We don’t know about you, but we can’t think of a better road trip than one that includes the furry member (or members!) of the family. This is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for the family as well as your pet! We have some tips that will make creating the best memories of road tripping with your dog (or dogs!) that much easier.
- Check in with your vet first. Make sure your dog is healthy enough to go on a vacation and that the stress of traveling won’t be too much. Once your vet has cleared your furry friend for travel, you’re ready to start planning!
- Update tags. Just in the off chance your dog wanders off on vacation, you’ll want to make sure all of your contact information on its tags are current and up to date.
- Copy of vaccination records. Keeping both a copy on your phone and a physical copy in your glove box will come in handy in case your dog gets sick or needs to be boarded at any time during your vacation.
- Give your dog(s) space. Think about the times you’ve traveled and how uncomfortable and cranky you may get when you’re cramped up be it on a plane or in a car; since you don’t like to be overcrowded, you can bet your dog doesn’t either. Make sure your dog has enough space to sit and/or lay down comfortably.
- Practice Paws-itive Reinforcement. Potty at the rest stop? Treat. Hop in the car without being told to? Treat. Come when you call their name? Treat. Eventually, all of the desired behaviors will be learned behaviors and traveling will have become that much easier. This is a great tactic to begin before you go on your road trip.
- Potty Breaks. Your dog will need and want just as many bathroom stops as you do. Even if you don’t necessarily need one but spot a nice little rest area, go ahead and stop and allow everyone, dog included, to get out of the car, stretch their legs, and run around a little bit. Odds are, pottying will ensue.
- Water Supply. Make sure you have water available for your dog at all times. Invest in a small collapsible bowl that you can break out anytime, including in the car.
- Pick up after your dog. Don’t be the person leaving little surprises all over rest stops and parks, be polite and pick up after your dog.
- Do Your Research. Unfortunately, not all places consider themselves dog-friendly. Take a look at your itinerary and double-check that your furry friends are welcome everywhere you’re wanting to go. Don’t forget, it’s their vacation too, and more than anything they just want to spend time with you.
- Check the weather, especially if you plan on doing a lot of things outdoors. Check out what weather you need to be prepared for. If it’s going to be rainy perhaps your fur baby needs their raincoat. Or if it’s going to be colder than what your pet is used to, packing a little sweater might not be a bad idea. You wouldn’t want to be uncomfortable on vacation, and neither does your pet.
- Doggie Anxiety. If your pet tends to get a little nervous when they aren’t at home, consider some all-natural calming chews or a calming vest. Again, consider yourself in this situation.
- Car Ride Entertainment. Pack only the most sturdy, long-lasting toys for vacation. Chew toys are great entertainment for dogs while they’re traveling and probably feeling a little more cooped up than usual.
- Be Prepared. The best way to prepare for your departure is to make sure your dog has eaten a few hours before you’re ready to leave, and has gone on a nice, long walk or run.
- Doggie Emergencies. Lastly, prepare for the worst. Buy or make a doggie first aid kit to have with you at all times. The first aid kit should include gauze, non-stick bandages, tweezers, adhesive tape, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic spray, milk of magnesia, scissors, a towel, an extra leash and extra collar, and an extra travel bowl. For further emergency prep, scope out the local vet clinics just in case something should happen that you require a vet for.