How To Take Your Dog With You On A Long Road Trip

Going on a road trip is always fun and having the open road before the eyes are often the desire for many. It’s even better when you have your pet friend with you in the car seeing them enjoy the scenery, or not, most presumably if they are in their worst elements. But you have to consider the joy it would give you if you have a canine friend stick their face out the window to enjoy the breeze.

But then again, you have to ensure that your pet is comfortable, most especially if you are on a long road trip. Having your best pet with you on such a trip will help you avoid the costs that come with pet-sitting or boarding your dog into a shelter till you get back. If your dog is accustomed to riding in the car, then you have every reason to take them with you across the borders. But before you and your dog get all excited, below are tips to help you take your canine friend on a long road trip.

1. Strap Them In!

If your dog isn’t trained to handle the pressures of a long road trip, then you’ll need to ensure that they are restrained. By this, you’ll need to strap them in their seat. As it turns out, this is among the ways to avoid any distractions as they might present various risks in your driving. Concentrating on the road should be your top priority and nothing should get your focus off your driving.

Now, forget all those pet movies you’ve been watching dogs behind the wheel. In the first place, they don’t belong there, and having an untrained dog sitting next to you will be jeopardy to your safety. Mark Joye, an excellent personal injury attorney at https://www.joyelawfirm.com/2019/10/safest-way-to-drive-with-dog-in-car/, addresses the issues to do with accidents caused by unrestrained dogs in the car and the steps you can take if anything was to happen as a result. There are various ways to ensure that your dog is secured in the car, some of which include:

  • Invest in a dog harness seatbelt
  • Consider a zipline harness for restless dogs that are difficult to sit in one place
  • Put your canine friend in a secure crate that’s large enough to accommodate them
  • A back seat hammock might do the trick for older dogs or dogs that have some form of disability
  • Install a barrier between the front seats and the back seats to ensure that the dog doesn’t cross the line

2. Plan Ahead Of Time

A portable dog bed is comfortable and made with durable material that can withstand your puppy’s claws and teeth. You can place it in a spot in the car that is easily accessible for your dog and make sure it is secure and won’t move around while you’re driving. During your breaks, you can take your dog out of the car to enjoy the outdoors, and they will always have their bed as a cozy spot to rest when it’s time to get back on the road.

Before you go on a long road trip with your canine friend, it’s imperative that you plan things ahead of time. This means that you’ll have ample time to consider your dog’s needs and whatever else they might require in between the trip. Chances are that you’ll pack the toys they love, the snacks they’ll appreciate, and anything else that might help to boost their comfort.

Before going on a long road trip, you might want to take your dog for short trips in the car to help them get acclimatized to such an environment. This will allow you and your dog to learn from each other while at the same time, finding ways on how to comfort an unruly dog.

3. Taking Short Breaks In Between

Taking Short Breaks In Between

The fact that you can hold it in for hours doesn’t give you any rights to assume that your dog will. Dogs, like any other cats, are animals meaning that they are free spirits and regardless of the amount of potty training you’ve given them, they’ll still want to be taken “out”. Taking breaks after every two hours or so will not only be beneficial to your pet but it will also allow you to stretch, drink water, exercise, and while at it, witness your dog taking a leak!

4. Engage Your Pet

Not so many motorists will want to be seen talking with their pets. If you have a dog in the car, the last thing you’ll want is to get pulled over by a cop for talking with a dog. Nevertheless, you know the language that will get your dog’s tail wagging and you should use the same language to keep them put.

5. Did Your Dog Visit The Vet Before The Trip?

Ensure that you visit the vet before going on a long road trip with your dog. This will help to ensure that they are vaccinated and that some tests are done to determine whether they are “roadworthy”. Additionally, you’ll also want to ensure that the dog is microchipped. This will make it easier to find a dog that wanders off in the next rest stop.

There you go! The above are ways on how you can take your dog on a long road trip without having to worry about them being eternally lost. Remember, a happy and comfortable pet in the car will make it easier for you to achieve a great travel experience.