Traveling the open road can be exciting, and bringing your dog with you can provide bonding experiences neither of you will soon forget. In this post, our Fort Worth vets share 11 tips for taking a long-distance road trip with your dog and discuss how boarding may suit dogs who prefer to stay home.
Taking Cross-Country Road Trips With Your Dog
Loading up the car and embarking on a long-distance road trip with your dog can be an exciting prospect. However, traveling with dog(s) in the car for long-distances can also become a complete disaster without proper planning and execution.
That said, if your dog is confident when trying new experiences, well-socialized, and loves car rides, a well-planned road trip may be a highlight you'll both remember with fondness. In this article, our vets will share 11 tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible for both you and your pup.
11 Tips for Traveling Long Distances in a Car With Dogs
There are many factors to consider when planning a road trip with your four-legged friend. Here is an easy list of tips to follow to help make your trip go as smoothly as possible for both you and your pup.
1. Pick a Dog-Friendly Route
Your dog will need to stretch their legs and have opportunities for potty breaks, so make sure the route you take has plenty of safe places to stop, including rest stops. How often you stop on a road trip with your dog will depend on many factors, such as your pup's age, size, and health status. Very young and very old dogs, and those with medical conditions, will need more frequent potty breaks. Smaller dogs will also need more pit stops as their bladders are smaller than larger breeds.
2. Take a Test Drive
Even if your dog behaves well in the car for short, routine trips, a long road trip may still be challenging for them. Be sure to take some longer practice trips so they become comfortable with spending a long time in the car before you set out on a cross-country road trip with your dog.
3. Plan Your Pooch's Meals Accordingly
Feed your dog a light meal three to four hours before you leave on your long-distance trip or test drive. While you're on the road, stop according to your dog's approximate feeding schedule at home. Don't feed them in a moving vehicle, as they may become carsick if they eat while you are driving.
4. Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. It is a safety concern at temperatures higher than 70°F or lower than 35°F. Plus, passersby may decide to break your window to free your dog if they think your pup is trapped inside at any temperature.
5. Pack All Essential Items
Packing your dog's water and food, toys, treats, medicine, feeding bowls, poop bags, extra leashes, first aid kit, stain and odor removers, and other supplies will help you reduce the number of shopping trips you'll need to take so you have more time for adventures. Be sure to include your pet's health records, including recent immunizations, in case they need veterinary care.
6. Don't Forget Pet Identification
While your pet must be microchipped in case they go missing, it is also important to have dog tags on their collar with at least your name and current phone number for easy identification.
7. Protect Your Dog & Your Car
Keep your pet restrained during the ride. It isn't safe for them to be hopping around the car while you're driving, as this could distract your attention from the road and cause an accident. Additionally, your dog could become airborne during an accident if they are not properly secured, which can cause serious, even fatal, injuries. Harnesses and car-safe crates will provide your dog with optimal protection during the journey.
8. Give Your Dog Lots of Exercise & Playtime Beforehand
A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog, so right before you leave for your trip, take your pet for a long run or a visit to the dog park. This will help ease travel anxiety and allow them to relax in the car.
9. Find Ways to Entertain Your Dog for the Drive
Give your dog something to distract them from the long car ride. Whether it be a chew toy or a kong filled with peanut butter, your dog will be happy.
10. Address Any Signs of Anxiety Right Away
If you notice your dog is stressed or anxious while riding in the car, we suggest using natural stress-reducing remedies. Pressure wraps like a Thundershirt or calming supplements can all help reduce stress in dogs.
11. Schedule a Pre-Travel Vet Visit
Make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel. If your dog has existing health issues, schedule a checkup with your vet and ask if travel may negatively affect your pup's health. Make sure your dog’s vaccines and parasite prevention are up to date. They can also provide health certificates that may be required.
How often should you stop on a road trip with your dog?
While on a long-distance road trip with your dog, you can expect to stop every three or four hours. During these stops, give your dog an opportunity to use the outdoor facilities and have a drink and snack as needed.
Is it worth it to go on a road trip with my dog?
Your dog is, without a doubt, an important member of your family. As pet owners, we must realize that their lives can be far more fulfilling and enjoyable if we take them farther than just a walk around the block. If you've put in the work to raise a social, curious dog then it can be very rewarding to see your pup traveling the world and soaking in new experiences.
That being said, if you are apprehensive about taking your dog on an extended trip, or you feel that they would not be comfortable in these new situations, many reputable boarding facilities will make them feel at home and keep them happy and entertained while you travel.
What if your dog doesn't like road trips?
If you have a dog that isn't a fan of being in the car then you may want to consider other options. This can include having a friend or family member stay with them or bringing them to a reputable boarding facility.
Dog Boarding Services at A-Animal Clinic & Boarding Kennel
We understand that it can be stressful to leave your dog when you go out of town–especially if they are ill, or when they are recovering from a procedure or surgery. At A-Animal Clinic & Boarding Kennel, we want to help put your mind at ease.
We provide complete general boarding services for all of our patients, and medical boarding services for dogs with conditions standard boarding centers may not be equipped to accommodate.
If your dog is staying with us, make sure to fill out a Boarding Release Form before their stay.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.