How to Plan a Road Trip with Your Dog

By Sarah Hinds Friedl on October 30th, 2024

With the biggest travel week in the US on the horizon—you guessed it, the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving!—you may be thinking about bringing your dog along for the ride this year. Whether this will be your first road trip with Fido or you’re looking for ways to make the annual trip a little easier, we’ve got the tips you need for traveling with your dog!

Take a look at these 6 steps for planning a road trip with your furry copilot!

Safety first!
Over the next couple of weeks leading up to your big road trip, you can start gathering the necessary safety supplies you’ll need, including:

  • Safety harness. If you don’t have one already, it will be time to get your doggo fitted for a car harness or safety belt that will keep them secure on the road. 
  • Identification. Make sure that your dog’s tags are up-to-date or that you put in the order for that new dog-tracker chip you’ve been meaning to buy.
  • BreezeGuard Screens. BreezeGuards are great for both safety and comfort during a long road trip! They are secure metal screens installed over your back windows that allow the window to be open while your dog stays safely in the backseat.
  • Medication and food. If your dog’s medications are likely to run out during your trip, let your vet know that you’ll be traveling so that they can write you a prescription in advance. And, make sure that you’re well-stocked with food, as pet stores may be closed during the holidays.
  • No-spill bowl. Investing in a no-spill water bowl is another great thing to put on your to-do list before you! Because of the high level of excitement, dogs are more prone to dehydration on a road trip and should always have access to water.

Plan a few practice runs
In the weeks leading up to the road trip, give your pup some practice if possible. This might mean scheduling a day trip to a city or hiking area an hour or two away so that they can get some practice with longer car rides. 

You might also plan on bringing your dog along with you more frequently as you run errands. The more time that they can spend in the car, the better!

Schedule frequent breaks into your road trip plan
It’s recommended that you give your dog a 15- to 30-minute break about once every 2 to 4 hours. So, make sure that those stops are built into your driving itinerary!

It’s also wise to scout out dog-friendly rest stops, such as public parks, along your route. That’s because it’s best if your dog is able to stretch their legs, as they may need to walk around to stimulate digestive movement. 

Book dog-friendly accomodations in advance
If you’re planning a multi-day road trip (which we would recommend for any trip lasting more than 7 hours), you’ll want to make sure that you and your pooch have dog-friendly accomodations lined up. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog ownership has increased from 38% in 2016 to 44% in 2022, which means that you may be competing with more fellow dog owners over bookings than ever before! 

Make the road trip itself a smooth ride
Once you’ve made all your preparations, it’s time to actually get behind the wheel! Here are a few ways that you can make sure that your road trip is as relaxed as possible:

  • Have some distractions at the ready. As long as your dog doesn’t suffer from motion sickness, you can keep them occupied with their favorite treat-filled toy or lickmat when you start to see them getting restless or bored.
  • Lower the music volume. With their sensitive hearing, dogs may feel overwhelmed by the many sounds of the road, from the car engine to the tires on the pavement to livestock in the distance. Keeping the music at a lower volume than usual can help to prevent stimulation overload. Learn more about this topic in our article: Does Your Dog Like Your Car Music?
  • As much as you can, manage the road rage. As fun and exciting as road trips can be, they can also test our patience! This is especially true if you plan on traveling during one of the busier times of year, when the interstates are more crowded than usual. But remember: your dog is constantly taking your emotional temperature! If you’re stressed, on edge, or barking at that sedan that just cut you off, your furry copilot will match your energy. So, if you really want to make your road trip with your pooch go more smoothly, take deep breaths, relax your shoulders, and try loosening that grip on the steering wheel, just a little bit.

Once you’ve reached your destination, give your pup a chance to rest
Traveling asks a lot of your dog. They’ll be dealing with overstimulation, constricted movement, and a change of scenery that can make them feel uncomfortable. So, don’t be surprised if your pup is a bit crankier than usual. After all, you may be feeling the same way!

In order to help your dog with the transition, consider giving them a cool, quiet place to relax and adjust as soon as you reach your destination. If your dog is crate trained, set up their kennel in a separate room and restock them with treat-filled toys or allow them to eat their next meal in peace. 

Pro tip: this is a great excuse for you to take a little nap with your furry friend! You and your pup will be grateful for the rest time to recharge before spending time with family and friends.

BreezeGuard wishes you a safe and smooth road trip!
Whether you’re driving across the country to visit family or planning a shorter getaway in your own state, bringing your dog along makes the trip all the more enjoyable! Let us know what your upcoming plans are for traveling with your dog by visiting our Facebook page!

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