Car Friendly Tips to Ensure a Terrific Trip for your Dog

Taking your dog on a car trip with you can be a fun and exciting experience for both. Here are some tips to help ensure that your trip is safe and fun.

Always keep your dog on a leash when loading and unloading the dog from the car. Do not trust your dog not to run off. Remember that this will be a new area for him, and he might get overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and smells and forget his training.

Make sure that your dog has a current I.D. tag on before you leave. If you have a cell phone, have that number included on the tag, in case your dog should escape while on your trip.

The safest place for your dog is in the back seat – preferably in a crate or seatbelt. Pets riding in the front can be thrown through the windshield or injured by airbags if an accident should occur. Crates should be secured so that they cannot fly forward or flip. If a crate will not fit in your car, look into getting a dog seat belt/harness, which is available in most pet stores.

Keep the conversation running. If your dog is behaving well, let him know that. If he is nervous, then offer reassurances.

Pack for your dog as well. This includes plenty of food and water with the proper dishes for each, a first aid kit, and towels for messes of varying types. Do not forget a supply of bags to pick up after your pet at rest areas. If your dog does not enjoy traveling, talk to your vet about herbal remedies or tranquilizers to keep on hand as well.

Make sure that your windows are up enough so that the dog cannot squeeze out of them. Some dogs can wiggle out even when the car is moving. Also make sure that you dog is securely in the seat and not able to hit any automatic windows. He could inadvertently get his head stuck or open the window further and escape.

To prevent carsickness, avoid feeding your pet within three hours of leaving. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunity to go to the bathroom before you leave, and make stops as often as necessary.

Your vet can talk to you about medicinal and herbal remedies that are available if your dog throws up often in the car. Rescue Remedy and Dramamine are some examples. Tranquilizers can help too, but should only be used under your vet’s recommendation. However, some tranquilizers have the opposite effect on dogs. To find out for sure, have a test run. Give the pill at least an hour before you leave, then take your dog on a short trip. Discuss the results with your vet. If your dog is too groggy, you may need to lower the dose, and if he isn’t groggy at all he may need a higher dose or a different medication.

If you have never traveled with your dog before, make sure that he gets used to the car before you take a long trip. Do several short rides around town so he gets used to the feeling. Try to take your dog to fun places, such as the park, so that he associates it with a good experience. Many dogs only ride in the car when it is time to see the vet, and so associate it with something negative and then do not wish to ride.

Never leave a dog alone in the car. Heat stroke can occur within minutes even if it does not seem that warm out to you. Being alone in the car also puts him at a higher risk for theft, especially if he is a purebred dog. He may also inadvertently injure himself on handles or the parking brake if he gets in a panic at your leaving.

Dogs can be excellent travel companions. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your ride!