12 Tips for Road Trips With Your Dog

Road trips are more fun with your best furry friend riding shotgun! With wagging tails and wind-blown ears, adventures become even more memorable. Here are 12 tips for road trips with your dog to make sure your pup is ready to roll.

12 Tips for Road Trips With Your Dog

1. Check Their Tag and Microchip Info

Have you moved since you got your dog, or maybe you have a new phone number? Before hitting the road, remember to check the contact information on your pups tag is up to date. The same goes for the contact information associated with their microchip.

2. Take a Copy of Their Vaccination Records

Although having a copy of your dog's vaccination records is not always necessary, it's good to be prepared! If your dog gets sick unexpectedly on the road, you might need these records for treatment. Sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous on trips and if you come across an activity that doesn’t allow dogs, you might have to board your pup for a day - they might need to see a copy of their vaccination records. 

3. Make Sure They're Comfortable

Be 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, it won't go well. The more room and dedicated space they have, the more relaxed they will be, and in turn the better behaved they will be.

4. Give Rewards For Good Behavior

A well behaved pup is always going to be easier to road trip with than a dog that is constantly misbehaving. To curb disobedience, we'd always advise 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 - this will give them a tasty incentive to be on their best behavior. This can include things such as not wandering too far from the car, coming back to the car straight away when called and loading up without having to be told.

5. Regularly Offer Water

Whether you have the space to provide a little water station in your vehicle or choose to make frequent rest stops, you should always have water on hand to hydrate your pup. If you're driving in a car with limited space, make sure you offer water for your pup at every stop you make.

6. 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 pup out too. Even if you're 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!

7. Keep Toys in Your Car

We'd argue that it's essential to bring dog toys on your next big road trip with your dog. Having toys on hand for them 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 trip.

8. Tire Them Out

If you’re traveling long distances, exercise your dog before a long day in the car. Taking your pup on a walk or for a quick run around the block will ensure some nap time while you're out on the road. If your dog is into fetch, throw the ball around at a rest stop to tire them out before hopping back into the car. And when you finally arrive at your destination, finding a local dog park is the perfect way to tire out your pup. They will be bursting with energy, and it’s an incredibly easy way to blow off steam.

9. 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 your research ahead of time because there's nothing worse than showing up to a new place only to find out that your dog is not allowed.

10. Pick Up After Them

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. We always abide by leave no trace principles, which includes removing dog waste. 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.

11. Don't Leave Them in the Car on a Sunny Day

The most important tip of all: 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. PRO TIP: Reflective windshield covers can also help keep the temperature down in your car.

12. Accept That Your Vehicle Will 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 for those dirty paws! 

Follow these tips for road trips with your dog to ensure your next adventure is safe, fun and stress-free for both of you!