Road trips are great. You cruise along miles of open road through constantly changing scenery. Fields become forests and then cities before changing back to fields. You see new things, meet new people, and try new foods. Road trips are all about adventure. Since your dog is always up for a little adventure why not take your furry friend with you? Bringing your dog along on a road trip can add to the fun, but there are some things that you should consider. Dogs weren't designed for cars and without proper planning a fun road trip with your furry friend can become a spectacle you could charge admission for.
Before you set off on your trip you should take a moment to have a grueling play session with your dog. Some dogs have bigger batteries than others, so the time you spend playing with your dog will vary greatly. Basically, you want to make sure that your dog won't be bouncing off the walls with excitement while you’re driving, so drain them of as much energy as possible.
A lot of people like the idea of letting their dogs roam free range throughout the interior of their car, but this can actually be dangerous. Small dogs and even the more exuberant larger dogs can get under your feet while you’re driving. This can make it an incredibly dangerous challenge to control the acceleration and brake pedals. Even if your dog is well trained and will sit obediently in a single spot, he or she won’t be secured in the event of sudden stop. If you need to stop on a dime your dog could end up flying around the cabin, which could injure the both of you.
Crates are a good ways to make sure your pet is safe and secure. If you or your dog aren’t crazy about the idea of a crate, you can look into a pet barrier. This gives your dog a bit more room to stretch out, but still keeps them confined to a set area.
Once you have your pet protected, you might want to think about the safety and wellbeing of your car. Seat coverings will add a barrier of protection against dog hair and scratches. If your dog is rolling in the back of your Subaru, you should think about purchasing a washable cargo liner. These come in handy in the event that your dog can’t make it to the next rest stop.
Whenever you take a break from driving to walk around or fill up on gas, be sure to tend to your dog. Dogs will need food and water, but be sure not to give them too much. Also take the opportunity to get some exercise in for you and your dog. This will help keep both of you content while you’re in the car.
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