Road trip with dog

By Dejan B.. Published on October 10, 2019

It's that time of the year again when there are vacation opportunities knocking on the door. Your dog is already giving you that sappy look and telling you how you will be missed. Why not bring him along and have an epic road trip adventure together? Here is a list of everything you need to know about going on a road trip together with your best friend.

Contact Your Vet before the Trip

In case you didn't have a chance to visit the vet for some time, now it's time to take the dog for a check-up. Make sure that your pet is up-to-date will all the necessary vaccines and that the overall state of your dog is okay.

dog in veterinary clinic

Get your Documentation in Order

Before you hit the road don't forget to bring the dog's documentation with you. It is important to have his microchip and license number, medical insurance information, and contact from the vet. Don't forget to pack the dog's medical records.

Prepare Your Dog for the Road Trip

If this is the first time you and your dog are traveling together and you are not sure how the pet will react to a long road trip, take him on short trips before going on the long drive just so he can adapt. There are many dogs that have car sickness at first but get over it after a couple of short drives.

dog ready to travel

Pack Everything for your Dog

It's not only you who needs to pack for the road; the dog will also need his travel essentials packed. Some of the must-have items on this list include an extra collar with a tag, his water bowl, dozens of poop bags, bedding, his or hers toys, food for your pet, and of course a bunch of snacks. Also make sure not to forget sunscreen, shampoo, tick remover, and protective clothing.

Download Apps for the Trip

Today, there are many apps you can download and install on your phone that will make the whole journey easier and fun. For example, BringFido will help you find pet-friendly places like hotels, stores, events, and restaurants. There is also the popular app called Dog Park Finder Plus which informs you about the locations of dog-friendly parks in the area.

Check the Weather Report

It is important to check the weather report before going on a trip simply because you may need to pack more winter or summer clothes for you and the dog. If you are planning to go on a long trip with your pet during the winter season and the weather forecast says how it’s going to be freezing, pack some extra warm clothing for your best buddy to keep him warm.

dog with boots and umbrella

Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Unfortunately, not all hotels allow guests with pets to book rooms and there are even campsites that share the same policies and restrictions. Before you and your dog hit the road, search online for properties that are pet-friendly. Keep in mind that some hotels charge extra for these services, while in others your dog can stay for free.

Buckle Up Your Dog

It is always difficult to keep your eyes on the road when there is a dog jumping around in the car and it's also quite dangerous. Therefore, making sure that your dog is buckled up while you are driving the car is important.

buckle a dog in a car

Make Frequent Stops

Some people can drive for a long time without making stops, but you need to keep in mind that this time you are not alone in the vehicle. Make frequent stops for your dog to pee and drink water. It will make him much more comfortable and it also gives you the opportunity to play with him in case he gets bored from spending too much time in the car.

puppy brown labrador playing

You might feel fine and want to power through a long stretch of highway, but don't underestimate how quickly your dog can become dehydrated or how quickly his bladder can fill up. Stop every couple of hours to let your dog fill up or empty out. This will make him much, much more comfortable during your trip. Plus, it gives you a chance to play a little fetch to break up the boredom of the drive!

Don't Play Super Loud Music

You probably know that dogs are known to have a better hearing that humans and playing super-loud music in the car is not something he or she will be happy with. The best thing to do is adjust the sound system so that the music is only loud in the front speakers and save the dog from all the noise he probably doesn't like.

Comments

Shirley erickson on 10/10/2019, said:

Why does a dog whine when he is in a car.

Bee on 10/29/2019, said:

Mine is a rescue lab mix. Travels well. Only whines if he needs to go to the bathroom, which is very seldom unless he just ate before driving again. If we haven’t stopped in 3 hours he will usually give a very short whine, and then wait until we stop.

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