A recent AAA survey asked over 1,000 families if they planned to take a road trip this summer, and 80 percent agreed. Many families enjoy taking their dogs road trips, and others fear that their dogs will be bored, have accidents in the car, or whine during travel. Alternatively, families moving to a new state or city will find that traveling with a dog is easier and better for the dog by car, as compared to a plane flight. With this dog travel guide you and your dog will find out how fun road trips together can be.

Safe Ways to Drive with Your Dog in a Car

Safety is of the utmost importance for both you and your dog while driving in a car. It is important to keep your dog comfortable, calm, and safe while driving. This can prevent them from jumping into the front seat, whining in the backseat, or becoming injured in the case of a sudden stop or turn. Take the following precautions when traveling with your dog to keep you and your dog safe on your trip.

How to Protect Your Dog in the Car

• Have Your Dog Microchipped Before Travel
  • In the unfortunate case that your dog is lost in a new city or park, a microchipped dog is easier to find. Microchips cannot be lost like dog collars and tags. Microchipping your dog can be done at a local veterinary clinic, and it will not cause pain to your dog.
• Keep Your Dog Restrained During Travel
  • Keep your pet safe by restraining them during travel. Unrestrained dogs can be lethal to you and themselves in the case of an accident. A pet seat belt or a kennel can keep your dog comfortable without as much access to mobility.

How to Protect Yourself in the Car

• Do Not Allow Your Dog in the Front Seat
  • Allowing your dog in the front seat, can be distracting to the driver. In the case that your dog wants to be pet or wants added attention, they may attempt to climb onto your lap, whine, or paw at the control on the car dashboard. Keep your dog restrained in a kennel, crate, or with a pet seat belt in the backseat as an alternative.
• Expose Your Dog to New Stimuli Before Traveling
  • Before travel you can expose your dog to more car rides, traffic, crowds, and all kinds of pavement types. By exploring your local area in small pieces, you can help your dog more easily adapt to new stimuli.

Items to Bring on a Roadtrip with Your Dog

The following items will help make your summer travel easier and more effortless. By being ready, spending several hours in a small space with your dog will be enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

• A copy of your dog’s vaccination records
• Dog collar and leash
• Dog tags
• A first aid kit
  • Gauze
  • Tweezers
  • Vet Wraps
  • Sterile Pads
  • A thermal blanket
  • A flashlight
  • A list of emergency numbers
• Dog food and water
• Seat Covers and Blankets
• Safety restraints
• Bed and Crate
• Toys
• Poop Bags
• Grooming Supplies and a towel

The following items will help keep your dog happy and well taken care of during car travel. Share any other tricks you use to be ready for road trips in our comment section below.

Tips For Car Travel With Your Dog on the Road

• Teach Your Dog to Eliminate on Cue
  • Teaching your dog to go to the bathroom using a simple cue like “go now” or “time to potty” will help your dog know when to use the bathroom in unfamiliar places.
• Play White Noise at Night
  • For nights in hotels, help your dog to sleep by playing white noise at night. This will help reduce the risk of them barking throughout the night due to new noises and sounds.
• Don’t Feed Your Dog Before the Long Drive
  • Instead, try to feed your dog a light meal three to four hours before leaving. This can prevent car sickness for dogs that tend to become sick due to motion. By adding, a sprinkle of powdered ginger to your dog’s food, you may be able to prevent car sickness.
• Look for Dog Friendly Locations and Hotels
  • By planning the best places to stop along your drive you can save time and make sure that your furry friend will be welcome in all establishments. Use Bring Fido and Dog Friendly to find local dog friendly restaurants and hotels.
• Stop and Take a Break
  • Every two to three hours, stop and take a break. These breaks give you and your dog the ability to stretch and use the bathroom. These breaks will make your road trip more enjoyable, so stop and enjoy the fresh air. Note: Keep your dog protected from fleas and ticks along the way!
• Turn Off Power Windows
  • Turn off your windows so that if your dog begins to roam in the backseat they do not open the window and get hurt. If your dog likes to enjoy their face in the breeze, a flying object may hit your dog and cause pain. Alternatively, your dog may accidentally begin to close the window. This presents a dangerous choking hazard. Although these incidents will be unlikely to happen, it is not bad to take preventive measures.

Conclusion

By being ready before road trips, it can save you and your dog from unnecessary hassle and stress. Take the proper items for your dog including their normal dog food and kennel from home. This will give your dog added comfort. Prepare your dog for the variety in their new environment by taking them to new places locally. Lastly, you can take preventive measures to make sure everyone is safe.

Where will you go with your pup this summer?