drive and evaluate how they feel. If they’re comfortable enough, then you can work on prolonging the drive to extend the time they spend in the car. Take note of their behavior and how they’re feeling -whether they’re too hype or too anxious. You can also give them high-reward treats after the drive is over. This helps them internalize the idea of being in the car as a good experience.
Pack your pet’s food and treats with care. Long drives, travel, and a change of environment can be a lot for your pet to handle. Always assume that you won’t be able to find the food your dog usually eats at your destination and pack extra. Giving your dog food he isn’t used to can be a big stressor, so take that into account when you’re packing the essentials. You should also consider the weather because if it’s too hot, foods high in fish oils and fat content are more likely to spoil. Use an airtight container to pack your pet’s food and treats. It’s recommended to store everything in a cooler and bring it with you where you’re staying rather than leave it in a hot car.
Before embarking on your trip, get your dog a proper crate or carrier from them to travel safely. Make sure the crate is well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to sit, stand, lie down and turn around comfortably. There is a variety of crates and carriers made from all kinds of materials that you can choose from. Additionally, it’s best to get your dog used to the crate or carrier way ahead of your road trip.
If you’re going for a really long drive, you should plan your dog’s feeding schedule ahead of time. Start them with a meal three or four hours prior to traveling to avoid car and motion sickness. If your dog tends to get carsick, you can always get a prescription for motion sickness medication to help alleviate the symptoms. However, if you suspect that your pet might get sick regardless, you should also pack some paper towels and cleaning supplies just in case.
Your pet feeding schedule should also include water stops every couple of hours. Dogs are prone to get heatstroke if they are dehydrated. So either get a collapsible dog bowl or a snap-in water bowl to put in their crate. You should also consider that your dog might not drink water that smells or tastes different than what they’re used to. So bottle up some water from home and pack it with your pet supplies. If you’re traveling for too long, you can also try to gradually familiarize your dog with the taste of your destination’s water.
Pack a comprehensive traveling kit for your dog. Make sure it includes food and water dishes, a bed, some treats and bones, a collar, a leash, a harness, grooming supplies, a waste scoop, plastic bags, medication or supplements if they take any, and the proper documentation. You can substitute the bed for a pillow and one or two toys to give your dog a sense of familiarity and comfort.
If you’re traveling across states, you might need your dog’s rabies vaccination record. While this isn’t always necessary, being well-prepared won’t hurt. You should also make sure that your dog has an identification microchip along with a tag on their collar that has your home address on it or information on how to reach you.
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