Road trips are arguably the best way to travel without requiring much ceremony while offering unbridled joy. All you need is a long weekend, a decent car, a few close friends, a 6-pack, melodic music, a change of clothes, and you are all set to hit the road. Moreover, traveling by road allows you to take in the mesmerizing scenery whizzing by as you trundle on. You can even stop at the side of the road to capture the beauty of nature on your phone or camera.
And for gastronomes, the freedom to eat anything and everything at local roadside cafes or fast-food chains make road trips all the more special. To sum up, a road trip is all things rest and recreation, unless you bring your pup long without making due preparation. Taking out a dog on a road excursion is immensely thrilling, but it requires a bit of advance planning so that you and your fur child can have the time of your lives without any glitches.
A canine or any other four-legged pet requires certain supplies (and a number of other provisions) to weather the discomfort that comes with a road trip. You can’t deny that being on the highway for days on end can get a bit uncomfortable and tiring after a while, even for humans, so then how can a fluffy animal not be unnerved after staring out the car window for hours? So, to make a road trip as smooth and fun as possible for your pooch, you need to plan your trip ahead of time.
Not sure how to do that? Here’s a detailed guide to help you do the job right.
Some dogs can get extraordinarily restless during car rides, in which case you can’t expect them to sit still in your car seat. Therefore, you need to make sure you prep your car according to your pup’s needs. That is, place comfy carriers and craters in your vehicle to provide your fur child a comfortable resting place. You should also pack a protective harness to keep your doggo safe. And be sure to deactivate the airbags in front of the seat your fluff pal will occupy and affix their crater to the car floor so it doesn’t launch itself in case of a jerk.
Traveling out of town means you’ll be taking your pup to unknown places that could be carrying disease-causing pathogens. That means your canine partner will be at risk of contracting illnesses, which is why you should meet with your vet and ask them if you need to take any precautions, such as vaccinations, to keep your pet safe. You should also ask them for tips to deal with a canine’s car sickness or any other possible dog troubles a road trip might bring.
If you wish to travel with your snuggle buddy trouble-free, then you need to brush up on your training cues. If you can’t control your fur child with verbal commands, you shouldn’t take them out for a road trip because that your getaway will devolve into a nightmare in just a few minutes. Be sure that before you set out, your pup is at its best behavior and listening to your every instruction. Having such control over your little one will enable you to have a safe, fun-filled journey.
Just like you pack essentials for yourself before a trip, you need to do the same for your pup. To avoid missing out on any essential item, make a list of things and check them off one by one. Typically, a pet dog needs its toys, food and water bowls, treats, and bed on a trip out of town. But as a dog parent, you should pack a few extra things such as a first aid kit, leash, an additional name tag, a roll of paper towels to clean muddy paws after a stroll in the countryside, litter boxes, waste bags, your dog’s medical records, and a picture.
If your fluffy pal had some specific needs, be sure you make the necessary provisions for those for when you are on the road.
Leaving home shouldn’t mean leaving behind your dog’s schedule. Canines are creatures of routine; they thrive on the familiarity of a fixed timetable. Therefore, even when you are on the road or in another town, follow the pattern you have set for your dog at home. Be sure you feed your fur child on time, let them burn off all the extra energy when it’s time for exercise, and put them to sleep at bedtime.
That said, you can bend the rules sometimes, for instance, when your sidekick is having too much fun or when you wish to play with them.
Choosing pet-friendly accommodation is a must when going on a trip with your dog. But you need to be thorough when vetting a place for your stay. Be sure you ask the hotel representatives what pet-related facilities they provide if they charge an extra fee for every animal a guest brings, how many pets they allow in a single room etc.
After you get all the answers and are satisfied with the responses, only then book the hotel.
Your main goal when going on a road trip with your dog should be having fun. Focus on spending some quality time with your pup instead of trying to squeeze every possible activity into your itinerary. Don’t worry about the number of things, and try to make the most out of your trip. And remember to look at every unexpected hitch as an adventure that you get to live with your dog by your side. If you take on this mindset, you’ll be able to have a grand old time despite the inevitable glitches.
Taking out your fluff baby for a trip is the best way to bond with them and showing them how much you love them. Don’t miss such a golden opportunity and plan a pet-friendly road trip for your next holiday.
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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