This is a collaborative post: The summer is here and it’s finally time to get ready for that long-awaited summer holiday. There’s something special about heading out for a long road trip with your family, packing up everything that you’ll need for a couple of weeks away (although there’s always going to be something you forget!) and going somewhere totally new. Alternatively, maybe you’re heading on the road to see family and friends that you haven’t caught up with in far too long.
As every dog owner knows, “family” definitely includes your four-legged companion. A lot of pet owners find that their dogs absolutely love being in the car with them, and there’s always going to be some exciting new sights (and smells!) to explore. However, you need to make sure that you are being as considerate and careful as you can with your dog when you’re heading out on a road trip. Make sure that you’re following the law!
Help Them Prepare If It’s Their First Trip
If you are taking your dog on their very first road trip, then you should try to introduce them to the idea as gently as possible. While they might take to it like a duck to water, others can be a lot more nervous about the whole thing. Start by making sure that they have had their vaccinations if you’re travelling with a puppy. Then, help them get used to being in the car by taking them with you on shorter drives. Taking them to a big park or to see a family friend is a great idea because it shows them there’s something happy waiting at the other end of the journey.
Make Sure You’ve Got Their Food Ready To Go
There’s going to be a fairly long list of things to pack if you’re taking your dog on a road trip with you, but the most important is food. It’s particularly important if your dog has special dietary needs or if you have decided to go with the raw food diet for dogs because there’s no guarantee you’re going to be able to find the right thing for them while you’re travelling. And if you are travelling with raw dog food, make sure that you’ve got something to keep it cool. You should also think about stocking up on supplements for any specific issues that your dog is dealing with. Remember that they may get tired or stressed while travelling, so don’t make the mistake of thinking that they’ll be all right without them for a couple of weeks. Healthy dog supplements can give your pet the support that they need to keep them happy and raring to go. For more information on healthy dog supplements, visit ProDog Raw. They can talk you through the best supplements to help with anything from skin and coat to muscle and performance.
Give Them Regular Breaks
Some people find that driving on road trips is all about getting to their destination as quickly as you can with as few breaks as possible. Well, if you’re travelling with your dog, that approach simply isn’t going to work. You need to remember that they are not going to understand how far it is to the next good services, and if they are telling you that you need to stop, then you need to pull over. It’s also a good idea to stop regularly so they can stretch their legs and burn some of that energy off. It feels good when we do it, and you’d better believe that it’s a relief for dogs too. And if you’re stopping for a rest break, don’t leave your dog in the car. Take them with you and make sure to praise them for how well they’re doing. Oh, and when you get to where you’re going, give them the chance to go to the loo outside before heading inside because you don’t know how long they might have been holding it for!
Make The Car Comfortable For Them
If you’re heading out on a long trip, it’s worth noting that even the most seasoned dog might end up getting a bit stressed and wound up. It’s important that you make sure that the area of the car where they are going to be sitting is as comfy and secure as possible. Bring one of their favourite blankets with you so they have some familiar smells as well as something to sit on. Bring some toys with you that will stand up to some good chewing in case they need to get rid of some of that anxiety. And remember to take lots of water. While different dogs need different quantities of water, it’s generally recommended that any dog should have about an ounce of water for each pound of body weight daily. In any case, it’s best to bring more than you think you’ll need.