- DOUBLE CHECK THEIR DOG TAGS
- BRING A COPY OF THEIR VACCINATION RECORDS
- MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE
- REWARD YOUR DOG FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR
- MAKE SURE YOUR PUP HAS WATER
- MAKING A PIT STOP? LET YOUR DOG OUT!
- KEEP DOG TOYS IN YOUR CAR
- TIRE OUT YOUR DOG: BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
- MAKE SURE YOUR DESTINATIONS ARE DOG FRIENDLY
- PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG— EVERYWHERE!
- DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ON A HOT DAY
- KNOW YOUR CAR IS GOING TO GET DIRTY
DOUBLE CHECK THEIR DOG TAGS
Have you moved since you got your dog, or maybe you have a new phone number? Make sure to check that your contact info on your pups tags are up to date before hitting the road. Same goes with the contact information associated with their microchip. If you’ve recently adopted a dog from a friend or maybe broke up with a long term partner, it’s smart to verify that the information associated with the microchip is in your name along with your contact info in case your pup gets away.
BRING A COPY OF THEIR VACCINATION RECORDS
Although having a copy of your dog's vaccination records is not entirely necessary, it's always good to be prepared! If your dog gets sick unexpectedly on the road, you will most likely need these records for treatment. The same goes with boarding— when you’re on a trip, sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous. If you happen to come across an activity that doesn’t allow dogs, you might have to board your pup for a day. Usually a copy on your phone will suffice, but you can also keep a copy in your glove box for safe keeping.
MAKE SURE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE
Rule #1 for road trips: Come prepared, but don’t overpack! One of the biggest mistakes any pet owner can make is by packing the car to the point where their pup doesn’t have enough room to travel comfortably. If your dog has to squeeze between your luggage and camping gear with barely enough room to lay down, then you’re doing it wrong. No one wants to be squished for hours or days without any leg room, and your dog doesn’t either. The more room and dedicated space they have, the more relaxed they will be and in turn the better behaved they will be.
REWARD YOUR DOG FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR
It goes without saying, but a well behaved dog is going to be easier to road trip with than a dog that is constantly misbehaving. To curb disobedience, it is recommended to use the positive reinforcement technique and reward your dog with treats. When your pup does what they’re told, reward them with one of their favorite treats. Every time your pup is rewarded, it gives them a tasty and healthy incentive to be on their best behavior. This can include, but is not limited to: not wandering too far from the car, coming back to the car when called (the first time), loading up without having to ask, not begging while you’re snacking on the road, staying in their place and not trying to jump on your lap driving at highway speeds, and the list goes on.
MAKE SURE YOUR PUP HAS WATER
Whether you have the space to provide a little water station in the vehicle or choose to make frequent rest stops, you should always have water on hand to hydrate your pup. If you have a van or an RV, your dog shouldn’t have to wait until you stop to drink water. Use a small stable water bowl that you can put on the floor and let them drink at their leisure. If you are driving in a car with limited space, make sure you are providing water at all the stops. This includes gas stations, pee breaks, or food stops.
MAKING A PIT STOP? LET YOUR DOG OUT!
You’re not the only one who wants to stretch your legs, go potty and hydrate. If you make a stop, you need to let your dog out too. Even if you are in a hurry to get to your destination, you need to carve out some extra time to let your dog get some fresh air. This will also help with their restlessness and anxiety— because a comfortable dog is a happy dog!
KEEP DOG TOYS IN YOUR CAR
It is absolutely essential to bring dog toys on your next big road trip. Having dog toys on hand is the easiest way to keep your pup occupied while providing healthy mental stimulation. PRO TIP: Buy toys that are durable and long lasting so they don’t fall apart on day one of your road trip.
TIRE OUT YOUR DOG: BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
If you’re traveling long distances, exercise your dog before a long day in the car. Taking your pup on a walk or a quick run around the block will ensure some nap time on the road. If your dog is into fetch, throw the ball around at a rest stop to tire them out before hopping back on the road. PRO TIP: Buy a chuck-it ball thrower and take the game of fetch to the next level. These super nifty toys help throw the ball much further than you could on your own meaning your dog will run more in a shorter amount of time. Plus, it’s super low impact on your arm and your dog will love running long distances. And when you finally arrive at your destination, find a local dog park to tire out your pup. They will be bursting with energy, and it’s an incredibly easy way to blow off steam.
MAKE SURE YOUR DESTINATIONS ARE DOG FRIENDLY
Although you know your dog is well behaved, not all places are dog-friendly. Most travel destinations made up of campgrounds and hiking trails have strict regulations about dogs. And if dogs are allowed in certain areas, they usually need to be kept on leash. Do the research ahead of time! There’s nothing worse than showing up to a new place only to find out that your dog is not allowed.
PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG— EVERYWHERE!
I really hate that I even have to make this a point of conversation, but don’t be that person who doesn’t pick up after their dog. Although many argue that if it’s done in nature then it’s acceptable— it’s really not. If your dog does it’s business in a place where it could potentially get stepped on by another hiker or dog, then it needs to be picked up. It’s best to keep a healthy supply of poop bags on hand in the car, tied around the leash, and in your day pack so you’re always prepared to pick up after your pup.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR ON A HOT DAY
Never leave your dog unattended in a car on a hot day. The inside of your car gets really hot when left in the sun, regardless of season or weather. If you must leave them for a few minutes to run an errand, make sure you crack the windows. PRO TIP: Reflective windshield covers can also help keep the temperature down in your car.
KNOW YOUR CAR IS GOING TO GET DIRTY
Road trips can get messy and it doesn’t help if you add a dog to the mix. Between shedding and slobbering, wet coats and muddy paws, there is no way around the messy nature of a K9 companion. Don’t get mad at them for being dirty, just accept it. If you are worried about your car, seat covers or a throw blanket will go a long way. If your dog is drawn to the mud, try to rinse them off at the nearest water hookup. PRO TIP: Have lots of towels on hand! Quick dry towels are also convenient, not only for drying off your pup when they get wet but also for spills inside the car.
