How To Road Trip With Your Dog: 7 Tips to Avoid Mishaps

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Many dogs make excellent travel companions. I’ve personally been traveling with my non-stop for the past 8+ years. However, there is a big difference between “going for a car ride” taking a long-distance road trip with your dog. Like you, they have gear and supplies that are important for daily essentials. Also, they’ll likely encounter things they aren’t used to on a trip, and it’s your job to be prepared for that.

Fortunately, there are several easy things you can do to alleviate anxiety and avoid mishaps altogether. Let’s get started!

How Do I Prepare My Dog for a Long Car Ride?

If your dog isn’t used to riding in the car with you, prepare them before taking a long road trip. Sit in your car in the driveway with your dog. Don’t go anywhere. Just let your dog sniff around, explore, and get used to the feel of the car. 

When ready, take short trips around town. They should also get used to using seat belts or being in crates. Take small steps before expecting your dog to enjoy a long road trip.

If your dog is super nervous, you may need to consider medication to ease the anxiety. (You wouldn’t be alone: Our dog is inconsolable without it on long drive days!) Some dogs get over car nervousness as they get older, but this isn’t guaranteed.

Here Are 7 Tips to Avoid Mishaps with Your Dog on Road Trips

Whether you travel a long distance between two places or take a several-stop journey, there are some tips to help keep your dog safe on the road. You want the journey to be enjoyable for them too. Let’s look at these eight tips to help you and your fur baby have a great road trip together.

1.  Contact Your Vet Prior to Departure 

When going on a long road trip with your dog, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to make sure you won’t be missing any check-ups. However, a special visit probably isn’t necessary unless your dog is showing signs of an illness or injury.

However, if you think your dog will struggle with the stress, it might be a good idea to visit a vet for some anxiety medication for travel so that you have it on hand if needed. You’ll also want to get a printed version of your dog’s vaccination history and shot records just in case you need to show proof while traveling.

Finding vet care while traveling can be a challenge, but it is far from impossible. Check out our tips for finding vet care while on the road.

2. Plan Your Route Around Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Make sure to find dog-friendly accommodations. If you want to visit a specific destination and can’t find a hotel that allows dogs, you’ll need to stay in a different location. Don’t wait until the last minute to make reservations.

One easy way we love to travel with our dogs is by RV. RVing with dogs provides a consistent habitat for them to become familiar with, and you don’t have to worry about pet fees! Most campgrounds and RV parks are dog-friendly (with some rules), and some even cater to dogs with washes and dog parks on-site.

RVing with Pets - Mondays with the Mortons

3. Crate Your Dog

Your dog may not like riding in a crate, but it’s a good idea to keep them out of trouble. Even if your dog is well-trained, a new place with new smells will pique their interest.

You don’t want to spend a night at a hotel or at a friend’s house to wake up to find toilet paper all over the floor or a chewed piece of chair.

4. Pack All of Your Dog’s Favorites and Essentials

Going on a road trip with your dog means packing another bag. Bring your dog’s favorite things and essentials, including food, bowls, a leash, poop bags, and treats. We find that having a kibble bag helps keep things tidy in the car.

If you have room to pack their bed, then grab it, too. They will appreciate having a familiar place to sleep. And then bring the fun stuff that will keep your dog entertained on the journey, such as their favorite squeaky toy.

5. Stick to Your Dog’s Normal Daily Routine as Best You Can

Dogs, like children, do better with routine. You may not have the entire trip planned out when you leave, but as you consider things to do and places to visit, keep your dog’s daily routine in mind. 

If you know it’s best to take them out for a nighttime stroll after dinner, make sure you’re in a safe location. Follow the same feeding schedule and use the same food to ensure your dog doesn’t have digestive issues. Your fur baby may have some anxiety visiting all of these new places. Help ease that by sticking to their routine.

6. Always Have Water Available

When you fill-up your water bottle to head out for a hike, don’t forget to bring one for your dog, too. On travel days, when you pack snacks and drinks for the road, make sure to pack treats and water for your dog.

When you leave them alone in a crate, make sure they have plenty of water. Sometimes anti-anxiety medication can cause dogs to be more thirsty. Ensure you’ve provided the water your pet needs.

7. Watch the Weather Forecast

Many dogs don’t like thunderstorms. When taking a road trip with your pet, watch the weather forecast. If you have to drive through stormy weather, take special care of your dog and be prepared to stop more often. 

Try not to leave your dog alone in a foreign place during a thunderstorm. If you’ll go out to dinner with friends and leave your dog crated at their house, consider ordering take-out if a storm comes. You don’t want to leave them in a strange place alone and frightened.

Also, never leave your dog in a hot vehicle. Pay attention to the weather when going out to the grocery store or running errands. Even if it is nice outside, the temperature inside the car can double. Try to leave your dog in a safe location at a hotel or campsite instead.

Are Road Trips Bad for Dogs?

Road trips create some of the best memories. Whether it’s just you and your fur baby or your whole family traveling together, visiting new places day after day is adventurous. Your dog will enjoy the road trip if you follow these tips. 

Your dog is part of the family, so you don’t always want to leave them at home or boarded at a facility. Just be prepared for a road trip with a dog. Make sure your pet is safe and has everything they need to enjoy the trip, too.

Have you ever taken a road trip with your dog? Where did you go? Tell us about it in the comments below!