Are you heading out for a road trip with your pup? Are you looking for some tips for how to make traveling this summer a safe and fun experience for them? Then these tips from Freshpet’s Dr. Aziza Glass are for you.
Back in March 2022, AAA Travel revealed that more people would be traveling by car than they have in the past few years (which makes sense all things considered), and with more people exploring this summer it makes sense that they would be bringing their dog along for the ride. With wanderlust in full effect, it just makes sense that you would want to hit the open road with a furry friend at your side.
But when you are bringing your dog with you on a road trip there are certain things that you should be aware of. Among those things are the safety precautions that we should be taking to keep our pet safe and comfortable for the entire ride.
Luckily for us, Freshpet’s Dr. Glass has a few tips for us that will make any road trip a positive experience for both you and your fuzzy companion.
Road trip tips from Freshpet’s resident veterinarian
- Think about seatbelts – Considering we use seatbelts for our own safety, it makes sense that our dogs should have their own seatbelt. And since dogs are prone to having motion sickness when in the car or even a form of anxiety, it makes sense that we should be paying attention to a seatbelt for our pet. Dr. Glass recommends investing in either a carrier, a harness of some kind, or even an actual car seat for our pet. This will ensure that they are not only secure in the backseat but that they are also safe.
- Pack a bag for your pet too – Just like us, our pets should have their own bag for when they are traveling. Make sure that you are packing the essentials for your dog including any medication they may take, anything that a veterinarian prescribes them for motion sickness or anxiety, their tracker, their leash, their favorite treats, and even their toys. Our pets deserve to have the same things that we do on a trip, which means the things that make them happy and comfortable. They may not need a full wardrobe and shoes, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have other needs on a road trip.
- Pre-plan your trip with your dog in mind – When it comes to hitting the road with your dog there are certain things you need to take into account right away. Not only should you consider pet friendly stops, you also need to make sure you are staying at pet friendly hotels. When it comes to staying in a hotel before you book your trip make sure the hotel will accommodate your dog. And since the hospitality industry is changing to allow more people to travel with their dog, there are plenty of locations that have perks for staying with your pup. Also, think about pet friendly spaces for your actual destination . Think about places like national parks, dog parks, and even restaurants that will allow you to bring your fuzzy friend. It’s all about planning ahead and making sure you and your pet will have a great time . Think about places like national parks, dog parks, and even restaurants that will allow you to bring your fuzzy friend. It’s all about planning ahead and making sure you and your pet will have a great time together together.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, when planning a trip there are just some things we forget. So, hopefully these tips give you a starting point for creating the perfect road trip experience for you and your pup.
