Safety Tips for a Road Trip With Your Dog

A dog sticking its head out of a car window

Dogs are great at getting us out of our homes and excited about new adventures. Heading out into the world and exploring together can be fun for the both you. Before you head out on a grand adventure, it’s important to think about the comfort and safety of your dog first – especially dog car safety.

How to travel with a dog in a car

There are many options to help keep your dog safe while on a road trip. Here is a list of devices to consider using that can keep you and your dog safe in the car:

  • Dog seat belt
  • Dog car harness
  • Harnessed dog booster
  • Plastic crate
  • Wire kennel
  • Mesh car barrier
  • Metal car barrier
  • Dog hammock

Tips for a road trip with your dog

As long as you take the right precautions, travelling is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and help him keep learning how to socialize through new experiences. Here is a list of things to keep in mind before you set out on your adventure.

Buckle up: dog seat belts

If you’ll be travelling by car, a dog seat belt or harness is a good idea any time you’re mobile. This helps keep your dog safe if you have to make a sudden stop and will prevent him from wandering close to you and distracting you while you’re driving.

What is a dog car harness?

A dog car harness, or a travel harness, comes across your dog’s chest and clips onto a safety belt. If you’re thinking about using a harness, make sure you start off with a short ride to get your dog used to it.

Motion sickness

Some dogs can be prone to motion sickness while in the car. To prevent this, make sure not feed your dog too close to the departure. Like humans, a full stomach might make your dog uncomfortable during travel. Try to plan ahead and feed him at least an hour before hitting the road.

What to bring

It’s always a good idea to bring some essentials with you so that your dog can feel more at home while in the car. Here’s a list of must-have items to make your road trip go smoothly:

  • Dog food bowls
  • Spill-proof water bowl
  • Food
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Any medications your dog may need
  • Crate or dog car harness
  • Hollow toy to stuff with treats
  • Dog bed or blanket
  • Grooming items if needed

Staying in a hotel

Keeping your dog safe in the car is just one small part of travelling. If you’re staying overnight, do some research ahead of time to book a hotel that allows pets. Most will charge a small fee of $10 to $50 pet, but it is well worth it to have your furry friend by your side while you sleep.

Travelling with your dog and taking road trips can be fun and can expose you to many new experiences and adventures. So, when you can, bring your dog with you!

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