Time is flying by – and before we know it, summer will once again be upon us. We are all looking forward to summertime and all the fun that represents. Like many Sarasota and Bradenton area residents, you may be anticipating beautiful beach days, fun day trips, and quality time with family and friends. And let’s face it, there is no better friend than our dog! Road trips with man’s best friend are a fun adventure that no one should miss, so let’s look at some tips to make it easier for everyone.

If you are thinking about taking Scruffy with you on your summer vacation, it is essential to understand a few basic tips that will reduce frustration and stress and increase camaraderie and fun.

4 Dog Road Trip Tips to Remember

Here are some great ideas to prepare for traveling with your dog?

  1. Pack Smart: You need to have several items in your possession if you want to take road trips with your pet. First and foremost, make sure you have ample water for the trip. During the summer it is easy for people and dogs to become dehydrated very quickly, so be sure your dog (and you) drink water frequently.  Another tip is to bring plenty of their favorite food. You don’t want your dog getting an upset stomach from a new food, especially while they are trying to get used to the car at the same time. Bring favorite toys, a couple of leashes, and climate-appropriate clothing for both of you. Remember, if your dog will be walking on hot pavement, booties may be a good addition to your road trip arsenal.
  2. Consider Health and Safety: Before any road trips, schedule a vet appointment to ensure your dog is healthy. Be sure to travel with a copy of their health records as well – you never know when you may need them. Pack your dog’s necessary medications and don’t forget the motion sickness pills, just in case. If you have never microchipped your dog, now is the time – you will be traveling through unfamiliar places where he may get lost. If you prefer not to microchip your pet, you can have a special ID tag made which includes the name, address, and phone number both for you, and the person you are visiting, if applicable.
  3. Create a Dog-Friendly Space: A dog crate is the safest way for your dog to travel, but if that doesn’t sound like the right solution for your dog and their personality, you can use a dog seat belt to keep them safe while driving. Remember to stop for a bathroom break every three to four hours, which will also give your dog the opportunity to run around and stretch its legs.  Long drives can cause anxiety for anyone, especially a dog that is not used to being in the car. If feasible, take your dog on a few short trips prior to any long road trips, to get him comfortable with the movement and give you a heads up if motion sickness will be a problem. Finally, don’t forget to plan ahead and book pet friendly accommodations.
  4. It’s Hot Out There: No matter where your rod trip takes you over the summer months, it’s likely to be pretty warm.  Be sure to never leave your dog alone in the car, even for a short period of time. A vehicle with closed windows can reach deadly levels of heat rapidly. Always find a way to let your dog out of the car, or at least tether them securely and open the windows.

Tips for dog-friendly road trips are only as effective as your dog’s unique behavior. If your pet is anxious when in the car, barks at every car on the road, or doesn’t get along with other dogs at your hotel, your road trip is likely to be unpleasant. Before taking your dog in the car this summer, you may wish to address any negative behaviors with professional dog training. And have a great summer!

From puppies to mature dogs, Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training can help you to guarantee that your family road trips are memorable.