Introduction
There may come a time when you need to travel long distances with your beloved canine companion by car. While flying is a faster option, driving allows you to bring all of your dog’s necessities and offers more flexibility with stops. However, road trips also come with unique challenges for both you and your pup.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to make extended drives go smoothly with your dog. We’ll cover topics like preparing your dog mentally and physically for the trip, must-have supplies, tips for comfort and entertainment, managing motion sickness, arranging pet-friendly overnight stays, and maintaining health on the road.
With some planning and preparation, a cross-country road trip can be a fun adventure for both you and your furry co-pilot. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy over the miles.
Preparing Your Dog For a Road Trip
If your dog is not already accustomed to car rides, it’s important to gradually get them used to being in the car before embarking on a long road trip. Start by doing short practice drives around the block or to the park. Give your dog treats and praise while in the car so they associate it with positive experiences.
Work up to longer drives of 5-10 minutes, and continue rewarding calm behavior in the car. Once your dog seems comfortable with short trips, start taking them on longer drives of 30 minutes or more. Make sure to stop frequently so they can get out, stretch their legs, and relieve themselves.
It can also help to take your dog on errands with you, like going through a drive-thru or to pick up a family member. This gets them accustomed to the car as part of their daily routine.
You’ll also want to prepare your dog for any travel carrier or restraint you plan to use on your trip. Let them get used to their crate, car harness, or back seat barrier in advance so they feel at ease using it during the long drive.
By gradually acclimating your dog to the car, you can help prevent anxiety and carsickness when you finally embark on your road trip adventure. Always make safety a priority by securing your dog properly for travel.
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Supplies to Bring
When taking a dog on a long car trip, there are a few key supplies you’ll want to bring to keep them comfortable, safe, and entertained.
Food and Water
Bring more than enough food to last the entire trip. It may be difficult to find your dog’s normal food brand at stops along the way. Bring collapsible bowls for food and water, as well as a roll-up water bottle or jug to refill them easily. Having water available at all times is crucial.
Leash and Harness
Pack a leash for potty breaks and a harness to keep your dog safely restrained in the car. The harness should attach to a seat belt system.
Toys and Chews
Pack interactive toys like rope toys, rubber chew toys, or puzzle toys to keep your dog stimulated and entertained. Rotate through different toys to prevent boredom.
Cleanup Supplies
Accidents can happen, so bring paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and waste bags. Also pack a stain/odor remover in case of accidents in hotel rooms.
Dog Bed
Bring a comfortable, familiar bed or blanket that smells like home and gives your dog a place to relax.
Medication
Make sure to bring enough of any medications your dog takes on a regular basis.
Health Records
Have a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate and other vaccination records in case you need to prove their vaccinations during your trip.
Stopping for Breaks
A long road trip can be challenging for dogs who are not accustomed to spending hours in the car. It is important to plan regular stops for your dog to get out, relieve themselves, stretch their legs, eat, and get fresh water. According to veterinarians, you should plan on taking a break every 2-4 hours for 15-30 minutes (1). This gives your dog a chance to fully relax before getting back in the car.
Look for pet-friendly rest stops, parks, beaches or campgrounds along your route where your dog can safely get out on leash for exercise and bathroom breaks. Try to avoid busy truck stops or rest areas next to highways that may be dirty or stressful for your dog. The key is allowing time for a proper break, not just a quick pit stop. Walk your dog around, give them time to sniff and explore, and make sure they relieve themselves before continuing the drive (2).
Bring food, treats and fresh water for your dog at each stop. Feed smaller meals rather than one large meal to prevent an upset stomach during travel. Planning longer overnight stops can also give your dog time to play, relax and recuperate before the next leg of the journey.
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable
One of the most important aspects of traveling long distances in a car with your dog is keeping them comfortable throughout the journey. You’ll want to pay special attention to temperature control, securing your dog properly, providing bedding, and reducing boredom with toys.
It’s crucial to maintain a comfortable temperature in the car for your dog. Dogs are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as humans. Be sure to keep the climate control on and set to a moderate temperature during the drive. You may need to make adjustments if your dog seems too hot or cold. Avoid parking in direct sunlight when stopping, as this can cause a significant temperature spike inside the vehicle (Pupford, 2023).
Secure your dog in a dog-friendly restraint system like a carrier, crate or harness designed for car travel. This will keep your dog safe and prevent them from distracting you while driving. Be sure to stop regularly on long drives so your dog can stand, stretch their legs, and relieve themselves. Don’t let your dog roam loose in the car.
