How To Road Trip With Your Dog: 8 Practical Tips
Hitting the open road means something different to everyone – maybe it’s about exploring uncharted territory or seeing new places through your dog’s eyes. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered with our top 8 tips for an epic road trip with your dog.
How Long Can a Dog Go on a Road Trip?
Some people live full-time on the road with their dogs. For others, their comfort level is a drive to the dog park. Consider your dog’s age, activity level, and stress-response to car rides. If you have health concerns about your dog, we recommend checking with your vet. In the end, you know what’s best for you and your dog – and you can make unforgettable memories no matter the distance.
8 Tips For Road Tripping With Your Dog
1) Pack Your Dog’s Gear
First step, pack. You’ve got enough on your plate with packing for yourself. Let us lighten your load by taking care of your dog gear packing list:
- Dog travel bag to organize gear
- Water and dog food
- Dog food & water bowl
- 1-2 of your dog’s favorite toys
- Treats
- Pick-up bags
- Medical records & vaccine certificates
- Dog drying towel for wet-weather or water play
- Dog bed and blankets
- Emergency vet number
- Seat cover to protect your car from dirt and scratches
- Dog apparel appropriate for the weather you’ll encounter
2) Research Where You’re Headed
Take the guesswork out of your trip by researching dog parks and dog-friendly restaurants ahead of time. Planning to explore the outdoors? Look into which trails, national parks, and campsites allow dogs. We’re here to help with our guide for camping with dogs on public lands.
3) Practice Short Road Trips First
Unfamiliar routes can bring surprises – like unexpected bumpy roads and swerves. Some dogs adjust well to road trips, while others might experience anxiety or motion sickness.
To prepare your canine companion for longer car rides, ease them into the experience with shorter practice runs. Not only will you set your dog up for success, you’ll learn their individual needs and how you can best support them.
4) Get the Wiggles Out Before the Journey
Both you and your dog benefit from exercise before hours of sitting. There’s nothing like a good ball chase, toy tug, or morning run to get the wiggles out for you and your tail-wagging sidekick – and maybe even encourage a snooze in the car.
5) Provide Rewards Along the Way
Add treats to the experience, and you’re bound to create a more positive association with road trips. Try rewarding your dog with treats and toys every few hours. Toys also provide mental stimulation, so you can keep your canine explorer occupied while you get lost in your favorite podcast.
Go one step further by combining treats and toys with the Gnawt-a-Rock™ toy. It holds kibble and treats inside for your dog to discover as they chew and play.
6) Create a Calming Space
Help your dog enjoy the journey by creating a comforting spot for them in the car. This might include a dog bed, sleeping pad, favorite blanket, or items that have familiar smells from home. To keep your dog secure, we recommend the Load Up™ Dog Car Harness. If your dog experiences road trip anxiety, you might consult your veterinarian for tips to increase their comfort.
7) Take Breaks
Every two-to-three hours, take a break to stretch, walk, play, or go to the bathroom. Your pup will be stoked on sniffs – imagine the grass, bushes, trails, and fire-hydrants! Stops are also a great time to refuel your dog – and yourself – with water and food. Replenish and hydrate to keep those good vibes going.
8) Leave No Trace
For many, a big part of road tripping is the exploring we get to do along the way. But our epic excursions have an impact on the environment and wildlife. Luckily, there are ways to keep the stoke high while minimizing our impact. To hit the trails responsibly, take a look at our article: Leave No Trace: Dog Edition.
Off You Go
So that’s it, you and your pup are packed, prepared, and pumped. Now go explore those coasts, forests, deserts, and peaks. You’re ready.
