Nothing beats a road trip, unless it’s a road trip with a dog by your side! We’ve got the tips you need to make that voyage pawsitively perfect.
When we first learned to drive, we thought that a road trip was the ultimate joy.
And then we got our very first dog and realized that having your furry best friend happily riding along with you makes road trips even better.
Before you invite your dog to load up on your next road trip, check out the tips we’ve got to make that voyage more fun for both of you.
Road trip planning
Taking time to plan is our top tip. Without basics such as poop bags and a water bowl, you’ll find yourself constantly shopping for one “oops, I forgot…” after another.
And as the Bark Post points out, if you’re planning to stay overnight, it’s essential to make sure that your chosen resting place is dog-friendly.
Whether it’s a hotel or campsite, it may not welcome even the most well-behaved puppy.
- Bowls for water and food
- Extra collar and leash
- Treats
- Food
- Toys
- Any medicine
- Brush and other grooming basics
Let’s talk poop on that road trip
When you’re traveling with a kid old enough to be verbal and potty-trained, you know when it’s time to take an “everybody out to poop and pee” break on a road trip.
But it’s not always so easy to tell when your dog needs to go, especially when you’re on the road.
Be sure to take poop bags with you along with your trusty pooper scooper.
Stop frequently to give your dog a chance to pee or poop, and clean up after your furry friend.
Make doggy safety a priority on your road trip
Although dogs and cars seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, Vetted points out the importance of doing all you can to keep your dog safe and healthy on your road trip.
Make sure that you have full ID on your dog tags, for example. And just in case your dog loses that tag, updating your dog’s chip with your most recent contact information should be a priority.
We’ve all seen those happy dogs poking their heads out the open car door window. But vets generally feel that it’s safest for your dog to ride in a crate or kennel in the car.
If you prefer, get a harness restraint or pet seat belt to keep your dog safe when you’re traveling.
What tips do you have for taking a road trip with your dog? Share your travel tips below.