You love your dog and want to keep them happy. That counts when you’re riding in the car, too. These tips can help make each car ride comfortable for you both!
Imagine this: someone you love tells you to hop into a mysterious box with them, they whisk you away at mind-boggling speeds, and you magically end up in a new place. It’s not science fiction – it’s an everyday car ride for your dog! From errands and vet trips to moving and vacation, keeping your dog comfortable in the car can make trips more enjoyable for the whole family. Here are our top tips for how to travel with a dog in a car!
Whether your car trip is across town or the country, preparation is key to ensuring you and your pet have a comfortable journey.
Before you ever get in the car, it’s important to pack your pet’s essentials and accessories. Depending on the length of your trip, consider bringing:
Some dogs experience severe car sickness, while others have travel anxiety. Neither of those is fun for you or your pet to deal with! If your dog is prone to travel anxiety or car sickness, one of our top road trip with dog tips is to talk to your vet about medications or solutions to help make their trip easier. Remember to never give your pet medication without discussing it with your veterinarian.
You may not hear a chorus of “Are we there yet?” from your dog, but they may be thinking it! Plan out your stops along your trip so your dog can take a break, go to the bathroom, and stretch their legs. If you’re taking a long trip, look for truck stops with pet areas or local dog parks for a quick fetch session. While your dog can’t play tablet games to stay entertained, a few well-planned stops can help them avoid getting restless. A dog ramp can help them get in and out of your vehicle easily.
Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario. However, accidents can happen, and just like you always wear your seatbelt, securing your pets in your vehicle is critical. As much as your dog may enjoy riding shotgun next to you, airbags can be dangerous for pets.
According to the American Kennel Club, a crate placed in the backseat or trunk is the better choice for your dog while in the car. Crates and carriers can help keep your dog in one place; some even offer impact resistance. When carefully chosen, tested and proven dog seatbelts can also be an option when riding in the car.
An anxious or bored dog can be restless, upset, or even destructive. Ensuring that your dog is comfortable and happy can help ease their trip.
Keeping your car’s interior clean can be challenging when you travel with a dog, but it’s possible. Tackling dog hair and mess quickly can keep your vehicle looking spotless.
Putting blankets and accessories like dog-specific seat covers in your car can help make cleanup easier – whether that’s from piles of hair, wet and muddy pawprints, or the results of a carsick dog with an upset stomach.
Vacuuming your car after each trip can help keep dog hair from piling up. Periodically having your vehicle interior detailed can help with bigger messes.
Car smell like a wet or sick dog? Find a car-specific odor eliminator or cleaning solution to help. If using a cleaning solution on fabric or leather, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Traveling with your furry friend should be a fun and comfortable experience for both of you. At Ed Hicks Nissan, we offer a wide range of pet-friendly accessories to help keep your dog comfortable and your car protected during every adventure. Plus, before you hit the road, bring your vehicle in for a pre-trip inspection to ensure it’s ready for the journey ahead. Visit us in Corpus Christi today to explore our accessories and schedule your vehicle checkup, so you and your pet can travel in comfort.
