For the longest time, I was craving the feeling of having the windows rolled down, the wind blowing in my face and “Fly Like an Eagle” blaring in the background. So, my carefree spirit bogged down with the daily mundane responsibilities of life, finally decided to go on a road trip.
If you're having the same craving as me, but you're faced with the difficult decision of leaving your dog, don't fret! I'm definitely taking my dog Alex beside me! How, you ask? Well, I have been on trips with my furry companion before. Also it was the best experience ever. So, if you wish to do the same, keep reading to understand how you can master a trip together with your pet!
1. Do Some Trial Runs
This is my first suggestion. You don't know how your pet will behave inside a confined environment such as a car, therefore it is wise to do some trial runs beforehand. The first time Alex (my dog) was in a car ride, he got super agitated. Although the windows were rolled down, it had been a complete nightmare. And understandably so! To make Alex comfortable with car rides, I ensured he had chew toys, treats, and soft blankets in the backseat. I also took several short drives with him to help him get used to being driven around (driving around town on errands, to the park, or neighborhood once in awhile).
2. Don't Overfeed!
Car sickness is really as real for pets as it is for us humans. But unfortunately, your dog can't exactly motion for nausea and yell, “Human! Red alert!” While meals are gospel for all of us, you should definitely keep it light for trips. Do not feed your dog treats just to keep it calm. Overfeeding will only result in accidents and lengthy vomit cleaning sprees (believe me on this).
3. Frequent Breaks are Necessary
For all those motivated drivers who would rather crash once they have reached their destination, there is news for you. Your pets are definitely not on the same page with this idea. Pets, especially dogs, aren't accustomed to sitting still for too long. Look out for signs of agitation. Take frequent breaks which means you don't let any agitation, or any other things in your pet, build up. There are plenty of gas stations and parks to prevent next to. You can also just stop by the road for the occasional stretch. Enable your dog walk around and expend its energy a little. This way it will be a lot calmer in the car.
4. Pack Well
Keep in mind, you're not just packing for yourself, but also for your pet. You've got to be the responsible adult and bring everything your pet might need. Create a list of all the essentials and always double check. My packing for Alex usually includes medical records, poop bags, old towels, an extra leash and collar, water and food bowls, and a water bottle. Pet stuff is not always available everywhere, so you have to be careful. Your pet should be as comfortable as you possibly can, or your trip is not going to be fun whatsoever. Also keep in mind how long the trip will take, and pack accordingly.
5. Go to your Vet
This is the “pre-“ part of the trip but it's always wise to have clarity. Go to your vet for a checkup so you can prepare according to their evaluation. If your pet is acting weird or even if they look okay, it is best to be safe than sorry. Going to the vet before a trip can help you save from a lot of trouble. Your vet can give you the appropriate advice on what to take and what problems to anticipate.
6. Do Your Homework
Articles and blogs are great to consult before you go on that long, awaited trip. I visited several forums with tips for travelling with dogs and also got some really useful advice. Befriending experienced pet parents is useful as well.
Look into pet-friendly hotels and diners beforehand. Pre-plan where you're going and all the places you'll stop, if possible. Also, make sure you know where the nearest vet or pet hospital in the event of emergencies.
Pets and road trips are not a very popular combination. But when you get a taste of how awesome it's to travel with your best bud, you'll realize what you have been missing. Of course, traveling with a pet is not easy. They can't express how they feel and it can be quite unpredictable. The answer is to prepare well for every type of scenarios and keep your pet comfortable. If you follow the advice I've shared, I am sure your trip will be nothing but fun. So plan away and become prepared for the experience of a lifetime!
