Top 7 Things to Keep in Mind Before Going on a Road Trip with Your Dog

Going on a trip with your dog can be fun and exciting for both of you. However, a long trip can be quite different from a short trip to the park.

Before heading out, here’s what you can do so that you can be sure that you’ll be able to care for your pooch while on the road and at your destination.

1. Don’t leave before talking to your vet

If you haven’t taken your dog to the vet recently, a good time to do so is before leaving on a trip.

While at your vet, you can ensure that your pet is up-to-date on his shots and vaccinations. You should also ask if there are any extra vaccinations your dog may need, such as a Lyme disease shot.

Should your pooch be on any drugs or medications or eat special food, you should stock up on them.

They may not be available where you’re going without a vet visit, and it’s better to have more than you need than not enough.

You may also want to get a copy of your dog’s medical records and a recommendation for a good vet in the area where you’ll be staying.

2. Getting your dog ready

While many dogs are fine just sitting in the back seat or the passenger seat when going on a quick trip, this setup probably won’t work well when you’re going to be in the car for hours.

It’s a good idea to get a roomy crate for your canine that will help them feel safe and secure and keep them from moving around and becoming a distraction while you’re driving.

There are crash-tested and safety-certified crates available that are specifically designed for car travel, and a crate will also provide a safe space for your dog when you’re at your destination.

Some dogs feel uncomfortable in a new environment, and a familiar crate with its own scent may help them feel more at ease.

On the day you head out, be sure to feed your dog several hours before leaving to reduce the risk of car sickness and a mess.

You should also take a long walk before hitting the road because it can give your pet a chance to relieve themselves and expend excess energy.

3. Make reservations at pet-friendly places

The last thing you want to do is to spend time hunting down a hotel, motel, or campground that allows you to have pets with you while on the road.

Many hotels and motels forbid pets, and some campgrounds have restrictions on dogs of certain sizes or breeds.

Avoid being surprised by hotel fees or not being able to stay in a particular location by doing some research ahead of time.

Best Western and Holiday Inn typically allow pets, and many chains will let you know on their website if pets are allowed and what fees may be required.

4.  Make arrangements for dog care

Your dog may be more anxious in an area they are not familiar with, and it will only be worse if you’re gone for a long time.

Friends or family may mean well, but they may not know what to do if your dog becomes agitated or very upset.

If you’re going to be away from your dog for a while, it may be a good idea to arrange for your dog to stay at a doggy day care or arrange for your pet to be boarded.

5. Plan your route

When going on a trip with your dog, it’s a good idea to map out a plan ahead of time that involves a number of breaks throughout the day.

Breaks will allow you and your dog to stretch your legs, and spending 15 to 30 minutes outside every four hours or so will help keep your dog from getting too restless or having an accident.

If possible, try to find areas that are pet-friendly for you to stop at.

Many rest areas have grassy or semi-wooded areas that you can walk your dog in, but you may also want to see if there are any parks in areas you’ll be driving through.

6. Make a doggy bag

Unlike a bag that contains leftovers, this doggy bag should contain the things that you’ll need to take care of your pet while on the road.

The bag should be separate from your own luggage and be easily accessible.

Items that you should consider including are:

• Food and water bowls
• A couple of filled water bottles and plenty of food
• Treats
• Medications, if necessary
• Dog-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent
• Doggy water goggles if you’re going into the water
• Brush, shampoo, flea comb, and tick remover
• A leash and collar
• Toys for chewing and/or fetching
• A blanket and a towel
• Doggy poop bags

7. Update your dog’s ID

It’s stressful enough if your dog goes missing at home, but it can be even worse if you’re on vacation when it happens.

Make sure that your dog is always wearing a collar with a tag that lists your cell phone number.

You may also want to consider creating a tag just for the trip that also includes the number of friends or family in the area.

A long trip with your dog will be much safer and easier if your dog is in good health if you have plenty of supplies on hand and if you plan to make stops along the way.

You’ll also have a much better time if you plan to stay at pet-friendly accommodations.

You also need to ensure your dog will be taken care of properly if you’re not with them for an extended period of time.

Author bio:
Matthew Young is a Boston based freelance writer. As an aspiring automotive journalist looking to make a name for himself in the industry, he is passionate about covering anything on 4 wheels. When Matthew is not busy writing about cars or new emerging tech, he usually spends time fiddling with his camera and learning a thing or two about photography. You can tweet him @mattbeardyoung