As a pet parent, one of the most exciting things you can do is to go on a road trip with your canine buddy. Whether it’s going to be a solo trip with your animal companion or an outing for the whole family, it’s important to prepare in advance to ensure your fur baby’s comfort. To ensure that your road trip is as pet-friendly as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Give Them a Familiar Place to Sleep
If you’re planning to stay at a hotel or sleep at a loved one’s house during the trip, your pet might feel restless during the night. After all, they are being exposed to a wide range of stimuli and sensations that are alien to them.
To ensure that everyone gets a good night’s sleep, bring your pup’s bed or favorite pillow along for the trip. The familiar scents on these items will calm your fur baby down enough to let them get comfy and sleep. Some dogs may also miss the feeling of being inside of their own little house, so giving them customizable dog teepee housesto sleep in during the trip can also help them sleep well.
Meet with Your Vet
To ensure that your dog is all cleared to travel, schedule a consultation with their veterinarian before your trip. Vets are aware of pet-related federal regulations and requirements that you need to comply with to be able to travel with your fur baby. For instance, your pup might need certain vaccinations or medications before you can take them with you on a vacation.
Even if your pet is already fit for travel, there’s always the possibility of your dog becoming car sick, feeling restless, or getting diarrhea during the trip. It’s best to ask your vet for advice on how to manage these sorts of situations to avoid any serious medical emergencies.
Prepare Your Car
While checking if your car is mechanically sound and sufficiently gassed up, see if it’s already pet-friendly or may need additional accessories. At a minimum, you’ll want to equip your car with pet carriers, car seat covers, and harnesses to keep your pup secure and comfortable during the car ride. You can also bring vacuums, portable pet bowls, and poop bags to make mealtimes and cleanup quick and easy.
Follow Your Pet’s Usual Routine as Much as You Can
Dogs are like small children in the sense that they still need structure and order on a daily basis. While a road trip is a break from your usual routine, your canine companion doesn’t necessarily understand that. If they are used to eating, playing, or going for a walk according to a certain schedule, do your best to still carry out these activities during the trip.
For example, you can sync up when to drop by a rest stop according to when they usually relieve themselves. You can also incorporate some visits to the park to accommodate playtime. This will prevent your animal buddy from getting too restless or stressed.
Practice Basic Commands with Your Pup
Remember that traveling requires you and your furry pal to be on your best behavior. You are both guests at many of the places that you’ll be going to, so you must be mindful of not becoming a nuisance to others. Hence, practice the P’s and Q’s with your pet before the trip to avoid getting into any trouble.
Some commands that your dog may need to perfect include “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” This is especially important if you’re taking your dog to eat at a restaurant or go to a park. In case you notice your fur baby beginning to act up, make sure they understand what a loud, firm “no” means. And no matter what, you’ll want to keep them on a sturdy leash during the entire trip to ensure that they don’t run off.
Look for Pet-Friendly Accommodation Ahead of Time
For long road trips, you’ll want to find out if there are any pet-friendly hotels or motels on the way to your various destinations. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave your pup in the car while you sleep on a nice, comfy bed. There’s also nothing worse than finding out that you can’t bring your dog into a room you reserved, especially if you’re tired from a long drive.
These are just some of the many ways you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip with your canine companion. In addition to these tips and tricks, try not to cram too many activities into your travel itinerary, as taking your pet with you is bound to bring a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Also, remember to go slow and to enjoy your time with your fur baby instead of simply zipping from one tourist attraction to another. By making your furry friend’s comfort and safety a priority, you’re sure to create many wonderful memories with them during your vacation.