Leaving your dog at home while you travel can be stressful—usually more stressful than bringing your dog with you. Even if you have a trusted dog sitter, knowing exactly what your dog is doing and how he is doing can put your mind at ease. Plus, you probably want your best friend with you on the road. Dogs can be great traveling companions, especially if you’re properly prepared. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with your dog:
Make sure you bring something for them to drink out of.
The first time we put our dogs in the car, we were totally unprepared to take them a few miles from home. We forgot that they would need something to eat and drink out of and we had to create on the fly solutions for them when we stopped to give them something to eat and drink. It’s much better to bring along a Tupperware or something else with a lid that you can put water and food in for your dog.
Crate your dog for travel.
Many owners feel bad about trapping their dog in a “cage” while they drive. A crate is actually much safer for your dog than allowing them to roam the backseat. Not only could your dog fall off the seat, they might try to jump into the front seat with you. As you drive, you shouldn’t be worrying about what your dog is doing in the back seat. Your dog will feel much more comfortable in their familiar crate, with their favorite blanket and a toy. This also makes it much less likely that they will go to the bathroom in your car. If you’re positive and high energy about the crate, your dog will be, too.
Strap in.
Whether you decide to crate your dog or whether you want them to be free in your back seat they need a seatbelt just as much as you do. Get a dog seatbelt system that you can strap either the crate or your dog into. This will prevent either your dog or their crate from becoming a projectile if you have to stop short or get into an accident.
Don’t feed your dog while on the road.
Give them a light breakfast in the morning and make sure to stop and let them out of the car at about the time they would usually need to go to the bathroom after their breakfast. Then, save their next meal until you stop for the night. They’ll likely get less car sickness on an empty stomach.
Take time to play.
Traveling with a dog is a lot like traveling with kids. You’re going to want to make plenty of stops and let your dog have plenty of opportunities to run around and burn off some stress and energy before they get back in the car. Don’t leave your dog in a hot car while you go into the gas station to buy a snack or use the bathroom, either. Ask someone to watch your dog or take them with you!
Consider medication.
If your dog is anxious in the car, but you have to bring him along for the ride, you might want to talk to your vet about something for the anxiety or even something to help them sleep in the car. This can make the experience much better for the both of you.
