What’s a good trip without a travel companion? One of the best companions you could carry along is your furry friend. So if you are planning an epic trip with your dog, you have come to the right place.
This article will explore everything you need to know about taking your canine buddy on a road trip while keeping them safe and ensuring they enjoy the experience.
Measures to Take Before Starting the Journey
Proper planning before your trip is essential to you and your dog’s experience. Here are some things to do as you prepare for your adventure.
Ensure Your Dog Wears a Means of Identification
Anything is possible on the road, so you need to take precautions to ensure the safety of your dog.
Firstly, make sure your furry friend puts on a high-quality collar. This collar should contain your dog's name and your name, address, and phone number.
Another precaution you can take is microchipping your dog. This way, if your pet goes missing or separated from you, you can use the microchip to locate them.
Take Travel Equipment
According to 4Knines, investing in the right travel equipment can help to elevate your road trip experience. Here are some vital gear that will come in handy on the road:
Collapsible Travel Bowls
Your dog is going to need food and water during the trip, and your best option would be a collapsible travel bowl. The best part about these bowls is that they are light and easy to pack, so you do not have to stress about carrying a chunky bowl.
Dog Seat Cover
Dogs are excitable creatures and are bound to exert some of that excitement in your car. So, in order to protect your car’s interior from fur, scratches, and accidents, you should invest in a sturdy waterproof seat cover. Not only will this seat cover protect your upholstery, but it will also keep your dog comfortable.
Seat Belt or Harness
As mentioned, dogs like to move around, and while this may be fun in an open field, it is dangerous in a vehicle.
Hence, you need to keep your pet safe throughout the trip using a seat belt and harness. The seat belt will stop your dog from moving around in the car and reduce the odds of an injury.
Travel Crate
A travel crate is not a necessity, but if you want to take one with you, you should make sure it is properly sized, secure, and well-ventilated.
That said, a perk of taking a crate with you is that it provides a familiar space for your pet to relax and feel safe.
Other Dog Essentials
You need to pack certain items that your dog needs. These include
A pet first aid kit
Their favorite toys, bedding, or blanket
Vitamins or supplements
A leash
Consult a Vet
Before going on that adventure, visit your local veterinarian. Your vet will ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date and provide you with certification. This is necessary because some states need proof of vaccination when crossing their borders.
Also, inform your vet of any health issues your pet may have and discuss if that will be a problem. It is usually a good idea to purchase medication for anxiety or motion sickness.
Another thing you can do is request your dog’s medical records. You do not necessarily need them, but they might come in handy.
Take Preparatory Car Rides
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs enjoy car rides. In some cases, they just aren’t used to the experience. Thus, you may need to introduce your dog to car rides.
You can start by taking them on short car trips. The first few trips can be a couple of minutes. Later on, you can increase the duration of these trips.
During these trips, you can reward your dog with praises and treats so that they associate your car and car trips with positive things. Doing this allows your dog to feel comfortable during road trips.
Preparing the Route
Next, you need to plan the best route for your trip. Here are some things to consider:
Include Pitstops
Just like you, your canine companion requires constant breaks during long trips. Therefore, you need to research the best pet-friendly rest stops and include them in your trip.
During these stops, your dog can stretch their legs, play around a little, and use the bathroom. Furthermore, these stops help relieve any feeling of restlessness or anxiety, making the trip more enjoyable.
Visit Pet-Friendly Locations
When going on a road trip, you need to consider your dog. So, it is best to select destinations that are dog-friendly. Fortunately, there are several dog-friendly places, such as parks, hotels, hiking trails, and beaches.
That said, be sure to research the policies and guidelines of these places before going there. While doing your research, also look for vet stores just in case you need to make an emergency stop.
Hitting the Road
Now that you are done planning, you can begin your journey. Here are some precautions you should take:
Constantly Pay Attention to Your Dog
Depending on when you decide to take your road trip, the weather could be anywhere from cold to extremely hot.
Regardless, make sure to pay attention to your dogs at all times. Keep in mind that during hotter seasons, even with your windows open, your car's temperature can rise quickly and cause heatstroke or worse. So, never leave your furry friend unattended.
Lock All Car Doors and Windows
If your car window is open, your dog may want to jump out, so ensure to keep your windows locked. The same thing applies to your doors.
Furthermore, do not allow your dog to stick their head out the window. Granted, dogs enjoy the breeze, but it is unsafe because debris and insects may enter their eye and cause damage.
Conclusion
Going on a road trip with your canine companion is a thrilling experience. While unconventional to some, it is an experience worth having.
That said, there are some measures you need to take to make sure the trip is enjoyable for you and your pet.
Using the tips and tricks in this article, you can plan an epic adventure with your dog. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road.
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