Longer road trips with your beloved furry friend can be challenging sometimes, so you have to be prepared in advance for anything. 

Traveling with your pet requires some extra planning, not only because you have to take all the essentials for you and your dog, but also because you have to teach them how to behave on the road and make sure that they are ready for the journey. 

Unfortunately, a lot of dogs are afraid of cars, but even though it can be a difficult task, with a little work, you and your beloved canine friend will have a fun vacation together. 

Here are some of the best tips for keeping your pet safe and comfy on the road. Read on to find out more info!

Choose a pet-friendly route

If you want to travel with your dog, you have to choose a pet-friendly route for little breaks and exercise, such as stretching your legs. Pay attention to their behavior because they will want to go to the bathroom as well. 

“Most major rest stops have dog areas for them to go to the bathroom, stretch their legs and play,” says Dana Vachon, CPDT-KA, a dog trainer at Philly Unleashed Dog Training.

Moreover, because of the coronavirus pandemic, you have to avoid crowded places as well, so it’s important to keep 6 feet of distance between you and your dog and another person. “A general rule is to treat pets like a family member,” said Dr. Lin Chen, director of the Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “States have different levels of the virus, and some states have different levels of quarantine recommendations.”

Train your dog beforehand

If you don’t know if your dog is afraid of car rides, all you have to do is to plan short trips in advance to see how they react. You should train them beforehand because this way they will be able to accompany you during the summer vacation. You can plan short car rides, such as going to the vet, pet store or park, as this is the best way to get them used to travel.

“Before leaving on a long road trip with your dog, take some short practice trips that end in positive experiences for them,” Vachon says.

Schedule a vet check up

Before you plan your vacation, you have to make sure that your dog is able and healthy enough to travel. So, try to talk to your vet first and schedule a specialized check up to make sure that everything is fine. 

Moreover, if your dog suffers from different diseases, don’t forget to ask your vet about how travel may affect them. Your lovely dog must also be up to date with their vaccines.

Pack your pet’s necessities

One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration when planning to travel with your dog is to pack all of their necessities, such as food, water, treats, toys, meds, or other supplies. “Remember to bring equipment to pick up pet waste, so that everything can be disposed of safely,” said Dr. Chen. 

However, you have to take with you hand sanitizer, surgical face masks or other things that can keep you safe as well. It’s important to protect yourself too because your dog will be lost without you. 

Try to take with you everything you need to have a beautiful vacation. Don’t forget grooming utensils for your dog, such as shampoo, brush or flea powder. Keep your dog’s bag ready. “That way, all I have to do is grab it, add a couple of things, and go,” said Nikki Moustaki, an author and dog trainer in New York City and Miami Beach. “It’s not just novices who forget stuff. We all do!”

You should also bathe your dog before you go on vacation. “For your sake and the sake of others, you want to travel with a clean dog!” Moustaki said.

Take a walk before you set off

According to animal experts, if your dog is tired, it means that they will be calm and behave nicely on the road. So, before you set off, try to take your dog for a long walk. “This should help your dog feel more rested and maybe even sleep for a portion of the trip,” said Vachon. 

Make sure that your dog moves enough before going on the road and try to take frequent breaks depending on the distance that you travel.

If you notice that your dog is anxious during your trip, you should give them stress reducing remedies that will help them stay calm.

Keep your dog entertained

If you want to have a peaceful and beautiful vacation, it is important to keep your dog as entertained as long as possible, especially on the road. So, don’t forget about their toys, but don’t let it distract you from the road, though. “Bring your dog something to chew on,” Vachon says. Not only will these chew toys keep them busy throughout the trip, but they will be much calmer. 

You can also choose some toys that can keep your dog mentally active, such as tug toys. Dog disc toys or fetch toys will also get your dog moving, “but they should only be used at rest stops that offer your dog lots of space to run around,” said Vachon. “Not just a big parking lot.”

You should also make sure that your dog is hydrated properly. “I fill up a non-spill bowl with ice and let it melt. This helps a lot when the weather is hot.”

Be careful when you stop at gas stations

Of course, it’s necessary to stop at gas stations to refuel your car, go to the toilet or buy snacks, but you must be very careful about some safety measures, namely to protect your dog from the hustle and bustle of traffic and to follow the social distancing rules. 

“Try to keep a distance from other people. Our guidelines say 6 feet,” Dr. Chen says. “Wear your mask and try not to touch areas that many people have touched.” 

“Bring some disinfecting wipes if you can’t avoid touching those areas, so you can cleanse them,” Dr. Chen says. “And when you go to public bathrooms, certainly wash your hands very, very well.”

You should take frequent breaks

If you want to have a fun and beautiful trip, you have to take breaks every two hours of driving for a little stretching. Your dog needs this as well. “Your dog may have regained his energy after your last play session,” Vachon says. “So use these breaks as a time to play, engage, and give attention to your dog.”

“An outdoor situation is definitely better than an indoor or densely packed situation. Keeping the pets 6 feet away from other humans is a good idea,” said Dr. Chen.

Moustaki also said that in the event of a car accident, a dog on a leash is much easier for an emergency crew member to grab once he’s out of his harness or crate. “Dogs have been known to bolt from accident sites,” she explains.