Are you hittin’ the road this holiday weekend?
While the thought of traveling hours with your dog may sound impossible, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to make sure that the trip goes as smooth as possible.
First, make sure that your dog is restrained. This should be the case for any car trip they take, but especially now since you’re going further than up the road to the local pet store. Getting a harness for your dog that clips into the seatbelt will ensure that they’re as safe as they can be while in the car. You’d buckle up your kids, so you should be doing the same with your dogs!
Installing a barrier between you and the backseat where the dog is sitting (dogs should never sit in the front seat as the airbag would kill them) will ensure that the dog doesn’t distract you. Not only does it restrain the dog from jumping into the front seat and causing you to take your eyes off the road, but it also keeps them confined to one place in the vehicle, which is safer for everyone.
Investing in a collapsible crate is a good idea because it’s easily portable every time you make a stop. These are especially good for small dogs, as they can ride inside of them during the car ride and be confined to one place. But for any sized dog, having a collapsible crate makes for a smoother stay at a hotel, campsite, etc. to restrain your dog in cases of emergency, or if you must leave it alone for a little while.
Make sure you have plenty of water, as just like you, dogs can become carsick. Making sure that the dog is hydrated will make it less likely that they’ll get sick during the ride. Of course, staying hydrated will mean more pee stops, but this is good anyway, as both you and the dog need to stretch your legs and make sure that you don’t go too stir crazy while on the road.
Keeping the car as cool as possible is always a good idea, along with fresh air. Even if you’re usually cold, the car should be a little cooler than you may have it if you were driving alone, because dogs overheat easily, and overheating in the car can cause anxiety and carsickness in a dog.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.