Planning a Pup-Friendly Road Trip
Road trips with dogs involve a decent amount of time in the car, so it’s important to think about how your dog will safely ride with you. A crate or specially designed dog seatbelt (that is well-fitted) will help keep your dog safe in the event of an accident while also preventing distractions while you drive. The crate or seatbelt should be set up in the backseat, away from airbags which can be fatal.
How can I ensure my pup is safe during the road trip?
As cute as it is to have your pup’s head hanging out of the window, it's important to secure them safely in your car. Follow these steps to ensure the safest way to drive with a dog:
Some dogs get nauseous in the car, so it’s best to slowly build up to longer trips.
Instead, feed your dog at least three hours before your trip, especially if they get motion sickness. Keep them hydrated along the way.4. Don’t let your dog hang out the window.
It’s generally not safe, and it’s not good for their eyes. The wind can dry them out and may also expose them to flying debris.
Don’t give them treats on the trip.
Dogs have been known to choke while eating in transit, so don’t risk it.
When you arrive, check the floor of the hotel room carefully.
Dangerous medication in the form of pills is often dropped on hotel floors.
Don’t leave your pets in the room unattended.
This is against most hotels’ pet policies, and also increases the likelihood they might damage something in the room.
Be mindful of people and dogs you encounter.
Especially in hallways and elevators — as hard as it is to believe, not everyone wants to say “hi” to your dog.
What should I consider when choosing a destination for my dog-friendly road trip?
When you’re planning for the best road trip with a dog, you won’t have much difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations because of the growing market for vacationing with pups. Most websites can filter hotel search results by pet-friendly accommodations and let you know of any size limitations. Websites like Go Pet Friendly and Bring Fido will list only dog-friendly lodging, including campgrounds. Online reviews are invaluable for narrowing down choices. TripAdvisor is a great choice since there are millions of users, and you can search reviews by keywords such as “dog” or “pet.”
How can I keep my pup entertained during the road trip?
Give your dog a safe chew toy they can’t choke on in the car, and make sure to plan stops so you can get outside and play with them if it’s a long trip.
What are the tips for making the car ride more comfortable for my pup?
Remember to take enough breaks to let your dogs stretch their legs and potty, and have snacks and water handy so your pups don’t get hungry or dehydrated.
What are the precautions I should take when visiting new environments with my pup?
Ensure microchips and identification tags are updated with your current cell phone number, and look up the closest emergency hospital to the hotels you’ll be staying at.
What should I feed my dog before a long road trip?
Don’t give your dog food the day of a long road trip to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting. Instead, keep your pup hydrated and feed them on arrival.
Never Leave Dogs in Cars!!!!!!!!!!
Leaving a dog alone in a hot car can be fatal – even parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable and develop heat stroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan, so your dog isn't left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.
You should avoid traveling in your car with your dog on a hot day. If you do need to travel, make sure that you use shade covers on the windows, so they don’t have direct sun on them whilst you are traveling. If possible, cool your car down and have the air conditioning on before putting your dog in. Avoid traveling at hotter times of the day and consider traveling when there is less traffic, so you don’t get stuck for long periods. Ensure your dog has access to water throughout the journey - there are some great non-splash travel bowls available on the market.
Be Careful Letting them Swim
It can be tempting to encourage your dog to swim, especially when the weather is warmer. Be mindful that some places can be unsafe and might have strong currents that can be dangerous, or algae and bacteria that could make your dog sick.
Instead, try to find clear, clean shallow streams your dog can paddle in briefly to cool off, ensure you provide them with separate clean water in a water bowl for them to drink, and continue with your walk in the coolest parts of the day.
Source: HERE
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