Traveling long distances with your dog in a car can be fun, but it should be well-planned. This guide provides how-to information on safety and security measures for road trips that involve your dog for several hours, days, or weeks.
Safety First
It is crucial to guarantee your dog’s safety when making such long movements. Here’s a list of other items that will help you keep your dog safely confined and as comfortable as possible.
Pick the Appropriate Car for Dogs
The kind of car you opt for determines your comfort and that of your dog while touring. More extended wheelbase cars, such as SUVs, offer ample space, which makes them suitable for long journeys with pets like dogs. When choosing a car, the best thing to look for is the space for your dog to lay down and stretch, for instance, the Land Rover Discovery. For more info about a Land Rover’s body style, size, and dimensions, which are very important when traveling with dogs, get the Land Rover window sticker for full specifications, dimensions, and more.
Buckle Up for Dog Safety
Using car harnesses, car seats, and travel crates that have passed safety tests will help keep your dog safe. The traveling crate should be spacious enough for the dog to stand, move around, and lay down comfortably.
First Aid Kit
Travel with a first aid box for your dog. Some items to take include medical records, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, and a paper pad containing emergency contacts. Regarding car sickness, don’t feed the dog before the trip, and get anti-nausea medication from your vet.
Plan Rest Stops
For journeys taking several hours, stop at intervals to allow your dog to exercise and have a bowel movement every 2-3 hours of the trip. Be particular about the parks and restaurants where you will stop so you can enjoy the experience.
Preparing for the Trip
You need to consider the following to ensure that the planned trip is as seamless as possible. This section provides all the information and actions to take before hitting the road.
Expect Messes
Cleaning supplies such as wet wipes and paper towels should also be taken along in case of spills and stains on the way. You need to be prepared for accidents and other contingency cases on the road.
Be aware of Your Destination’s Laws and Surroundings.
Take some time to search for a hotel or an Airbnb that allows you to come with your dog or explore the available veterinary hospitals in the area. Remember the local leash laws and make sure your dog wears an ID tag all the time.
Packing List for Dog Travel
This includes items such as an ID tag, bags for cleaning up your pet, a water and food bowl, food for your pet, a dog bed and kennel or crate, a leash and collar, toys, a first aid kit, and flea and tick treatments. Some may bring a blanket or a towel for extra cushion or just to relax.
On the Road Tips
Here are some tips for successfully traveling with dogs on a long-distance car trip.
Restrain Your Dog
A harness seat belt or a crate must be used to avoid distractions and ensure the dog’s safety while driving.
Hydrate Regularly
It is recommended that your dog not go without water for a long time. You should ensure that it has some water even when on a trip. Drink water that has been bottled or filtered because the local water might not sit well on one’s stomach.
Keep Heads and Ears Inside the Vehicle
This would be safer as undue pressure on the window, particularly at high speeds, can cause a dog’s head to be injured by objects outside the vehicle.
Making Stops
These halts are obligatory for the dog’s health and your own peace of mind.
Be a Good Guest
Adhere to etiquette in places of accommodation for dogs and take alongside items such as the dog blanket and toys to make them feel at home.
Stay Leashed
It is advisable to ensure that your dog is always on a leash while it is outside the car to avoid situations where it might run away or get trapped in a bad situation.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Do not tether your dog in a car, even for a few minutes, as it can cause suffocation, falling due to heat stroke, or other dangers.
Traveling with dogs this way ensures their safety. So, you are required to be well prepared for travel when transporting dogs.
