Traveling with your pet in a car doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve gathered the best advice from pet travel experts to make round-the-block and cross-country road trips happier for everyone.
Do you have a vision of hitting the road with your dog? Planning an epic road trip with your cat?
Whether you’re traveling with your pet in your car, stopping by your local pet supply store, or heading out on a cross-country adventure, there are many ways to make your trip more enjoyable and safe.
Follow these tips and your pet will race to your car for your next adventure.
How to make staying in the car with your pet more enjoyable?
1. Be safe, clean and tidy
Wherever you go, the first thing you should do when traveling with your pet in a car is to invest in a crash-tested car harness or crash-tested box or carrier. It not only protects you and your pet from accidents, but also prevents your pet from jumping out or getting lost when you open the car door.
read more ⇒ Prevent your pet from getting lost while traveling by car
Traveling with your pet will be more comfortable if your car is clean and odor free. So protect your upholstery from fur, nails, water spills, muddy paws and other dirt. Seat Cover Or a hammock in the back seat. It can be easily wiped down or removed and washed when needed. Some seat covers have built-in pockets to help organize your gear.
2. Build positive connections
For many pets, “getting in the car” translates into “going to the vet.” If all your pet’s trips end there, it’s no wonder that car rides are associated with stress and pain.
Whether you’re retraining your pet to enjoy cars or starting fresh with a puppy or kitten, start going for rides for other reasons. Here are some fun outings you can plan with your dog or cat.
- spend the night visiting friends and family
- Have a playdate with your favorite friend
- go eat ice cream
- Explore the dog park on the other side of town
- Take a day trip to a nearby park or hiking trail
- Visit farmers markets and other dog-friendly events
I understand. Start with short trips and increase the distance as your pet becomes more comfortable. We know that positive associations are at work when your pet is excited to go out.
3. Prevent car sickness
Pets with motion sickness can’t enjoy a ride wherever you take them. Cleaning is no longer fun.
In general, you shouldn’t give your dog a large meal just before going out on the road. However, there are too many possible solutions for motion sickness in pets to cover in this article. For tips on how to prevent motion sickness in your pet, read What to do if your dog gets motion sickness.
If the advice in that article doesn’t solve your problem, see your veterinarian. There are medications that can help pets suffering from car sickness.
read more ⇒ Tips for planning a pet-friendly road trip
4. Reduce pet anxiety
If you’ve spent time building positive relationships and preventing motion sickness, but your pet still feels anxious in the car, there are a few more things you can do to help.
First, consider where your dog gets in the car can affect how much he enjoys the trip. In this study, heart rate monitoring collars were used to track changes in the heart rate of dogs and determined that dogs were most comfortable when sitting in the back seat where their owners could see them.
Of course, each pet is different. So if your dog or cat doesn’t feel comfortable in the car, try moving them to another seat. Bring a bed, blanket, and favorite toy for the trip.
read more ⇒ Where in the car do dogs like to ride?
Then take your dog for a long walk before you leave. Hopefully he’s tired and he’s more likely to fall asleep in the middle.
Finally, do your best to keep your pet’s diet and exercise schedule normal while traveling. Adhering to a regular routine can help an anxious pet adjust to the new experience of travel.
If your efforts haven’t been fully appreciated by Fluffy or Fido yet, it may be time to reconsider your choice of a crash-tested car harness or crash-tested crate or carrier. Perhaps the safer feeling of a car harness will help ease your pet’s travel anxiety.
Also, be aware that some dogs are overstimulated by looking out the window while driving. A restricted view from inside the crate or carrier may help your puppy feel more comfortable. Give him enough time to familiarize himself with the options you’ve chosen before you start your trip, and try to build a positive relationship.
read more ⇒ DIY Hack – Stop Your Dog From Barking While Driving Your RV
4. Plan for your pet’s needs
If your goal is to travel long distances with your pet in the car, slowly increase the driving time. Also remember that for some pets, lying quietly in the car can be a lot of work. Have fun with your furry travel companions along the way. After all, that’s the point!
Before you leave, plan stops along your route where your pet can stretch out. Dog runs and other pet-friendly activities allow you to get away from your car and take a break. If your dog doesn’t like being around other dogs or if you travel with cats, Sniffspot’s Private His Dog His Park could be a good solution.
Another way to train your dog’s brain is through nosework and other games. It may be more tiring than a long walk. You can easily put the gear you need in his luggage.
You can even find pet-friendly parks nearby and have a picnic together. If you are traveling with a dog that is subject to breed discrimination, be sure to check if there are any laws restricting or banning certain breeds.
read more ⇒ What to Bring for an Overnight Dog Trip
Other resources
If you follow these tips, getting a pet that enjoys traveling by car is pretty easy. If we haven’t covered all your pet travel questions yet, here are some additional resources that you may find helpful.
Pet Travel Essentials: Never Leave Home Without Your Pet
Is it illegal to leave a pet alone in a car?
Why is my dog panting and drooling in the car
keep cats safe in the car
My dog hates cars – now what?
Best crash-tested dog harness for car trips
How to make a pet first aid kit for a car
What to do if your dog gets motion sickness
Crash-tested crates and carriers
11 ways to tire your dog out in tight spaces
please visit Amazon store Learn more about the products we use to make traveling with pets easier, safer and more enjoyable!
Good luck and walk the trails!
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