How To Travel With Fido Onboard

Dog travel by car. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever enjoying road trip.

Dog travel by car. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever enjoying road trip.

Whether going on a two-day camping trip or a month-long mountain adventure, many people travel with their dogs. Along with companionship, your dog provides protection. Even if you have a smaller breed, they’ll alert you of anything suspicious. That’s great news if you ever head to more isolated areas. Because you adore your pooch, you want to do everything possible to make trips comfortable for them. Here are some ways to accomplish that goal with a vehicle that can accommodate the size of your furry friend.

Trial Run

Before you take your pet along on one of your trips, go through a short trial run. After all, every dog responds to car travel differently. For example, some pups lie down and sleep for hours. However, dogs can also whine and pace. You need to determine the reaction of your pet. That way, you can plan accordingly.

If you have an anxious dog or one that’s never ridden in a car before, start with short drives. Initially, that might consist of driving around the block. After doing that several times, you can drive further. The goal is to build your pet’s confidence and to make travel fun. Eventually, they’ll look forward to going on trips with you.

Travel Essentials

In addition, pack essentials for your dog. Here are some of the main items you should always keep on hand:

  • Fresh water, food, bowls, and snacks.
  • A few of your pup’s favorite toys.
  • Either a bed or blanket for your dog to sleep on in the car, and accommodations when on the road.
  • A collar and leash to keep them safe during walks. Even better, buy your dog a properly fitting harness.
  • Medications that your pet’s veterinarian prescribed.
  • Doggy bags so you can clean up after them.

Car Prep

Be sure to prepare your vehicle before every trip. In addition to your pet’s essentials, create an emergency kit that you can store inside a plastic tub. Include a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a phone charger, bottled water, flares, and a flashlight, as well as new batteries.

The last thing you ever want to do is allow your dog to ride unsecured in your car. If you ever experience an accident, that could put them at serious risk. Also, they could bolt from the vehicle as soon as first responders open the doors.

Another thing, a pooch can quickly and unexpectedly jump from the backseat to the front. If not prepared, you could lose control of your car. For all of these reasons, always tether your pup or secure them inside a locked kennel. If you prefer the tethering route, fit your dog with a seatbelt harness for added protection.

Unsupervised Pet

When traveling, you’ll need to stop for bathroom breaks and to buy something to eat. That means you’ll need to leave your dog in the car unsupervised. Most importantly, never leave them locked inside during the summertime. The inside temperature of a car can rise to a dangerous level in a matter of minutes.

Before you go on a trip, plan for these scenarios. One solution is to find dog-friendly businesses along your route that take care of dogs and charge by the hour.

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A Lifetime of Adventures

Good planning will go a long way in making every trip with your dog fun and safe. As part of that, be sure to have your vehicle serviced ahead of time. Choose a reputable source with certified technicians like Della Auto Group in Queensbury, New York.

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