For pet lovers or people who treat their dogs as family, it would be a great experience to bring along their furry friend while exploring beautiful locations. It’s a fun, one-of-a-kind experience, and pet owners wouldn’t have to worry about them while away from home.
Although there are some pros to bringing a pet on a road trip, there are also some drawbacks. An out-of-town trip or a long drive could be stressful for some dogs and give them anxiety. They could suffer from motion sickness, so pet owners must have installed a waterproof dog car seat cover to protect their car from the potential mess.
If you’re planning an out-of-town trip with your dog soon, here are seven tips to make your travel dog-friendly:
Give Your Dog Motion Sickness Medication
As mentioned, some dogs may develop anxiety during a car journey and suffer from motion sickness. To better help them in this situation, bring your dog to a veterinarian and have them checked before your travel. Your vet may prescribe a suitable motion-sickness medicine for them.
Avoid buying and administering OTC drugs for humans without vet consultation, as you may not give your pet the proper dosage and may cause more harm than good.
Assign A Comfortable Space For Them In The Car
Give your furry pet their own space in the car. As much as possible, do not squeeze them into a tight space where they won’t have room to move about. A cramped space like that could result in stress for a dog.
The more extensive the area you can give them, the more likely they will stay behaved as they will be for the entirety of the trip.
Bring Treats To Reward Them
It’s typical for a dog to behave well when their behavior is rewarded with a treat. So, to positively reinforce their good actions, you must have treats ready for them.
You must also show your dog how much you appreciate their good behavior by petting them or giving them verbal praises. It would be an enjoyable time for everyone if humans and dogs were happy during a trip.
Give Them Access To Water
Keeping your dog hydrated during a trip is very important. There isn’t a magic number to stick to when giving them water, but you may want to remember this vital information:
A dog drinks one ounce or 29 milliliters of water for every pound of their body weight every day.
You also may want to note not to give them tap water from the different places you’re going, especially if you’re not sure if your pet can tolerate it. Some dogs have super sensitive stomachs, and they might react negatively. You don’t want your pet dog to get sick while traveling.
So, to be on the safe side, stock up on safe water from your home or opt for bottled water instead if your budget permits.
Give Them Regular Bathroom Breaks
Ideally, dogs should have a break every two to four hours of a long trip. This way, they can relieve themselves, drink water, and stretch their legs like their human companions.
Keep in mind that dogs can only endure a trip for a maximum of seven hours in a day. If you need to travel longer, it would be best to stop by a motel and have a good night’s sleep before resuming another long journey.
Know The Pet Regulations Everywhere You’re Going
It would be best to plan an itinerary and list where you’re stopping, staying to rest, and your final destination to lessen the frustration. Determine the regulations in those places and know in advance if they allow pets on their premises. This way, you won’t have to deal with rejections because of rules and find alternatives at the last minute.
Sometimes, you cannot argue your way in those situations, and it is advisable to respect their rules because there’s a reason why they’re implementing them in the first place.
So, prepare beforehand and, ideally, choose pet-friendly destinations so you and your pet can both enjoy yourself.
Pack Some Toys
Some dogs have their favorite toys. Don’t forget to bring those on your trip so your pup won’t be sad. Dogs also consider some toys their security blanket, so it’s best to keep them at hand, especially when they feel scared and anxious.
This tip is essential, especially if it’s their first time traveling.
Conclusion
Bringing your furry friend along on a long trip is indeed something pet-lovers would want to experience even once in their lifetime. However, necessary preparations should be made to make sure that your dog has the best time on the road with you. If you are planning a trip soon, keep the tips in this list in mind.
