They say, 'A dog is a man's best friend' and there’s nothing quite like travelling with your best friend. Having your dog with you on a road trip can make the whole experience more fulfilling and meaningful. However, it also requires planning to ensure both of you have a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Invest in the Right Car Gear
Just like seat belts protect human passengers in the event of a collision or sudden stop, a travel harness for dog pets helps prevent injury during sudden stops. Therefore it’s always a good idea to invest in a travel harness for dog pets. Apart from keeping your pet safe in the car, these handy attachments prevent jumping off the car (some canines may feel anxious, scared, or stressed in new environments) and can provide enhanced comfort.
Speaking of comfort, car seat harnesses for dogs typically feature padded straps to prevent chafing or irritation during wear, which is especially important for longer journeys. Also, many harnesses are made from breathable materials to keep your pooch cool and prevent overheating. When your pooch is comfortable, they are less likely to feel anxious or stressed during the car ride, resulting in fewer whines, barks, or attempts to escape.
If you're new to buying a harness, keep in mind that not all options are created equal. Choosing the right one should be based on their age, health, and behaviours such as pulling and lunging. For instance, while small, timid breeds may need lightweight and padded harnesses to ensure comfort and security during travel, high-energy dogs may benefit from a secure harness made with breathable materials to keep them cool, calm, and secure.
Bring Toys
Apart from keeping your pooch safe and comfortable in the car, it’s also important to keep them busy and entertained. This is where dog toys enter the picture. They can reduce boredom and restlessness, helping you maintain a calm and enjoyable environment.
When choosing the right dog travel toys there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you opt for durable toys made from chew-resistant materials that can withstand the rigours of a car ride.
It’s no secret that canines thrive on familiarity, therefore bringing their favourite toys during the trip can significantly impact their comfort and behaviour. Moreover, bringing along familiar toys can help your furry travel companion associate car rides with positive experiences, making them more eager and excited for future car trips.
Although squeaky toys can be fun, it's often best to leave these at home during long trips. Constant squeaking can be distracting and annoying, plus it can cause dogs to become overly energetic or anxious during the ride.
Take Frequent Breaks
Even if the final destination is thrilling, getting there may seem like an eternity for your pooch. Pets are incapable of understanding the concept of travel or that the destination will be exciting. For them, the car ride can feel like taking forever, especially if they’re not familiar with the route.
Therefore, taking frequent breaks during car rides is crucial for the well-being of both dogs and humans. It breaks up the trip and gives both of you a chance to relieve yourselves and get out of the car for a bit. This is the perfect time to offer your four-legged friend water, a snack or a small meal, and get them moving for some exercise.
On average, many veterinarians agree to stop every two to three hours to allow your dog to stretch their legs. If they experience motion sickness or travel anxiety, you’ll want to stop more often to give your furry companion a break from the constant movement.
When planning trips with your pet, consider how long you'll want to spend driving throughout the day. Ideally, you want to aim for around 7 hours of driving time in total each day, since super long hours in the car can be too much for some dogs.
Calming Aids
Every pet owner knows their pooch best, and understanding your dog's unique personality and behaviours is key to providing a positive travel experience. On that note, if you are a pet parent of an anxious or restless pooch, you want to bring along a few calming aids and treats.
For instance, you can consider giving them stress-relief supplements before the trip. These often contain calming herbs and amino acids like L-tryptophan. Natural calming treats may also come in handy during the ride. Many of these treats are formulated with calming ingredients such as valerian root, chamomile, or L-theanine to promote relaxation.
To further reduce anxiety and create a soothing atmosphere, you can play calming music designed for dogs. Music with a slow tempo and nature sounds like birdsong or flowing water, can be particularly relaxing for dogs, making them less restless during long car rides.
