Dreaming of hitting the open road, your furry friend sitting next to you, windows down and your favourite song playing? Go for it, make it a reality! Here are 8 tips on how to road trip with a dog and make it a holiday to remember!
You may be drawn to the open road, but driving long distances with your dog can be daunting for many paw parents. Dogs can get car sick, restless, behave badly or make stinky accidents on your back seat. Suddenly, a leisurely road trip with your best paw pal is sounding rather stressful.
We are here to put your mind at ease and convince you to start packing your bags (and your pup’s bags) into the car. Read on to learn 8 tips for stress-free and most importantly, comfortable road trips for you and your pooch.
Here’s how to road trip with a dog so that everyone enjoys it
1. Prepare your precious pet
You will need to get your pup used to the car before going on a long-distance road trip. This means taking Fluffy with you on your drive to the beach, to the local dog park or pet-friendly coffee shops.
Don’t limit these practice runs to drives to the vet, or we can guarantee that Patches will put up a struggle before getting into the back seat!
2. Visit your vet
Before you put the key into the ignition, you need to visit your local vet give your pooch a general check up! Many caravan parks and pet-friendly holiday destinations will require your dog’s medical health certificate and vaccine records.
This visit will ensure that your dog is in tip-top condition before embarking on your road trip adventure. If you haven’t done so already, you will be able to your pooch, which is an absolute essential before you go on holiday with Spot.
If you are a paw parent who is on the ball and your furry friend already has a microchip, ensure to scan the chip and check that the information is accurate and up to date.
Related: 9 Smart Ways to Save Money on Vet Costs in South Africa
This visit will give you an opportunity to ask the vet about anti-anxiety and anti-nausea medication that you can take with you on the road trip, should your pup feel stressed or car sick.
3. Pack all the essentials
Make a list and check it twice (and a third time!). Being ultra-prepared is essential when travelling with your pet; trust us, you don’t want to be in a situation where you have forgotten your pup’s leash or poop packets!
It is important to consider all the different destinations that you will be travelling to and ensure you have everything – from dog food and water to a doggie jersey. You need to make sure that you are prepared for any situation and pack a doggie first aid kit with emergency medications and materials, such as bandages, tweezers, cotton balls and much more.
4. Plan your route
You may be tempted to have a “let’s see where the road takes us” attitude, but unfortunately, you will need to be well-prepared when travelling with your pooch. This means having your route well-planned out.
You will need to take frequent stops every 2-3 hours to allow your dog to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. Make sure that there are plenty of safe, pet-friendly spots to stop and allow your pup to get some fresh air.
To be prepared for the unexpected, it is important for you to research veterinarians along your route and have their contact information on hand in case of an emergency.
5. Don’t ignore your pup’s nerves
Remember, your pup doesn’t know that this long car ride is leading to a paradise destination and probably has no idea why they have been taken away from their comfy bed at home. It is perfectly normal for your pooch to feel nervous and confused on long car rides.
Discover: 6 Tips for Dealing with an Anxious Pet This Festive Season
You can help them relax by giving them some extra cuddles, making a pit stop and walking around outside or by giving them vet-approved anxiety medication.
6. Wear your pooch out
Paw parents will know that a tired dog is often a well-behaved dog. Make sure to play a long game of fetch or go for a walk around the local dog park before embarking on a road trip and they will likely snooze for a portion of the way.
Kill two birds with one stone and take the kiddies with you! Trust us, a sleeping dog and children is an ideal way to start a road trip!
7. Keep them entertained
Reserve a spot in the car for your pet. Put your precious pet’s bed in the car, as well as their favourite chew toys and a non-slip water bowl. This will keep them entertained, as well as comfortable in the car. Consider investing in a puzzle toy for your dog, this will provide them with mental stimulation and keep them preoccupied for hours while you count down the miles.
To keep your dog from climbing all over the car, use a pet safety belt to ensure your pup stays in their designated spot. This will avoid any unplanned lap cuddles mid-trip!
Read next: Keeping Your Pets Healthy & Happy on Holiday: Cuddle-Worthy Pet Insurance
8. Cover your pet
Last but definitely not least, ensure that your precious four-legged friend is covered with reliable pet insurance.
Oneplan Pet Insurance has your fur baby covered in any emergency situation, so you can rest assured that your pet will be able to receive top-quality medical attention should a dreaded accident happen. Learn more about Oneplan’s tail-o-made pet insurance plans here.
There you have it, the 411 on stress-free road trips with your pet pal! Buckle up, you’re ready to go on a pawsome adventure!
Your Pet Insurance Family,
Oneplan
