Road Trips with Your Dog
Preparation and Safety are Essential When Traveling with Pets
A short ride to the dog park or other fun and nearby destination will get him accustomed to riding in the car. This should be done a few weeks prior to your longer trip.
When traveling with a dog, always add in extra time. If you think it will take you four hours to reach your destination, add an additional hour to the trip. Take breaks every three to four hours. You both need to stretch your legs. Map out your trip before you go to include stops at restaurants and dog parks along the way. A short walk or a run for both you and your dog will break up the trip and make it more enjoyable. Make sure that you and your dog drink plenty of water at these rest stops.
What Should You Bring for the Car Ride?
- A collar with ID should be on your dog at all times
- A list of veterinary hospitals, your dog’s medical records, and any medications
- A doggie seat belt or roomy crate/kennel
- Extra blanket and a dog bed
- Bottles of water and bowl
- Treats and plenty of food
- A first aid kit
- Trash bags to pick up waste
Janine Franceschi, owner of Luxury PAW (Pet-friendly Accommodations Worldwide), an online pet-friendly hotel booking service, and her Irish Setter, Beau, just drove 13.000 miles on a cross country road trip. She recommends installing a seat belted harness in your car, “and I can't stress enough that you should stuff a pick-up baggie in every pocket of every piece of clothing you're going to bring,” she says. “Sounds like a little overkill, but when you run out of your hotel room in your bathrobe at 4 a.m., and you don't have a pick up baggie, you can be guaranteed someone will be there to see it. You need them every time, and at the most inconvenient times, so it's best to be prepared.”
“The one other really important thing to bring with you is your dog’s regular pet food,” she continues. “Some hotels have really fun pet room service menus, but when your add that to the treats they supply in the pet amenity welcome package, and the stress of travel often times the pet-room service offerings can be too rich. I always pre-bag Beau’s food and try to use the pet room service menu just once during our stay as a special treat. To suddenly change his food intake from his normal routine can make him really uncomfortable.”
Safety Tips While on the Road with Your Dog
Make sure your car is well ventilated and cool, and never leave your dog unattended in a parked car. On hot days, even in the shade, cars are like ovens; they heat up, and the results can be life threatening. Temperatures inside cars can reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit causing heat stroke, brain damage, and even death.
Bring along a list of dog friendly hotels. Taking breaks makes the trip more enjoyable for you and your dog.
Beau in the driver's seat before take off.
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