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Do you love traveling with your pup? Whether it’s a road trip, weekend getaway or just a drive across town, bringing your furry companion along can make the experience even more enjoyable. But if you’re going to be traveling with your dog in a car, there are some important safety tips that you need to follow.
- Invest in a pet-friendly car seat or secure harness
- Secure your dog to avoid distraction
- Pack plenty of water and snacks
- Make frequent stops for exercise and bathroom breaks
- Make sure your pup is properly tagged
- Don’t leave your pup unattended inside the car
- Bring items from home to keep your pup comfy
- Install a pet-friendly air freshener
- Avoid feeding your pup while traveling
- Don’t forget to have fun!
Are you and your pup ready to hit the open road? Traveling with your pup in a car can be an exciting adventure, but there are some important safety tips you should keep in mind! Here are 10 safety tips to ensure your dog is comfortable and secure while traveling in the car.
10 Safety Tips For Roadtrips With Your Dog
1. Invest in a pet-friendly car seat or secure harness
These products can help keep your pup safe and comfortable during the ride.
2. Secure your dog to avoid distraction
Whether you use a crate, barrier, or pet seatbelt, make sure that your pup is restrained so they can’t jump around while you’re driving.
3. Pack plenty of water and snacks
Bring enough food and water to keep your pup hydrated and nourished during the ride.
4. Make frequent stops for exercise and bathroom breaks
Your pup needs a break every few hours to stretch their legs, go potty, and get some fresh air!
5. Make sure your pup is properly tagged
Ensure that your pup’s collar has a tag with their name, breed, and contact info in case of emergency.
6. Don’t leave your pup unattended inside the car
Even if it’s just for a few minutes, never leave them alone in the car as temperatures can rise quickly!
7. Bring items from home to keep your pup comfy
Blankets, toys, and travel beds can all make the journey more comfortable for your furry friend.
8. Install a pet-friendly air freshener
Try using a product specifically made for pet odors so you won’t have to worry about your car smelling like Fido.
9. Avoid feeding your pup while traveling
Your pup may feel sick if they eat while riding in the car, so it’s best to wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to feed them.
10. Don’t forget to have fun!
Bring some of your pup’s favorite toys along with you so they can enjoy the journey just as much as you do!
Helpful Additions
First Aid Kid
Having a first aid kit for your pup when you travel is essential! Not only does it help ensure their safety and health, but it also gives you peace of mind. Having the right items in your kit can make all the difference should an emergency arise. The first aid kid should include:
- Gauze pads for covering wounds
- Disposable gloves to keep you safe
- Sterile saline solution or eyewash
- Hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds and induce vomiting if needed
- Tweezers and scissors for removing splinters, ticks and mats
- An Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and chewing of wounds
- A thermometer, rectal lubricant and styptic powder for trimming nails
- Antibiotic ointment for minor cuts and scrapes
- Bottled sterile water for wound cleaning or flushing
- Non-prescription medications such as Benadryl and Kaopectate
- An ice pack to reduce swelling of an injury
- A muzzle for controlling your dog during an emergency situation
- Blanket or towel for keeping your pup warm if needed
- Emergency contact list with the numbers of your veterinarian and local emergency clinic
- A first aid book or card with instructions on how to treat common ailments and injuries in dogs
In addition to these items, it’s always good to keep your dog’s medical records and current vaccines on hand in case of emergency. With the right first aid kit for your pup, you can be sure that they will have everything they need in an emergency situation.
Research Dog-Friendly Places to Stop Along The Way
When it comes to hitting the road with your pooch, you want to make sure that they enjoy the journey just as much as you do. That’s why researching dog-friendly places to stop along the way is so important! Whether you’re looking for a place to take a break and stretch your legs or an activity for your pup to take part in, you’ll surely find something to excite both you and your dog.
Plus, allowing your pup to experience the joys of a fun road trip can help strengthen the bond between you two!
Helpful Apps
Planning a roadtrip with your pup can be a lot of fun! There are some helpful apps that you can use to make sure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during the ride:
BringFido – It’s the paw-fect place for pet-lovers to find their ideal destination! Whether you’re looking for a pooch-friendly hotel, an awesome dog park, trail or beach.
USA Rest Stop Locator – It’s the perfect way to find your next rest stop on a US highway! Easily browse by state, interstate, or even on a map and never miss another rest area. Very handy for water and potty breaks.
Sniffspot – Sniffspot helps you find safe and private dog parks and off-leash areas hosted by locals.