The Ultimate Guide To Going On Road Trip With Your Dog
Hitting the road with your dog is a great way to travel and see new places. These tips will make a road trip with your dog fun and easy. Getting ready for a long road trip can be overwhelming at first. Where do you go and stay? What do you need to make it a safe and fun trip? What do you need to bring along for your dog? Being prepared will make the experience much easier for you and your dog. Bringing your dog along for the adventure is rewarding and you will make great memories that will last a lifetime!
Want to fly with your dog instead of driving? Read this post!
How To Find Dog Friendly Vacation Destinations
You want to travel with your dog but don’t have any dog friendly road trip ideas? The best place to start is on BringFido.com They have a huge database of the best dog friendly vacation destinations that include hotels, restaurants, and activities. Another great place to search is on Pinterest. There are many great dog friendly destinations to take a road trip. Be prepared for any problems you may encounter on your road trip by researching emergency veterinarian clinics along your route.
Prepare Your Dog For A Road Trip
Before jumping into your car and hitting the road with your dog you should prepare your dog for the long journey ahead. You can do this by taking multiple small trips in the car that is 30 minutes and longer to get them ready. Praise them each time they behave well on the car ride. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with dogs. I don’t recommend starting with an hour long journey the first time. Start with your car parked and allow your dog to get used to the car. Then gradually increase the duration of your car ride over time.
Shop This Post!
Dog Essentials To Pack For A Road Trip
There are many important items you need to bring along on your road trip for your dog. That includes updated dog tags and a copy of your dog’s vaccination record in case of an emergency. I keep a photo of my dog’s vaccination record on my phone too for easy access. Safety is important in a car, so make sure to bring along a seat belt and harness for your dog. Other things you will need is a first aid kit, dog food, treats, collapsable dog bowls, a car seat or crate, blankets and toys to name a few. Get my FREE packing checklist below which includes everything you will ever need while traveling with your dog and never forget anything ever again!
What To Do On The Day Of Your Road Trip
On the day of your road trip, you should already be packed with your dog’s essentials. If not, use my packing checklist to make your life easier and never forget anything! Take your dog on a long walk or play with your dog to tire them out. Exercise will decrease their energy level for the long car ride. Make your dog comfortable and safe in your car, whether that is in a car seat, on a blanket with a seat belt or in a secured crate. Give them a chew or chew toy to keep them occupied. Don’t forget water for the road and to take frequent potty breaks. Keep your dog’s bag within reach so you always have access to it throughout the road trip.
How Often Should You Stop On A Road Trip With A Dog
How often you stop on your road trip ultimately depends on your dog’s needs. My dog is able to go 4-5 hours without having to stop. But I still stop every 2-3 hours to stretch his legs and let him sniff around. Some gas stations now have little dog parks or dog runs so you can let your dog off leash to run around while you get gas. You can find dog parks at many of the Love’s company gas stations. Check to see if there’s a gas station location near you with a dog park here.
Tips For After You’ve Arrived At Your Destination
You’ve made it to your destination! But before you can celebrate, you should make sure your dog is comfortable in his new location. At first, it can be confusing to a dog when he realizes he isn’t in familiar territory. Some dogs are great at exploring new places but for other dogs it can cause anxiety. Set up an area in your hotel room or Airbnb with his crate or blanket and have familiar toys out so it feels just like home. Keep the same routine as you would at home. Give meals at the same time. Go for walks at the same time. This way your dog will be comfortable no matter where you travel to.
Let me know in the comments where you would like to do a road trip with your dog!
Leave a Reply