5 Practical Tips for Doggie Road Trips

Thinking of em-BARK-ing on an exciting road trip with your favourite furry travel buddy and not sure where to start? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

Over the years we have taken numerous road trips with our four-legged adventurers and have seen some of the best sights that this great US of A has to offer. From stunning beaches to magnificent National Parks, road trips are an ideal way to see some of this country’s most beautiful sights all in one vacation!

Whilst most dog owners are filled with excitement about planning their road trip with their pawed pal, it is very easy to forget some essential items to bring along, or overlook the practical details.

Especially if it is Doggos first trip, you may not know what to take to make your Puppy’s vacation as fun and comfortable as possible, or how they are going to respond to certain activities and environments.

We have compiled a quick list of the 5 essential considerations to make if you’re planning a long trip with your precious Pup that involves multiple destinations.

Dedicated Car Space

While it might be tempting to bring everything and the kitchen sink, Fido won’t appreciate being squashed into the back seat. If your trip involves long and regular car journeys, make sure that your dog has plenty of space to both sit and lay down. Dogs love a routine, and the nature of road trips means that routines are abandoned! Whilst this is okay for vacations, one thing you can do for your beloved Pup is keep them to the same seat throughout the journey, a little consistency where you can find it will go a long way to helping more nervous dogs travel more easily.

Positive Reinforcement

Especially important for young dogs in training and dogs who have never travelled long distance before. Your Pup is going to love all the new sights and smells of the great outdoors, and being in a new place every day will only heighten their curiosity.

Therefore, it’s understandable and somewhat expected that from time to time, Doggo may get a little over excited and exhibit some misbehaviours. Using treats to reward for good behaviours will help her to understand what is acceptable and what is not. When she gets in the car without a fuss, she gets a treat. When she sits quietly whilst you enjoy picnics, she gets an extra treat afterwards. Over time the positive behaviours will build up, and a well-trained dog is much easier to travel with in the future.

Don’t Forget Bathroom Breaks!

Even if you have a bladder of steel, you will need to pee at some point and your dog does too! Make sure that you plan your route in advance and be sure to pass by a green space every few hours. This isn’t just a relief for your dog, but for you too! Taking regular breaks from driving is a healthier way to travel both for dogs and their human escorts. A good rule of thumb is to offer your dog a drink as often as you have one, this leaves your bladder to remind you when you need a bathroom break, and your Pup will likely need one too!

Bring a Portable Dog Bath

You will likely have to accept that your car is going to get mucky as Doggo likely can’t resist a good roll in the mud from time to time! They best way to minimise muck and make sure your dogs’ coat stays clean and hygienic is to pack a portable dog bath.

Dog baths are great. They come in all sorts of sizes, with or without stands and can be used anywhere so long as you have some kind of water supply. They are handy to use even if you fill only a water bottles worth to clean mucky paws. Dog baths are also ideal for multiple motels stays where baths and other essentials may not be available.

Bring a Vaccination Record

This one may be the least exciting but it’s probably the most essential, your pet’s vaccination and medical history. Usually vets update your dog’s records in a handy little book that can be kept with other essential paperwork.

You never know when your dog may get sick of need urgent medical attention. Whilst this is always a risk when at home, when on vacation it is even more so. Both you and your dog may be in unfamiliar environments with plants and wildlife you are unfamiliar with. Whilst you are likely to be just fine, it’s good to have all the paperwork to hand should you need to make a vet’s visit. Vaccination information is also required if you need to board your dog at any time during your road trip.