The sun is finally out, which no doubt means a lot of outings in nature. And that means a lot of exercise for you and your dog. Taking things further, literally, you can get in the car and set out on a few road trips, but what will your dog think of that? Dogs can be fearful of car rides – or excited. It’s a toss of the coin which one you get when you first get your dog. If you’ve got a dog that doesn’t like the car, or in some cases even if you have an excitable dog, you could gain from some preparation before you get on the road to ensure safety and comfort. Read on to find our best tips for keeping your furry friend calm when you go on road trips with your dog.
Crate Training
Before you embark on your first road trip with your dog, it’s important to get the fundamentals right. Crate training should be instilled from a young age anyway, but it comes especially handy while on the road. The crate will become your dog’s safe space, where they know they can stay calm.
This starts at home, starts early, and will take time. Gradually increase the time your dog spends in their crate, starting even at only a few minutes. Eventually, they should be left in their crate overnight, becoming the place they go to relax. You can make the process easier by crating them with an old piece of clothing with your scent on it, so they know you’re not far away. It can also be a good idea to feed your dog in its crate for the first few days as it helps them settle.
While you’re on your road trips with your dog, the crate will be the safe space it is at home, allowing your dog to relax while they are on the road.
Some owners have a crate in their car for their dog to travel safely and calmly This is particularly helpful for more nervous dogs
Plan ahead when travelling with your dog Make use of countryside passing places to make frequent stops so that your dog can relieve themselves during the drive, especially if it’s a long road trip. You can take a minute for everyone to stretch their legs and allow your dog to have a drink.
Packing Essentials
Speaking of, when you’re going on road trips with your dog, you will have to have a few items with you. Water and a dish to allow your dog to drink from. There’s also obviously food, treats, maybe some toys to keep them calm, and bedding for the crate to keep them comfortable and waste bags for the obvious.
You also might consider a doggy first-aid kit with essentials like bandages and medication, should something go wrong while on the road.
Car Safety
The crate is also helpful in keeping our dog safe while you are driving. Just like you need a seatbelt, your dog will be safer if you can somehow buckle them into the car. You can use the crate to keep them confined, or even consider investing in a doggy seatbelt to make sure a sudden stop doesn’t send them into the front seat. It’s also a good idea if your dog is excitable and you find yourself distracted by a jumpy dog with the zoomies.
On a hot day, remember that your dog is going to have a higher body temperature than you. Make sure the air conditioning is on, even while on the move, and have water available for your dog.
It’s also important to remember that dogs can get car sick. Watch out for drooling, whining, yawning, swallowing a lot and panting a lot, as well as, of course, vomiting, to give you a clue that your dog is feeling car sick. However, getting a dog used to being in the car should negate that after a while. If you’re worried, you can ask your vet for some medication as a last resort but ginger supplements or herbs like chamomile and herbs can help doggy nausea.
Hotel Prep
When it comes to where you’re staying, unless you’re camping or in a van, you’ll have to make sure beforehand that your accommodation is pet-friendly. This goes for hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and bed and breakfasts. If you show up with your dog, owners and staff have the right to reject your stay.
To keep your dog calm in an unfamiliar place, bring their crate or doggy bed and toys for them to feel comfortable.
Conclusion
If you are looking forward to road trips with your dog, it’s important to be prepared and have your dog well-trained to handle the situation. Contact Pawsitive Solutions if you think your dog needs a little extra training to stay calm during your ventures.