Road trips are a great way to explore new places and make new memories with your favorite furry friend. But when it comes down to the details, making plans that ensure your pup’s safety and comfort can become quite daunting.
This post will walk you through making pre-trip preparations to make sure that both the owner and the pet have a pleasant trip. It also covers emergencies and safety precautions like keeping your canine companion safely buckled up in the car while you’re driving. This ultimately gets them ready for all those exciting miles ahead.
Read on for the best dog road trip tips to ensure your trained dog is ready for a long road trip.
A road trip with your furry best friend can be an amazing experience. But before you hit the highway, it’s important to ensure your dog is used to being in the car.
Start small and gradually work your way up to longer trips. Make each journey exciting by taking your dog around town for errands or to the park, and give them lots of praise and treats when they behave well during the drive.
You may even want to provide a special reward when it’s time to get back in the car. It will ensure that your dog is at ease on all of your journeys and help reinforce good behavior.
When planning a car ride with your dog, the most important thing to consider is their comfort. Make sure they have ample space to move around without distracting you.
The Toyota Rav4 has a spacious cargo area that can easily fit your dog, so they can enjoy the ride without feeling cramped. You can also give them something familiar to snuggle up with, like their favorite blanket or pillow.
Bring along some tasty snacks, too, not just for the ride but also as a reward when they reach their destination. Safety should always be a priority, so pick an appropriate restraint system to keep your dog safe in case of unexpected bumps or jolts.
When taking your beloved pup on a long journey, don’t forget to feed them properly before you go. A few hours beforehand, give them their regular amount of food and water so they don’t feel famished or get car sick.
To save yourself hassle along the way, it’s always helpful to have bowls and bottled water ready to go. This will not only keep your pup hydrated and energized during the journey, but it will also soothe them as they learn to adjust to a new environment. Keep in mind that correct nourishment can make or break any journey.
Regular breaks during your road trip with your pup are essential for its comfort. Pulling off the main road, however briefly, to let it stretch its legs is key. This will give your dog some exercise and help them feel at ease.
Don’t forget that your pup might need to do their business too-it can be incredibly handy to keep a few plastic bags on hand to pick up after them. Taking short breaks often makes for a smoother and more memorable journey for you both.
Traveling with your trained dog can be a nerve-wracking endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be if you follow these dog road trip tips. With the right preparation and practice, you two will soon enjoy each of these adventures together.
To keep your dog calm during stressful moments, cue up some relaxing tunes or their favorite TV show. This way, they’ll stay focused on other things rather than any frightening sights or sounds out there.
Even the most well-trained four-legged pals can find themselves in a pickle on their travels, so it’s smart to be ready for anything. With first-aid kits packed both ways-yours and theirs-show your dog the same love and care you would show yourself.
Also, getting an idea of where local veterinarians are located just in case might give you some peace of mind. Finally, being prepared and investing in pet insurance are the best ways to avoid emergency vet bills.
Dame Lulu on her first long road trip. She had a blast as my copilot! #bulldog #englishbulldog #bulldogpuppies #dog pic.twitter.com/gwMepXdnUU
— Bulldog Lover Worldwide (@BulldogsPuppies) May 4, 2020
A long road trip with your four-legged friend needn’t be an intimidating affair. With the right preparation, your unforgettable journey will soon be underway. Be sure to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and fed properly so that you both can have a happy and relaxed time together.
Don’t forget treats for good behavior, plenty of breaks along the way, and being ready for any emergency. With these dog road trip tips in mind, you and your dog will be ready to hit the road with confidence and enjoy a great trip. Happy Travels!
I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.
