If you are considering exploring the country this summer and going on a road trip with your furry friend, you are in for a ride – pun intended!
While it may seem challenging at first, it takes a few tips and tricks to adequately prepare yourself for a journey with your dog. This is why we have put together an easy-to-follow list with all the essential details that will help you make the most of your road trip with your dog.
Get A Health Check-Up
Before you hit the road, we suggest you get a complete health check-up of your dog by visiting your vet. This will involve routine tests and vaccination updates if needed. In case your dog has pre-existing medical conditions that require refills on any medications, now would be the ideal time to visit the pharmacy to get your supplies.
As vet checks and medications can be costly, a good idea is to consider getting pet insurance. But you might be wondering – Is pet insurance worth the cost for dogs? Our unequivocal answer is yes, it absolutely is! It can save you loads of money in case your dog gets injured or has an accident during the road trip, which can usually cost you thousands of dollars.
Pack A First-Aid Kit
As you head on your road trip, be mindful of packing a dog first-aid kit. While it is not guaranteed that you will need this, it is wise to have it on you just in case.
A basic canine emergency kit will contain a gauze, non-stick bandages, adhesive tape, cotton balls, and antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide, an antibiotic spray or ointment, milk of magnesia, a digital thermometer, scissors, tweezers, a magnifying glass, syringes, a flashlight, a microfiber towel, a soft muzzle, and a leash and collar.
You can consult your vet for basic emergency procedures in case you have never been involved with canine medical care previously.
Designate A Space For Your Dog
Regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, or family, it is wise to designate a space in the car for your dog so they don’t hop around the car, hurt themselves, or distract the person in the driving seat.
This is why we suggest investing in a comfortable dog carrier. For this purpose, you may have to measure your dog’s height and length so that you can purchase an appropriately sized carrier for your dog to stretch and relax throughout the road trip.
You can also add blankets, toys, and other familiar paraphernalia to make your dog feel at home and comfortable.
Plan Your Itinerary
Road trips are usually long. Since your dog is likely to be in the carrier, it is best to plan it in a manner that allows them to stretch on the road after every two to three hours. This will allow them to feel more relaxed, happy, and less agitated.
During these breaks, you should ensure to feed them, play with them, and go on a short walk, jog, or run to make them feel active and engaged.
Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Before you head out, make sure you double check that every place you book is pet-friendly. Some hotel premises may not be very welcoming, and you certainly don’t want your furry companion to be left all alone.
So make sure you call the accommodation management and get their written consent as proof that their place is dog-friendly.
Engage Your Dog In Activities
While a road trip may involve a lot of sightseeing from the car itself, it is important to engage in activities that make your dog feel a part of the holiday as well. This can mean going on a hike, a boat trip, kayaking, biking, or any other activity under the sun that involves your dog as well.
In order to ensure the physical and mental health of your dog, you should carefully plan your road trip so that it includes your dog in every activity as an equal member on each day.
Parting Thoughts
A summer road trip is the perfect way to unwind and relax. And what better way to do it than with your furry best friend.
So follow our excellent tips for a fun and exciting road trip with your dog and make sure that you take loads of Instagram-worthy pictures and videos to capture and preserve all the wonderful memories.
