How to Take Your Dog on a Road Trip
Have you tried taking a road trip with your pet dog? Going on an adventure on the road with your furry friend can be a hassle-free and exciting experience as long as you plan ahead of time. Discover new places with your dog and share wonderful experiences with him by following these simple tips:
Preparation is key.
Make sure to pack all the stuff that you may need on your trip. Bring some water, a dog blanket or bed, some dog food, a dog seatbelt, leash, some toys, portable food bowls, crate, name tags and his latest vaccination records.
Check out the hotel where you’ll be staying and make reservations as early as possible. Also, ask if the hotel allows pets or if it charges any fees for pets. Your dog’s vaccinations must also be up-to-date and your tags should contain all your present contact information in case your dog gets lost.
Safety comes first.
Consider your dog’s safety too while driving to your destination. Determine early on if it needs to be crated or not. If you will be putting it inside a crate, just make sure that it is properly restrained. To make sure that the crate and your pet are secured, run the seat belt through the top handle of the crate. This will prevent any untoward accident that may harm not just your pet but also you and your passengers.
Should you decide not to put him inside a crate, make sure that you make a spot that is both beneficial and comfortable for him. Buy a car harness seat belt that can offer maximum security and comfort that will allow your dog to lie down, sit and go around a bit while safely buckled in.
You can also use a dog blanket or bed to make sure that he’s comfortable and to keep some of the dog hair only in his area.
Think twice before leaving your pet alone in the car. If it is indeed unavoidable, just make sure not to leave him in a very cold or hot weather. Your pet may become agitated and may create a mess inside your car or even cause an accident.
Keep your dog happy.
All of his stuff should be accessible to you so that you can make your pooch happy at all times during your road trip. Bring enough food that should last the duration of your entire trip such as a lease, dog bowl, some toys and waste bags.
Do not treat them with restaurant scraps or experiment with any other type of dog food apart from what he’s used to eating since he might get sick especially if you’re on a long road trip.
Lastly, make the necessary rest stops along the way every three to five hours to allow your dog to drink water, relieve himself, and stretch his legs.
By planning ahead, you should be able to take your dog on a road trip successfully. If you feel that it is best to leave your dog behind, look for a kennel or a pet sitter.