On the Road Again: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Content During Long Car Trips

For the last seven years, we have made a long car trip over several days from Maryland to Dallas in order to visit my elderly mother for a number of weeks for the Christmas holidays, and we take our dogs with us. We choose to travel this way because we don’t want our dogs in the belly of a plane, and we don’t want to be without them for weeks at a time. Thanksgiving is approaching quickly and it is the holiday with the most people traveling, so you may be getting ready to visit family with your dog and feeling a bit concerned about the trip.

Embarking on a road trip with your dog can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to prioritize their comfort and well-being. They can’t tell you if they are uncomfortable or scared or thirsty, so you must be alert to their needs. Whether you're heading to a vacation spot or visiting family, ensuring your dog's happiness during long car trips requires careful planning and thoughtful consideration. Here's a guide to help you keep your canine friend content and at ease throughout the ride.

1. Pre-Trip Preparations:

Start by getting your dog used to the car gradually. Take short trips to nearby places before the long journey to help them associate car rides with positive experiences. Both of my dogs have been taking trips with us from the time they joined our family, from shorter ones to long ones because we like to travel and knew we would be regularly.

2. Secure Your Dog:

Safety is paramount. Use a harness, dog seat belt, or a secured crate to ensure your dog is safe and restrained while in the car. This protects them from sudden stops or turns. We have a strap that attaches to our poodle’s harness and the headrest, and we have a booster seat with a strap to attach to his harness for my little guy.

3. Comfortable Resting Space:

Create a comfortable area for your dog to rest in the car. Use familiar blankets or a dog bed to provide them with a cozy space.If you have a small dog, using a booster seat for your dog can help them enjoy the trip more because they will be able to look out the windows while sitting or laying down.

4. Familiar Scents and Toys:

Bring along your dog's favorite toys and items that carry their scent. These familiar objects can provide comfort and reduce anxiety during the journey. For my smaller dog, we always make sure his ball, which he is obsessed with, is in the corner of his booster chair where he can see it and smell it.

5. Frequent Stops:

Plan for regular pit stops to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and get some fresh air. Aim for breaks every few hours. We most often stop at rest areas on highways, but if none are available, we look for restaurants or gas stations surrounded by some green areas.

6. Hydration and Snacks:

Keep your dog hydrated by providing fresh water during stops. Bring along their regular food and treats to maintain their routine diet. This is not the time to introduce new food or change up their eating schedule. We notice our dogs eat less when we are on the road, so don’t be surprised by that. They ar always back to normal once we are settled somewhere.

7. Pet-Friendly Accommodations:

If your road trip includes overnight stays, ensure your accommodations are pet-friendly and comfortable for your dog. Many hotels these days allow pets, but they have different rules. Lots of the hotel search engines, like Hotels.com and Expedia, allow you to search for pet friendly hotels, but make sure you also call and ask about charges and policies because they vary widely. I also like to request a room near an exit so I can easily take my dogs out at any time. I check google maps in the satellite view to make sure there is really green space around the hotel for a walk and that it is not too close to busy highways thwt may make a dog nervous.

8. Calm and Soothing Environment:

Play soothing music or leave the radio on at a low volume to create a calming atmosphere. Avoid loud noises that might startle your dog. In addition to this, we give our dogs calming CBD chews which help them to relax.

9. Avoid Motion Sickness:

If your dog tends to get motion sick, consult your veterinarian for advice on managing this. Avoid feeding them right before the trip and consider using motion sickness medication if recommended.

10. Windows:

If they weather is appropriate and you aren’t on a highway, you can keep windows partially open to allow fresh air circulation, but make sure your dog can't stick their head out. Sudden gusts of wind can be harmful. If open windows are not a good idea, then make sure the dogs are getting plenty of air through vents.

11. Shade and Ventilation:

If it's a sunny day, use window shades to prevent your dog from getting overheated. Ensure proper ventilation throughout the car. It is easy to accidentally cover back cents when packing, so take a look to see that they are uncovered and pointed towards your dog(s).

12. Stop for Playtime:

Find dog-friendly parks or open spaces during your stops. Engaging in some playtime or a short walk can help your dog release energy and feel refreshed. It takes us longer to travel with our dogs because we give them a good walk about every two hours.

13. Positive Reinforcement:

Reward your dog with praise, treats, and affection for good behavior during the trip. This encourages them to associate car rides with positivity.

14. Gradual Introductions:

If your dog is not used to long car rides, gradually increase the duration of your trips to help them build tolerance.

15. Consider Your Dog's Needs:

Take your dog's age, health, and temperament into account. Puppies, elderly dogs, and those with health issues may need extra care and attention.

16. Be Patient:

Your dog might experience restlessness, whining, or anxious behavior during the trip. Stay patient and understanding, offering comfort and reassurance. The CBD medications for dogs are really helpful in these situations.

17. Be Prepared for Emergencies:

Carry a pet first aid kit, your dog's medical records, and contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergencies. Yes, we have more than once had to make a trip to the vet while on a trip. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

Long car trips with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience. By planning ahead and prioritizing their comfort, you can ensure that the journey is as enjoyable for them as it is for you. Remember, your dog's happiness and well-being are worth every effort you put into making the trip safe and pleasant.

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This is our little guy on his first car ride home with us!