Getting ready for a road trip with your dog?
Whether heading out to see your family and friends or going on vacation, road trips can be a great experience for all.
I’ve always had fond memories of road trips with my family. Although, perhaps that was because I wasn’t the one driving.
When you decide to bring your dog with you, there’s a few things you can do to make the ride as smooth as possible. Here’s how you can prepare for a road trip with your dog:
Buckle up!
Most cars aren’t built for non-human passengers. So, you’ll need to get the necessary safety equipment for your dog.
Depending on the size of your dog, there are several options out there. You can get car seats for dogs, harness clips and of course, travel crates. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you plan the way you pack the car around your pup, so that they have enough space and can be seated safely.
Plenty of pit stops
It’s tempting to go a really long drive without pit stops to cut down on the commute. But while you can hold your bladder, your dog may not be as strong-willed.
If you usually let your dog out to pee every couple of hours, try to keep to that schedule for pit stops. I usually drive for about an hour and a half and then stop for a puppy pee break.
While you may end up taking a couple more stops than planned, you’ll at least get the chance to stretch and maybe head to the bathroom yourself.
Be prepared for an emergency situation
You want to ensure you have a pet first aid kit and the numbers of emergency veterinary hospitals near your destination. This is especially true when driving far from home. The Humane Society has a great list of items for a pet First Aid kit to help you make your own.
Another thing that’s good to have on hand is your dog’s favourite toys and treats. In case of an emergency, having these can help keep them calmer. Whether it be going to an unfamiliar vet, or simply being in an unfamiliar place, home comforts can be very helpful.
Dog-Friendly overnight stops
This goes without saying, but make sure to book dog-friendly accommodations for any overnight stops. There’s nothing worse than showing up at your hotel and finding out you can’t stay there.
When looking into accommodations, remember to ask if your dog needs to be crated in the room. This way, if a crate is needed, you’ll know to bring it with you!
Feeding raw
If you feed your dogs raw, there’s a few different options you can go with for long drives.
First, you can pack a cooler very and keep replenishing ice to make sure the food doesn’t spoil. If you’re headed somewhere without refrigeration, or your drive will be very long, you may wish to get dehydrated food for your dog. Check out your local pet store for dehydrated food options.
If your dog gets some kibble with their diet, you could also try feeding kibble for the journey.
I find Isla is pretty resilient, but she does best with a consistent diet. While I have used a cooler in the past to keep her food cold, I would likely try dehydrated food for our next trip. To ensure she is used to that food, I would start her on that a week before the trip.
Driving solo
If you’re making a journey without human company, try to limit -or entirely eliminate- the need for stops where you have to leave your dog alone. You want to be careful travelling in the summer because the car can get very hot, very quickly. For more heat safety tips, be sure to check out this blog.
To help you keep the number of stops to a minimum, make sure to pack snacks, meals and beverages, and only stop for a washroom break where your dog can accompany you (like at a hotel).
If you have a friend or family member whose house you can stop at, select that as a pit stop location. That way, you can use their washroom and can leave your dog watched by someone you trust. And of course, not to mention, you may get the chance to visit an old friend or distant relative!
And last but not least… have fun!
Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience for you both. You might be travelling somewhere that has great trails to hike, or going to see relatives with dogs that your pup loves to play with. Either way, your dog will be thrilled that they get to join you for an adventure.
Planning a road trip to go camping? Be sure to read these 10 tips for taking your dog camping!