Have you been having dreams about going on a road trip? Right now, the allure of the open road is particularly alluring, but lengthy road journeys in a car with your dog may be difficult as well as enjoyable.
Dogs might become restless and exhibit unsafe behaviors, like hanging out the window or leaping onto your lap while you’re driving down the highway.
Adding worries about the coronavirus epidemic makes a relaxing road trip sound, well, perhaps a little worrisome.
How can you ensure that you and your dog remain secure and content while traveling for extended periods? We compiled the best advice from professionals about traveling with your dog.
1. Get the dog accustomed to a car ride
Getting your dog accustomed to your automobile and traveling in it is the first step. Give them access to a range of enjoyable toys and goodies that they can only have while you’re in or close to your automobile so that they learn to link your car with pleasant sensations.
Reducing your dog’s anxiety about riding in your automobile will also aid in helping them get over any travel sickness they may have. Although the majority of dogs quickly recover from their initial vehicle sickness, if your dog’s symptoms continue you might want to take them to your neighborhood vet for a checkup.
Long road excursions will be lot simpler to do once the dog is comfortable with small vehicle rides.
2. Make sure the dog is restrained
We all need to wear seatbelts, and our cherished dogs should follow suit. In the event of an accident, your dog might go airborne if left unattended and distract the motorist by moving around. When it comes to dogs in automobiles, safety precaution regarding seatbelts is essential.
The front seat is not appropriate for any animal, regardless of size or breed, as airbags were not created with your pet in the heart. Following this safety advice also means that you shouldn’t hold your pet while driving.
While you are holding your animal, you might have an accident. Because their affections are not worth your life, ensure that you keep your pet in the rear seat or the trunk of the car.
When traveling by automobile, we advise putting your pup in a booster seat or travel-safe box. You might need to upgrade to a dog vehicle harness that fastens to a seat belt as your dog gets older and bigger.
Your dog should ideally ride in the backseat of your car or the back of a station wagon. Also, if you have a pickup, we strongly advise against placing your dog on the trays since not only are their paws vulnerable but metal vehicle beds may become extremely hot and cause burns.
3. Brining a dog bag is a must
Similar to how you would prepare for an extended journey with a child, you must pack a travel bag with items your dog could require. The most crucial thing is to make sure your dog has access to lots of food, water, and treats to keep them occupied while you’re traveling.
Consider carrying a couple of items that you can switch out if the trip is going to be very long to keep your dog cognitively engaged.
During rest breaks, you’ll want to let them out so they can stretch their legs, so don’t forget to pack some doggie bags, and a lead, and ensure your dog’s collar prominently displays your most recent phone number.
4. Pay attention to the windows & don’t leave your dog unattended
Consider putting your head out the window of a moving automobile before letting your dog experience the wind on their face. It’s important to remember that your dog confronts the same risks that you do if you worry about dust, dirt, or other debris getting in their eyes.
Even a little journey to the store might result in them suffering a major eye or ear injury. While you should leave a window slightly ajar for ventilation and fresh air, you should limit your dog’s access to it to prevent them from jumping out.
Unattended canines tragically perish in overheated automobiles every year. Even with your windows down and your car in the shade, the RSPCA warns that you can lose your closest friend in just six minutes.
Dogs do not sweat other than via their foot pads, making them extremely susceptible to heatstroke. Thankfully, heatstroke may be easily avoided by making sure you never leave your dog alone in a moving vehicle.
5. Take frequent breaks
Your dog needs vehicle food, drink, and bathroom breaks while traveling long distances, just as you do. Provide your dog with easy access to water to prevent dehydration. As long as your dog isn’t prone to vehicle sickness, meals, snacks, and chew toys are excellent distractions for an active dog in the car.
A toy filled with goodies or peanut butter may be a terrific driving diversion for dogs that can manage to chew on the road. Of course, peanut butter may be messy. No matter what, make sure you stop for your pet to use the restroom every couple of hours.
6. Plan ahead
It’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared ahead before you start your motors and feel the wide road beneath your tires. Although traveling with a dog may limit your ability to be as impulsive as you would be without it, the fun doesn’t have to end.
Just be a bit more thorough when organizing your road vacation, is all we’re saying. This entails planning your trip and reserving lodging and activities that welcome pets along the way. Thankfully, more and more establishments in Australia are starting to welcome visitors with dogs.
CONCLUSION
Any road journey starts with preparation. You map out your route, prepare a list of what to bring, pack your go-to roadside munchies, and create the ideal road trip music.
Remember to account for your dog’s requirements when you plan your upcoming road trip with them. Travel safely!