Pawsome Tips for Dog-Friendly Road Trips

Thinking of going on a road trip with your canine companion? Being prepared can make all the difference. From packing a first aid kit to finding pet-friendly stops along the way, these tips will help you make your road trip enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Getting Comfortable In The Car

A Maltese dog wearing sunglasses sticking its head out of a car window.

Before you head out on an epic road trip adventure, how does your dog feel about car rides? Do they seem relaxed and comfortable, or stressed? Signs your pet is stressed in the car include licking lips, lots of yawning, excess drooling, shaking, and panting. Many dogs only go on car rides when they're going to the vet or groomer, which is not on the top ten list of fun places to be for most pets. To help counter this, get your pet comfortable spending time in the car with you while leaving the car door open (so they don't feel trapped). Give them lots of praise and treats when they are in the car with you. Next, try taking your dog on short drives to places they enjoy, like the park or their favorite pet store. As you help build your pet's positive associations with the car, they will become more comfortable going for longer and longer rides.

Safety Equipment

Having a harness that attaches to your car's seat belt or a travel crate can help keep your pet safe if an accident occurs. Testing out this equipment ahead of time and making sure your pet is comfortable will help make the journey ahead more pleasant for both of you.

A brown Basset Hound sticking its face out the window of a moving car.

Motion Sickness

A light brown Border Collie sitting in a car.

Just like us, some dogs get carsick. How each dog reacts is different, but it's not uncommon for puppies under one year old to get motion sickness. Signs of motion sickness include excessive drooling, diarrhea, and extreme restlessness. If your pup gets carsick, speak with your vet about anti-nausea medications.

Pet-Friendly Destinations

Planning out dog-friendly stops along the way will give you and your furry friend an opportunity to get out of the car, go for a stroll, and take in some sights. You can also look for dog-friendly restaurants and patios, as well as overnight accommodations. Some beaches and parks are not pet-friendly, so a little research ahead of time will make your trip even more enjoyable.

A white Bichon Frise wearing sunglasses and sitting in a toy car.

Medical Records

A jack russell terrier looking out of a car window with its owner.

If an accident or emergency occurs, it can be helpful to have your pet's medical records with you.

These five tips can help make hitting the road with your pup a great experience for both of you. If you have questions about going on road trips with your pooch, let the experts at the Puppy Palace know. We're happy to lend a helping paw!