Road trips with your dog can be a lot of fun. The two of you will have lots of time to bond and enjoy each other’s company as you drive to your destination.
However, before you hit the road, there are some things you need to take care of first. Here are some tips on what you should do before going on a road trip with your dog.
#1 Decide Where You Want to Go
The first step in planning a road trip is deciding where you want to go. Will it be a local excursion, or will you be traveling across the country? If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, your dog must be comfortable with his surroundings and with the people who will be with him during the trip.
You can take your dog everywhere, but some places are better suited to dogs than others.
For example, if you’re traveling in the summer, you may want to avoid taking your dog to the beach in southern Florida or any other coastline. Some places might not have the infrastructure needed to accommodate your dog.
It’s also important to consider how long you’re going to be gone and how long it will take you to get there, as well as what kind of weather conditions might be present during the trip.
The Daily Mail recently reported on a study that shows that dogs prefer electric vehicles over diesel ones. This suggests that your dog’s mood is affected by your vehicle choice as well. While it doesn’t have to be an electric car, make sure you pick a comfortable ride for your road trip.
#2 Make Sure The Temperature Inside the Car Doesn’t Get Too Hot
Even if it’s just a short drive, it can be dangerous for your dog if they’re exposed to high temperatures for too long. If you live in a warm climate or tend to drive long distances, this is especially important.
To avoid this problem, make sure that you have air conditioning installed in your vehicle before going on any long trips with your dog. You’ll also want to make sure that there are vents in all of the windows so that air can flow freely throughout the car and keep it cool enough for your canine companion.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently reported about an incident where four dogs died inside a car. The woman responsible for this was sentenced to a year of probation. Pet deaths inside cars are nothing new, which is why you need to be extra careful.
#3 Get a Leash and Harness for Your Dog
You’ll want to make sure that the harness is properly fitted and secure. It mustn’t shift around while they’re moving around in the car or out of it. It’s also important that the leash isn’t too long so that they can’t jump out of it if something happens on the road.
Get yourself a no-pull dog harness from PetCareRx. This leash will keep your dog secure and will prevent it from trying to pull you when you’re taking it for a walk. Without a leash, it’ll become difficult for you to control your dog, so don’t forget to carry one with you during the road trip.
In 2020, CNBC reported that Americans were spending more money on their pets than ever before. While that was during the pandemic when everyone was working from home, this trend of spending on pets is still going on strong. Thus, consider these things as part of your regular spending for your pet since these items are absolute necessities these days.
#4 Carry Water and Your Dog’s Favorite Food and Treats
If you’re planning a road trip with your dog, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need before you hit the road. Most importantly, remember to carry water for both yourself and your pup. If your dog is going to be spending a lot of time in the car, it must stay hydrated.
It’s also a good idea to bring along some of their favorite food and treats. If they get bored or anxious while traveling, having these things will help keep them occupied so that they are less likely to get destructive or disruptive.
#5 Carry a First Aid Kit Along with Necessary Medications for Your Dog
When you’re traveling with a dog, it’s important to be prepared. That’s why you should always carry a first aid kit along with any necessary medications for your dog.
This includes flea and tick treatments, heartworm preventatives, and any other special medications. It’s also a good idea to carry along some bandages and gauze pads for minor cuts or scrapes that might happen during the trip.
Once you have prepared according to these tips, you’re ready to head out on an adventurous road trip with your dog.