Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog
Taking a road trip with your dog is a great way to have a special bonding experience with your entire family. Your dog is no exception, as he or she is likely to enjoy seeing new sights and being by your side in new and exciting places. To make your road trip a fun and memorable one, be prepared with the following tips to keep your dog healthy and happy while you are traveling together.
Essentials to Bring for Your Dog
Bringing your dog’s medical records along with you on your trip is a good idea to have when you are crossing state borders. Medical documentation becomes critical if a medical emergency happens with your canine.
Next on the list are your dog’s food, medication, and supplements. Be sure to bring an additional week’s worth, as you never know what unexpected delays may arise. Bringing your dog’s food instead of hoping to buy the same food while out on the road will avoid any potential problems if you are unable to find the food your dog usually eats.
A dog parent’s worst nightmare is that their dog should become separated from them while on their road trip. To improve your chances of reuniting if this should happen, get your dog microchipped before leaving. Also make sure that your dog’s ID tag is up to date, at a minimum. Having a GPS collar on your dog is another way to keep tabs on them while you are road-tripping.
Packing a pet first aid kit will help you to be prepared for an unexpected emergency.
Here is a quick checklist of other essential items to pack on your road trip for your dog:
- Bowls for food and water
- Clean water
- Travel crate or carrier
- Safety harness seat belt
- Short and long leashes
- Blanket
- Toys and treats
- Poop bags
- Grooming supplies
- Old towels for cleaning
Staying Safe While on the Road
Everyone has seen people driving with their dogs in their laps. Although it looks cute, it can be a recipe for danger.
Secure Your Dog
Though it is whimsical and fun to see a dog sticking its head out of the window to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, a dog that is not secured is unsafe. If a hard turn or a sudden stop happens, the dog can be in danger.
Keeping your dog inside of a crash-tested travel crate will help keep him safe and sound. It will also help the dog from becoming a distraction to the driver. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around and should be firmly attached to the back seat or the vehicle floor.
If keeping your dog in a crate is not an option, securing your dog with a safety harness and seatbelt will help to keep your dog secure.
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended
Perhaps you think you are only going to run in the store and it is only going to take you a minute. Some people don’t think it is a big deal to leave their pets inside their cars for a short period of time. The truth is that pets that are left in cars are at risk of heat-related illnesses or even death. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside of a car can jump up 20 degrees after only 10 minutes passes.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Breaks
Particularly if you are going on a long road trip, your dog needs frequent breaks to stretch his legs, drink water, and potty. Stopping every 3-4 hours should be sufficient. When you stop, take a few minutes to play with your canine to prevent boredom on the ride.