Provide comfy bedding like a blanket, bed, or dog hammock to allow your dog to relax during the trip. Familiar items from home like toys and chews can also help your dog feel at ease. Rotate toys to prevent boredom.
Entertaining Your Dog
Keeping your dog occupied during long car rides will make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Bring along some favorite toys and chews to keep your dog busy. Rotating through different toys can help prevent boredom from setting in. Long-lasting chews like bones, bully sticks, or dental chews can provide hours of chewing entertainment. Make sure to only give safe chewing items that your dog can’t break off pieces from.
Playing calming music and partially rolling down the windows can also help entertain your dog. The sights, smells, and sounds from the open window can provide mental stimulation. Just avoid allowing your dog to stick their head out the window, which could lead to dangerous debris or objects hitting them.
While it may be tempting to let your dog move around the vehicle or sit in your lap, this can quickly become an unsafe distraction. Secure your dog in a crate or harness designed for car travel to avoid dangerous roaming and driver distraction. Stopping regularly on your trip will allow for play and exercise breaks outside the car.
With some preparation and entertainment, your dog can happily pass the time on a long distance road trip. Just be sure to avoid activities that take your focus off driving or allow dangerous misbehavior.
Managing Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is common in dogs during car rides. Signs of motion sickness include drooling, whining, pacing, and vomiting. To prevent it, don’t feed your dog within 2-4 hours of departure time according to experts at AKC. Consider medicating your dog with an over-the-counter motion sickness medication. Talk to your vet about which one is best. Ginger, lavender, fennel, or dill supplements may also help settle your dog’s stomach according to GoodRx.
To prevent motion sickness, lower the windows so your dog can see out, provide toys or chews as distractions, play calming music, and allow for frequent breaks during the trip. If your dog vomits, pull over safely. Make sure they have access to water and allow them to rest before continuing according to vets at VCA Hospitals. With preparation and care, you can make car trips more comfortable for dogs prone to sickness.
Arranging Overnight Accommodations
When booking overnight accommodations for a road trip with your dog, look for pet-friendly hotels that accept dogs of all sizes. Some hotel chains like Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, and La Quinta Inn allow pets with no size restrictions or extra fees. When booking, make sure to confirm the hotel’s pet policy.
When checking into your pet-friendly hotel, request a ground floor room with easy access to outdoor areas for potty breaks. Avoid rooms near elevators, ice machines, or other high-traffic areas that may startle your dog. Inspect the room to make sure there are no toxic houseplants or choking hazards before letting your dog roam free.
Consider bringing a portable crate to provide your dog a safe, cozy place to sleep and keep them out of trouble when you can’t supervise directly. Place their crate in a quiet corner of the room and drape a blanket over it to create a den-like environment. Bring familiar toys and treats to help them feel at home.
Before leaving your dog alone in an unfamiliar hotel room, take them for a long walk to tire them out. Make sure they relieve themselves and provide fresh water. Inform the front desk that you have a pet, in case any issues arise while you’re gone. With the right accommodations, your dog can relax during overnight stays.
Maintaining Your Dog’s Health
Making sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout the long road trip is critical. Be sure to stick to your dog’s normal medication and supplement schedule. Mark times on your road trip itinerary for any pills or medications that need to be administered at specific intervals. Watch for signs of anxiety or nausea like drooling, panting, whining, and vomiting and be prepared to pull over if needed.
Staying hydrated is key for your pup on a long drive. Bring ample water and a collapsible bowl you can easily refill. Offer water at every stop. You may need to adjust your dog’s normal feeding schedule to work with your road trip plans. Feed smaller portions more frequently to prevent an upset stomach from too much food and water sloshing around.
While driving, check on your dog periodically to see if they need a bathroom break or are showing any signs of stress or motion sickness. Stop every few hours to let your dog stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, have a snack or meal, and get some play time. This will make the long distance travel much more pleasant for both of you.
Conclusion
In summary, the most important tips for traveling long distances by car with your dog are proper preparation, frequent breaks, and monitoring your dog’s health and comfort throughout the trip. Ensuring your dog is ready for the journey with vet checks, supplies, and conditioning will help make the experience smooth and enjoyable for both of you.
Preparation involves getting your dog comfortable with car travel if they are not already, obtaining necessary supplies, preparing overnight pet-friendly lodging, and planning adequate stopovers to prevent fatigue. During the trip, monitor your dog for signs of motion sickness or anxiety and be ready to respond. Keep your dog cool, hydrated, entertained, and comfortable at all times.
With the right preparation and vigilance during travel, road trips can be a fun adventure and bonding experience for both you and your furry companion. The extra effort is well worth it to safely include your beloved dog on your travels and enjoy discovering new places together.