Taking your dog on a road trip? Here are some top tips…
Traveling with your canine companion can make a trip of any length much more enjoyable. However, if your journey involves a road trip, then there are many things you should consider before setting off.
While you may have made all the preparations you need to get safely to your destination by filling up your fuel tank and creating the perfect road trip playlist of music, you should think about what your furry friend needs to be ready to hit the road. We have put together some of our top tips on how to plan a successful road trip with your dog to ensure that you all arrive at your destination feeling good and ready to have some fun!
Speak to Your Vet First
We recommend that you speak with your vet about your road trip with your dog well in advance of your journey. A trip to the vets before a road trip is a great chance for your dog to have a check-up and ensure that all his vaccinations are up to date. This is important as throughout your travels you will likely find that your dog comes into contact with objects and areas that they are not familiar with.
Depending on where you are travelling with your pet, your vet may also need to provide your furry friend with some extra vaccinations to protect them once they arrive at your destination. Your vet may also be able to prescribe any medication that will help your dog stay calm throughout the journey.
Plan a Pet-Friendly Route
When it comes to deciding what route you are going to take, it is crucial that you think about your furry friend and what needs they’ll have while on the road. You should expect to take regular breaks for your dog to have toilet breaks and to stretch their legs, so have that in mind when you plan your route. Double check that your journey offers plenty of safe places for you and your dog to get out of the car.
You may also want to be super prepared and do some research on the local vets in the areas that you will be driving through. This means that you know where and what to do if your dog gets sick while you’re away.
Prepare Your Car for the Journey
Before setting off on any road trip, it is essential that you do the essential checks to your vehicle, such as filling up your fuel tank, checking the tyre pressure, and ensuring your car has enough oil. This is crucial if you want both you and your dog to arrive safely at your destination.
It is also important that you consider how many miles your road trip will involve and to check your car insurance policy. Different policies usually state a number of miles that you expect to do within a year, so you should be aware of this. If you are going on a long-distance road trip, then you might need to look at other insurance policies. When you conduct a car insurance comparison, you can see how many miles each policy allows you to do, so this is something to keep in mind if you plan to take regular road with your dog.
Do Not Forget to Pack the Essentials
When preparing for your road trip, it is important that you pack the essentials for both you and your dog. While you will likely want food, water, and a good music playlist to keep you entertained during the journey, your dog will also need some essentials. Your dog’s essentials include their water bowl, regular meals, poop bags, any medication they need, and their favourite toys. Having their things around them will help to make your dog feel more relaxed and lessen any anxiety they may experience throughout the car journey.
Keep Your Dog in One Place in the Car
We recommend that you keep your dog sat stationary in one place while the vehicle is moving as this is safer and healthier for your pet. While your dog may be interested in having a look around the car and getting used to their surroundings, it is much safer for your dog to be restrained by a pet seat belt, or placed in a car kennel or crate. If your dog is not secured in the car, they will be at more risk if an accident occurs.
By preparing yourself, your car, and your dog, you can have everything in place for a safe and enjoyable road trip. Dogs truly are the best companion while on the road!
