How to Get Your Dog Ready for a Long Car Trip

Long car rides can be very stressful for our dogs and us too!  With enough preparation, we can make it a positive and fruitful experience. We've put together 10 easy tips to help you prepare for a long car ride with your pup. So, prepare for an adventure and make sure your pup is prepared too!

Get your dog used to the car rides.

To get your dog comfortable with car rides, start by taking short trips around your neighborhood. Some dogs can feel uneasy or sick in a moving car, especially if they're not used to it.

Begin with a few minutes-long rides and then gradually increase the duration of the trips. This will help your dog get accustomed to the car's movements and engine sounds. 

Plus, it will help you identify if your dog gets motion sickness so you can take the necessary measures.

While on these short trips, reward your dog for good behavior. Give treats, verbal praise, or a favorite toy to your dog when they behave well to help them recognize car rides as positive experiences, making them feel more comfortable in the car.

Pack the essentials that your dog may need along the way.

It is vital to make sure you pack everything it needs to be comfortable and happy. Here are some important items you should bring:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Treats
4. Poop bags
5. Medications
6. Favorite toy or blanket
7. First aid kit

Keep your dog safely secured in the car.

Ensuring your dog is secure and safe during the journey is essential. It will help prevent potential injuries and ensure that your dog won't become a distraction to the driver. Here are some ways to secure your dog in the car:

1. Crate
2. Harness
3. Seatbelt

Don’t let your dog ride in the front seat or on your lap because it can be dangerous for both of you. 

Keep your dog comfortable during the entire ride.

Ensure your dog is comfortable during a long car ride. If your dog feels safe and happy, it stops being anxious or stressed during the trip. 

Don’t forget to bring a cozy bed or cushion for your dog to snuggle into during the car ride. A familiar bed or pillow can provide comfort and security for your dog, making the journey more enjoyable. Ensure it's the right size for your pup and won't slide around the car.

Bring your dog’s favorite blanket to help keep them warm and snuggly. You can use the blanket to cover your dog during naps or block out light if they need extra rest.

It's also vital to ensure the car's temperature is comfortable for your dog. Dogs can quickly overheat, so use air conditioning or open a window to help keep them cool while inside.  

Stop every few hours for a break.

Like us, dogs must stretch their legs and move around during a long car ride. So, take a break every few hours and let your dog explore, sniff and get some fresh air, and take bathroom breaks.

This will help prevent stiffness or discomfort and allow them to move around and stretch their legs. Ensure your furry friend is hydrated throughout the car ride, especially during hot weather, and take breaks to offer them water as needed.

Bring a leash to secure and control your dog all the time. Carry a poop bag with you to clean up after your dog whenever necessary. Lastly, taking frequent breaks also allows your dog to rest and relax to help reduce their stress and anxiety, making the journey more pleasant for both of you.

Exercise your dog before the car ride to burn off excess energy and help them relax during the ride.

Take your dog for a long walk or run before the car ride to help them burn off some energy. Allow them to relieve themselves before the trip to help reduce the risk of accidents during the car ride. 

Exercising your furry friend before a long car ride is a smart move to ensure a smoother journey, but don’t overdo it. It can help to: 

• Prevent anxiety
• Reduce stress
• Encourage good behavior
• Improve their overall health

Bring along toys, puzzle games, or chew treats to keep your dog entertained during the car ride.

Keeping your dog entertained during a long car ride can significantly impact their mood and overall experience. Dogs can get bored quickly, leading to restlessness, whining, or even destructive behavior. 

Puzzle games are also a great way to keep your dog's mind active and engaged during the car ride. These games can help reduce anxiety and boredom by providing a challenge for your dog to solve.

Chew treats are another excellent option for keeping your dog occupied during the car ride. These treats help alleviate anxiety and boredom and provide a tasty reward for your dog. 

Use a calming aid to help them relax.

If your dog gets anxious or nervous during car rides, a few natural remedies can help them feel more relaxed. Here are some of them:

1. Lavender oil. This is a natural remedy that can help calm and relax dogs. Put a few drops of lavender oil on a bandana or cloth and place it near your dog during the car ride. You can also use a lavender oil spray in the car to create a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Pheromone sprays.  It helps them feel calm and secure. You can spray a pheromone in the car before the ride to help your dog feel more relaxed.
3. Natural supplements. There are several options to help reduce anxiety in dogs, like Chamomile, valerian root, and L-tryptophan. 
4. Audiobooks or music: Some dogs may find audiobooks or music calming during a car ride. You can try playing soothing music or an audiobook for dogs to help your dog relax.

Avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before the car ride.

Be mindful of their feeding schedule if you're on a long car ride with your dog. A large meal right before the ride can increase the chances of an upset stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. 

A small meal a few hours before the car ride is recommended so your dog will have enough time to digest their food and defecate before the trip. A small snack during the ride to keep them from getting too hungry is okay, but be careful not to overfeed them.

Bring your dog to the vet.

To ensure your dog is ready for the journey, have it checked by your vet first.  Make sure to update your dog’s vaccination before heading to a new place. Your dog could be exposed to different viruses or diseases while you are on the trip. 

If your dog takes any medications, your vet can ensure you have enough for the trip and even prescribe additional meds to help keep your furry friend calm and comfortable during the ride.

Summary

Traveling with your dog can be a memorable and fantastic experience! It is s essential to take the time to prepare for the journey to ensure that your dog stays safe and comfortable so you can enjoy a fun car ride together!