Is it that time of the year when you need to go across the country to see family and friends? Is everyone looking forward to spending time with their loved ones? Is your annual leave approaching? And you’re wondering how difficult it would be to travel peacefully with your dog? Absolutely not! Instead of dwelling on the positive occasions in your life, share them with your beloved furry friend. All you need to do is conduct a fast search on how to organize your getaway. We are right here to help!
Table of contents
To ensure your dog’s safety, comfort, and well-being during a lengthy car ride, you must take several crucial steps. Here are some suggestions to assist you in preparing your dog for a lengthy car trip:
Vaccination
Check your dog’s vaccination history at the vet before you leave by bringing them in for a checkup.
Wearing a collar
Ensure your dog is wearing a collar with your contact information and an identification tag. Additionally, confirm that your dog has a microchip and that the data on it is current. Check out our article about how to register your dog for a microchip if you need further information.
Harness or Crate
Purchase a proper dog car restraint system, such as a harness or crate, to keep your dog safe and secure while traveling. The most appropriate car harness for your dog will be determined by characteristics such as size, behavior, and special needs. Here are a few popular and well-liked dog car harnesses:
– Sleepypod Clickit Sport: This car harness has received rave reviews for its safety features and crash-testing performance.
– Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness: The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is crash-tested and features a broad padded chest plate to distribute impact forces. Because the harness is adjustable, it is suited for dogs of varied sizes.
– Ruffwear Load Up: The Ruffwear Load Up harness is made for strength and safety when driving. It is built of strong materials and has been tested to verify its usefulness in restraining dogs in the event of an accident.
– EzyDog Drive Harness: The EzyDog Drive Harness is another popular option that has undergone extensive testing for safety and security. It has a comfortable ergonomic chest plate and is designed to fit snugly.
– Solvit Deluxe Car Safety Harness: This harness is popular for its ease of use and adaptability. It features a tether that can be hooked to the car’s seat belt system and provides a safe way to harness your dog while driving.
– Other brands to consider include Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness, Cooyoo Dog Seat Belt, Slow Ton Dog Car Harness Plus Connector Strap. (To learn more, go to https://www.forbes.com/wheels/accessories/best-dog-harnesses/)
If you don’t know where to start about crates and crate training, have a look at related articles for choosing the right crate and crate training:
- Training dog for crate
- Choosing the right soft crate for your furry friend
- Creating a crate training schedule
Shorter trips
Start with short trips and gradually increase the duration to enable your dog to develop acclimated to being in the car.
Take Breaks
Pets can become exhausted on long road trips. Plan regular breaks every several hours for your dog to stretch, relieve himself, and get some exercise. As a general rule, it is best to take a break every 2 to 4 hours. When selecting how frequently to halt, consider the following factors:
Restroom breaks
Dogs will require numerous toilet breaks while driving. Make frequent pauses at pet-friendly rest areas or locations with adequate facilities for your dog to relieve himself.
Stretching and exercise
Dogs, especially active breeds, benefit from stretching and activity during long car rides. Allow your dog to go for a walk, run, or play during breaks to help relieve pent-up energy and avoid stiffness or discomfort.
Hydration and feeding
Keep your dog hydrated by providing fresh water at each stop. If your dog is susceptible to road sickness, consult with your veterinarian about specific strategies or medications that can help alleviate their symptoms. To make your dog’s travel more comfortable, they may suggest alternate feeding schedules or specific anti-nausea medications.
Mental stimulation
Play with your dog’s favorite toys, engage in training exercises, or simply spend quality time together to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.
Travel Bag
Pack a travel pack for your dog, which should include food, water, bowls, medication (if needed), waste bags, a leash, a blanket or bedding, toys, and any other items your dog may need while traveling.
Keep Your Dog Cool in the car
Maintain an appropriate temperature inside the car while keeping your dog’s needs in mind. For more information, check out the article about Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Car.
Consult your veterinarian
Consult your veterinarian about possible treatments or medicines if your dog has anxiety or motion sickness while traveling. They may recommend natural sedatives or provide medication to make your dog’s journey more comfortable. Anti-anxiety drugs, for example, which can help lower anxiety and encourage relaxation, are commonly provided before a car trip. Sedatives are another option that can be used to help dogs relax while driving. Natural remedies, in addition to traditional medications, may help dogs overcome car phobia. These items contain natural ingredients that provide soothing properties, such as chamomile, valerian root, or lavender.
Create Positive Connections
Reward, praise, and reward your dog for calm and relaxed behavior in the car to create positive connections with car travel. In the car, play soothing music or white noise to help drown out outside disturbances and create a peaceful environment for your dog. There are playlists and applications available that provide soothing music for dogs.
Dogs may exhibit signs of pain or fear while traveling in a car. It is vital to observe your dog’s behavior and body language to detect any signs of distress. Excessive panting, drooling or excessive salivation, whining, whimpering, or barking, pacing or restlessness, trembling or shaking, attempting to escape or become agitated, cowering or hiding, excessive yawning or lip licking, avoiding eye contact or crouching, and loss of appetite are all signs that your dog is unhappy in the car.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that every dog is different, and it may take some time and care to make your dog feel more at ease in the car. If your dog’s uneasiness remains or worsens, consult a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian. If you follow these car travel recommendations for dogs, you should be prepared for an unforgettable trip. Pet-friendly car travel is less difficult than most people imagine.
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