10 Tips To Have The Best Road Trip With Your Dog

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Liam Mills is a Product Expert and ex-Supplier Quality Assurance Manager at Walmart, and the Founder of ValueHunta, a contributor to ByRossi.

As a pet owner, one of the most exciting things you can do is to take your dog on trips with you. Imagine how it will feel to journey to a new place and not worry about your dog. Dogs are man’s best friend, so why wouldn’t you want to spend your vacation with them?

But life on the go isn’t all glitz and glamor when you’re bringing your four-legged friend. Here are some tips and tricks that will make your next cross-country excursion more enjoyable for both of you!

Tips For Road-Tripping With Your Dog

Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be stressful if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips to help make your road trip with your dog as smooth as possible.

1. Plan a Pet-Friendly Route

Road trip with pet. Stylish young woman sitting with cute white dog in car trunk at sunny autumn road. Happy female traveling with swiss shepherd puppy and exploring world together. Space for text

The first step in planning a road trip with your dog is to map out a pet-friendly route. If possible, you’ll want to avoid highways and other high-traffic areas, as they can be dangerous for dogs. Instead, choose back roads and scenic routes that will keep your pooch safe and let them stick their head out the window.

2. Plan For Bathroom Breaks

If your dog is used to going potty on a schedule, it will be pretty easy to make pit stops around your usual potty times, especially if you are on a scenic route. If they usually go after meals, plan to stop and let them relieve themselves shortly after eating.

Protip: Don’t forget the clean up bags! It’s important to pick up after your dog while on a road trip. Not only is it considerate of others, but it can also help keep the car clean.

3. Take Practice Trips Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to ensure that your dog will handle a road trip well is by taking practice trips ahead of time. Try making it part of your weekend routine so you can expose your pup to new things while staying close to home. This way, if they get anxious or scared at all during the trip, you’ll be able to return home and try again some other time.

4. Check-in With Your Vet

Before you take your dog on a road trip, be sure to check in with your vet. They can help make sure your pup is healthy enough for the journey and advise you on any necessary medications or vaccinations. For example, if your dog is prone to motion sickness, your vet may prescribe medication to help them feel better.

If you’re traveling across state lines, be sure to bring a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate with you. This document proves that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, a requirement in some states.

5. Give Them Their Own Space in the Car

A happy German Shepherd mix breed dog is smiling with his tounge hanging out and his eyes closed as he sticks his head out the family car window while drving down the road.

No one likes being cramped for hours on end, and neither do your pets! Give your pup their own area to sprawl out and get comfy. This is especially important if you are not the only person in your car. This space can be a crate or bed that they feel comfortable sleeping and resting on while traveling.

Protip: Be prepared for some mess! If you have a dog that likes to ride shotgun, put down a blanket or some towels to protect the seat. You may also want to consider purchasing a hammock-style car seat cover that will keep your seats clean and your dog safe.

6. Keep Things Positive

When you’re on the road, it’s important to keep your dog happy and entertained. One way to do this is by using positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with treats when they do something good, like sitting quietly in the car or following commands. This will help keep them calm and content during the trip. This is also a great time to introduce that bone you’ve always wanted to give them but haven’t had time to supervise.

7. Give Extra Water

An over the shoulder view of an unrecognisable female couple walking their dogs for their dog walking business. They are giving the dogs a drink of water from a portable water bowl as they get them ready to go for a walk in the snow in Cramlington in a nature reserve.

Make sure you bring plenty of water for your dog to drink. This is especially important if you are traveling in hot weather because dogs cool themselves by panting and can’t go very long without water.

You should bring along a bowl or collapsible container for them to drink out of—just make sure it’s sturdy enough that it won’t tip over and spill everywhere.

If your dog is a small breed, you can also try using an empty bottle of water or a travel mug with a hole cut out of the top.

8. Buy New Toys

Who doesn’t love something to play with on a road trip? New toys will help keep your pooch busy and help them learn to love car rides. Just don’t bring toys that will easily break or get lost. Some of the best road trip dog toys are balls and chewable rubber bones.

Does your dog have a favorite toy he can’t live without? Don’t forget to pack that one too!

9. Bring A Travel Crate

The collapsable crate will come in handy when you’re staying in a hotel, as your dog will have a designated space to call their own. Not only is this crate great for keeping your dog safe and contained, but it can also provide some relief from the noise and commotion of being on the road.

10. Never Leave Your Dog In the Car On A Hot Day

One of the most important aspects of traveling with your pup is watching for overheating. Never leave your dog alone in a closed car on hot days, even with windows cracked open and parked in the shade. While 75℉ might seem comfortable for you, the car will get to 100℉ in just a few minutes—and too hot for your pup. If you must travel during warm weather, take breaks every hour or so and check on your pet.

Hit The Road Jack

Road trip season is upon us, and that means it’s time to hit the open road with your furry friend by your side. But before you do, make sure you’re prepared for everything that comes with taking a trip with your dog. From packing essentials to dealing with accidents, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make your road trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. So pack your bags and hit the road with your best friend — the open road awaits!

It doesn’t matter how much you prepare; traveling is stressful. And traveling with your pet? Even more so. There is no better way to loosen up all those stiff muscles than with a dip in a hot tub. Check out some of the best hot tubs and full reviews at ByRossi to find the right one for you.

You might also be interested in: The 10 Best Pet Ramps [Help Your Pet Live Life To The Fullest]

10 Tips For Road Tripping With Your Dog: