The Best Dog Road Trip Tips Every Dog Mom Should Know
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This post shares dog road trip tips and must-have road trip essentials to keep your pup safe, comfortable, and happy on the road.
Road trips with your dog can be magical… or a total disaster.
Travelling with a dog in the car doesn’t have to stress you out if you know what you’re doing.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or cross-country adventures with your furry sidekick, the prep work makes or breaks the whole thing.
Dog road trip tips. essentials, safety tips and checklist for travelling with your dog
The trick is figuring out what works versus what sounds smart.
Keep reading for the tips that’ll change everything about your next amazing trip together.
Getting Ready: Dog Road Trip Tips Before You Hit the Road
Honestly, the biggest thing that’ll save your sanity is this: start with short trips first!
Take your furry friend on some fun drives around town. Maybe a twenty-minute car ride to the pet store, then an hour somewhere exciting.
It’s a smart way to figure out if your baby gets carsick close to home instead of the middle of a long road trip. Trust me on this.
You’ll also quickly learn if they love the car rides, hate them, or might need a bit more time to adjust.
Get those ID tags updated.
Your dog might be itching to get out when you stop at that rest area. Clip your pup’s leash on before opening the door to avoid any surprises!
If they do dash off, having their tags updated with up-to-date numbers and addresses is necessary!
I would also suggest noting where you’re headed if you’re travelling far from home, and sharing that with family/friends..
Extra Safety Tip: It’s a good idea to have them microchipped, for added safety, just in case someone scoops them up.
Let them get used to new stuff at home.
If you’re planning to use a new seat harness or crate for your trip, make sure to give your pups some time to adjust to it at home.
You want them to be just as comfortable as you during this awesome road trip. Let them sniff it out, so they aren’t suspicious when it’s time to load up the car.
And don’t forget those tasty treats to make it even more fun!
Look up dog-friendly stops ahead of time.
As an added bonus for your furry companions, do a little bit of research before you start your adventure and find rest areas before you leave.
They’ll thank you when they have the best grassy patches to play and relieve themselves.
And definitely find dog-friendly hotels so that you aren’t driving around an unknown city trying to find something at the end of a long travel day!
Dog Travel Tips for Long Drives: Safety That Truly Works
Safety is queen when it comes to road trips, for both you and your fur baby!
Which means you need to find the right restraint system that will work for them and keep them safe. Don’t be like others and think that keeping them safe just means stopping them from jumping around.
Get Gear That’s Crash-Tested
Another set of dog road trip tips involves car harnesses!
When you’re hitting the road, a crash-tested crate is a game-changer for keeping them safe, especially for larger dogs who are road-tripping.
You want something sturdy that will protect them in case of any bumps along the way.
But if a crate doesn’t work in your ride, don’t worry! Get your dog a car safety harness that clearly says “crash tested” on the package. We want only the best safety measures for our pups!
Safety Tip: When using a crate, ensure that your furry friend can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. But avoid making it too large to prevent sliding during turns or stops. Think of it like their bedroom.
Put Them in the Back Seat
The front seats have airbags that can harm furry friends, and the cargo area isn’t that safe either. The back seat is actually the safest spot for them.
Plus, most dogs seem to like it better back there anyway. They’re closer to you for easy access to pats and treats!
Always Hook to a Harness, Never a Collar
It’s physics! If you crash or stop hard, a collar puts all that force on their neck. A harness spreads it across their chest.
A pretty obvious choice when you think about it.
The Ultimate Dog Travel Essentials Checklist
When you’re packing your bags, pack a separate one for your pup, too!
A tote, or duffel, just for them, and it really helps with the organization! Here are just some of the must-haves that you really want to pack, which I have guiltily figured out through plenty of “uh oh, we forgot…” moments:
Safety Essentials
- Crash-tested crate or dog car safety harness (don’t compromise here)
- Seat belt attachment for harness users
- Seat covers to save your upholstery
For our anxious pups: Try some soothing music, a cozy crate that’s partially covered, and remember to stay calm yourself. They can pick up when you’re stressed, more than you think!
Comfort Must-Haves
- Their favourite blanket (yeah, even the gross one they love)
- A couple of toys, but don’t bring their entire toy box
- Something for hot weather, like a cooling mat
Travel Necessities
- Bowls that fold up for food and water
- Way more dog food than you think you need, plus treats
- Two leashes because leashes always break at the worst times
- Cleanup stuff: towels, wipes, poop bags, small trash bags
- Basic first aid kit and your vet’s phone number
Bonus: If you want a free copy of this checklist, click here for the downloadable/printable version, shown below!
Best Dog Road Trip Essentials for the Journey
Once you’re rolling, these pet-friendly road trip tips keep everyone happy and comfortable!
Rest Area Breaks
Schedule regular breaks every 2-3 hours for bathroom visits and enrichment. It helps your dog explore new smells and stretch their legs, providing a mental reset.
This plan worked great on my trip when my dog started getting restless.
Keep Everyone Hydrated
Dehydration is serious! In dry climates or when the A/C is on, dogs can get dehydrated without us realizing it.
Be sure to give your dog water regularly, even if they seem uninterested.
Keep an Eye on the Temperature
Monitor the temperature. Dogs can overheat, even if we feel fine.
Ensure good airflow and avoid direct sunlight. Always use a sunshade and never leave them alone in a car, even briefly, as temperatures can rise quickly.
Make Sure Your Dog is Comfortable
To help them relax, bring toys and bedding that smell like home.
Yes, I’m suggesting that disgusting blanket that they love. It will make them happy and feel safe, which is our primary focus, after all.
Common Questions About Long Road Trips with Dogs
Should I feed my dog before leaving?
Give a light meal 2-3 hours before your adventure. An empty stomach can worsen car sickness. Don’t overfeed, or you’ll still have a sick dog.
What if my dog gets carsick?
Watch for signs of drooling, restlessness, or nausea. Keep the car cool, provide fresh air, and build tolerance with shorter practice trips.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried, your vet can prescribe anti-nausea medication for severe cases. They work great, trust me.
Is it safe for dogs to hang their heads out windows?
Short answer: No. Flying debris and sudden stops can harm them, especially with their head out the window. To keep them safe, crack a window for airflow and smells, and use the child lock.
How do I protect my car?
Seat covers are your best friend! Keep wipes and a towel handy for wiping off muddy paws, and a small trash bag so all the mess is in one spot.
What if my dog won’t drink water while travelling?
Try adding low-sodium chicken broth to water or offering ice cubes as treats. Persistence is key; offer them at every stop, even if they usually refuse.
Can puppies handle long road trips?
Absolutely, but they need more breaks, every 1-2 hours. Ensure safety gear fits properly since puppies grow quickly, and bring extra comfort items.
Travelling with a dog by car opens up incredible possibilities for you both.
These dog road trip tips and dog travel essentials make it an amazing dog-friendly road trip that you and your pup will absolutely love!
Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or chilling at the beach, your furry friend is the ultimate travel buddy.
Save this road trip with a dog checklist for your next trip and share it with fellow dog lovers who need these game-changing tips too.
Happy Travels!
