How to Take a Road Trip with Your Dog

A road trip and your dog in the same sentence, surely that spells trouble? Well, given how some dogs are desperately scared of moving vehicles and loud sounds, you’d be right to think so. However, the following pointers are certain to help you best road trip with your dog with little to no hassle.

Get a Pet Seat Belt

It’s embedded in their DNA; dogs like to get a feel of their surroundings even if they’ve already been there a million times before. Couple that with their inquisitive nature to sniff around gear shifters and dangle their heads out of windows, your furry companion needs to be strapped in not only for his own good but for your safety as well. What’s more, there are lifesaving benefits of strapping in for both you and your pet if you get involved in an accident.

Manners Maketh the Dog

Some obedience training can also go a long way as it holds many advantages, especially when traversing unfamiliar territory with a dog. Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come” are of the essence in such scenarios, where your dog is bound to be overwhelmed by the lure of new surroundings. Obedience training can be a chore, and it’s best you turn to a professional for help with before your road trip.

Have Useful Websites to Consult

If you’re taking a long journey involving sleepovers, accommodations and food for your best friend will undoubtedly be at the top of your list of concerns. Websites such as DogFriendly.com and BringFido.com come in handy in this regard, providing dogs-welcome hotels and restaurants on your route, which saves you the trouble of potentially being turned away because of your pet.

Keep Him Busy

On-the-go Bingo might keep human minds occupied, but it’s unlikely a dog will be as impressed with the thrill of lucky numbers. For him, a dog-bone and other kinds of chew toys prove more appealing, so have plenty of those with you. Also, remember to pat him, every once in a while, to reassure him that he’s still a good boy. He might be a little anxious spending extended hours in confined spaces, which leads us to our next point.

Incorporate Breaks

A break every four hours to stretch the legs serves to ensure that your dog channels that pent up energy somewhere else and not on those leather seats you just had cleaned. Take him for a leash walk around the area for about fifteen minutes but be sure to do so in a secure location far away from the road.

Get Some Motion Sickness Meds

Just like people, some dogs can get car sick. At times, it’s quite apparent, and you’ll notice that via drooling and gagging however sometimes it’s not so obvious to detect. If your dog is suddenly in a mood or uncharacteristically lethargic after being in the car for a while, those nausea meds from the vet might be what he needs.

Bring a Photo of Your Dog

Last but not least, bring a photo of your dog with you. If he strays away or bolts off after a squirrel during one of your detours, it’ll be easier to find him if you can reference a photo of your furry baby. Better yet, ask your vet for a microchip implant before the trip so that if he wanders away somewhere, locating him won’t be too much of a headache.