Safe road trips with dogs While some classic road trip destinations like national parks aren’t dog-friendly, there are plenty of fun, pet-friendly trips waiting to be taken.
Before hitting the road, acclimate your dog to car rides by taking short trips near home. And if your dog suffers from motion sickness, consider talking to your vet about anti-nausea treatments.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Road trips are a lot of fun, but they’re not always easy on the dog. Carsickness, anxiety and other behavioral issues can make long drives less than pleasant for both owner and pet. With a little advance planning and some preparation, however, you can make your trip safe and enjoyable for the whole family.
Start by getting your pup used to traveling in a carrier or other restraint. Using the carrier as an everyday place to hang out and even feeding your dog in the carrier can create positive associations. You can also save special treats that are only given during car rides, which can give your dog a reason to look forward to the trip.
It’s also a good idea to map out your route ahead of time, locating dog-friendly places along the way. Having this information on hand can help you avoid finding yourself in an unfamiliar area during a stressful situation.
Talk to your veterinarian about vaccines that may be needed based on the area you’ll be visiting. It’s also a good idea to discuss heartworm medication for dogs and flea/tick prevention with your vet, as certain parts of the country are more prone to insect-borne diseases.
Finally, make sure your dog’s medical records are up to date. Bring both electronic (via an app like Pawprint) and paper copies of your dog’s health certificate, vaccination records and other pertinent information. It’s a good idea to carry these with you at all times, regardless of whether your destination is local or if you’re taking an extended road trip.
Finally, be sure your dog has a collar and tag with up to date contact information on it.
Registering and updating your dog’s microchip information will further increase the chances of reuniting with them if they happen to get separated during the trip. You’ll also want to pack a first-aid kit, which should include items such as bandages, disinfectants, pet-safe painkillers and saline solution. You’ll likely also want to pack a travel water bowl and extra leashes and collars.
Take Frequent Breaks
As much as you may love your dog, longer road trips in a car can be difficult on them. Your pet can become restless in the confines of a small space and act out in ways that aren’t safe. Add in concerns about COVID-19 and you can start to see why some dog owners might think a trip on the open road is out of the question.
But road trips are still possible if you plan your pup’s comfort, safety, and health in advance. Make sure you bring a dog-safe leash and harness, a water bowl for your pup. Some of their favorite chew toys, and plenty of treats to keep them occupied on the ride. And don’t forget to pack a towel or blanket in case your pup needs to relieve themselves while on the road. Which happens more frequently during long drives.
Another important thing to remember when road tripping with dogs is to take frequent breaks. At least more breaks than you might normally. A general rule of thumb is to stop every three hours, but you’ll know your dog best and will need to adjust accordingly. This will give your dog the chance to not only pee and poop but also walk around, explore, and get some fresh air. Plus, taking frequent breaks will help prevent dehydration, which can happen more quickly on a hot day.
You’ll also want to make sure your dog is hydrated during the trip. So bring a water bottle for yourself and a water dish for your dog. And be aware that some hotels and attractions won’t allow pets. Even if they are designated as dog friendly, so check their policies before you go.
Finally, be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian prior to a road trip. Not only will this ensure that they are up to date on their vaccinations, but it’s also an opportunity to discuss how travel might affect your dog and ask about any anti-nausea or stress-reducing medications they may need during the drive.
With a little planning, road trips with your dog can be just as fun and relaxing as any other kind of vacation. So get out there and create some wonderful memories with your furry friend!
Get a Dog Life Jacket
If you’re planning a boating trip, it’s essential to purchase a dog life jacket for your pup. Even though many dogs are natural swimmers, accidents do happen. Dogs that aren’t strong swimmers, or have a brachycephalic build that makes them more susceptible to water-related issues, may need the added buoyancy a life vest provides. They’re also great for apprehensive dogs or those who are excitable around water. If they jump into the water, a life vest can keep them above water while you get them back on board.
There are several features to look for in a dog life jacket. Such as a handle on top to help you grab hold of your pet. A floatation pad, and a D-ring for leash attachment. You should also ensure that the life jacket fits properly before you use it. Be sure to measure your dog’s chest girth, back length, and weight to find the right size for them.
To help your dog become accustomed to the life jacket, it’s also recommended to take them on a test run before the actual trip. One of the best dog life jackets on the market is the Vivaglory Dog Life Vest, which has an impressive 4.6 star rating on Amazon. It features dense foam panels to help dogs float and adjustable straps to provide the perfect fit. Reviewers love that this jacket doesn’t have any exposed straps or buckles that could snag on foreign objects. They appreciate the bright colors and fun shark fin design.
Another highly recommended product is the Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket. This jacket has a durable abrasion-resistant webbing. It is designed to cinch in the torso for a secure fit without restricting movement.
It has a durable grab handle, reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions, and adjustable straps and quick-release buckles.
I once saw a very old dog fall off a dock. The life vest he was wearing helped him stay afloat until his people were able to retrieve him from the water. While most pet owners assume that life vests are only for boats. It’s important to have them handy for any trip where your dog will be in or near water.
Bring Along Medical Records
Whether you’re moving, visiting family or friends. Taking a vacation, road trips are a great way to travel with your dog. But they can be stressful and even dangerous if not properly planned. To make your road trip safe for your pet, follow these tips.
Decide where you’re going and how long your drive will be. Then create a schedule for your journey, so you know how many potty breaks you’ll need to allow and how long to spend at each destination. You might also want to plan to visit dog friendly attractions, such as parks and restaurants that welcome pets.
A good way to determine your dog’s tolerance for a long car ride is to do a practice run with them. Take them on a short weekend trip or day trip to see how they react to the ride. This will give you an idea of how often they need to go the bathroom. If they get motion sickness or anxiety during the drive, and how much food and water they’ll need.
Bring along your dog’s vaccination records, health certificate and leash. You may also want to consider bringing an emergency pet first-aid kit. Some extra medications, such as anti-nausea drugs or dog antidepressants. Make sure your pup is wearing a collar with identification and has a tag with your phone number and address on it. If you’re concerned about your dog becoming anxious during the drive.
Ask your veterinarian to prescribe a calming medication for them ahead of time. This can be something as simple as trazodone or gabapentin. Which are both available as generics, or it could be an oral medication such as alprazolam (Xanax). Ask your vet for instructions on how to administer the medication and how often to give it to your pet.
Another way to keep your dog calm on a road trip is by giving them chew toys. Such as the Frisco Peanut Butter Flavor Tough Nylon Chew Toy, that will provide them with an activity. Help deter them from chewing on their seat belts, which is a common problem for dogs during car rides. Try to stick to your dog’s regular feeding schedule and avoid adventurous eating. As changes in diet can also cause gastrointestinal issues during a car ride.
