If you want to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing drive with your dog, it’s important that you pack right for the trip. From your dog’s staple food and snacks to their favorite toys and treats – make sure you have everything at your disposal.
Also, it’s a good idea to pack at least two leashes for your dog. Most accommodation facilities and public places will ask you to keep your dog on a leash all the time. Packing a spare leash will come in handy if the regular one gets misplaced or damaged.
Likewise, if your car has enough space, it’s recommended that you carry your dog’s bed, pillows, and blanks. It’ll ensure that they’re comfortable inside the car when you’re driving for long stretches. You should even consider buying a seatbelt harness and dog crate for more convenience.
Put together a travel bag for your dog. A small travel bag, preferably with a Velcro seal or zip to prevent everything from falling out or to prevent your dog from getting in. Here is a list of some essential items to pack for:
What to Bring for Your Pets During a Road Trip?
Food, Treats and Water containers
This is the most important thing on the list. You should pack the food and treats your dog usually eats. Going to unfamiliar places might be stressful for them, it might trigger stress on your puppy. Having something familiar with them will make them feel better.
Moreover, some dogs have certain nutritional needs, for example, small breeds need a certain nutrition dieter than bigger dogs. As people who travel need some extra vitamins, so does your dog. Especially if your dog has joint or bladder problems, dog multivitamin supplement and cranberry supplement for dogs will keep your dog healthy and active.
Maltipoo dog food might be different from Pitbull dog food since smaller breeds can be more prone to gastrointestinal issues, so you should only choose the best food for a certain breed. Moreover, it will be hard for you to get a hold of food when you are on the road. Lastly, small treats will keep them quiet and happy while on the road.
I use lightweight clip-sealed plastic containers. Very quick and easy to put out during rest stops and being resealable, saves wasting precious water. I put the lid on the food bowl at night to keep little critters out. Collapsible bowls are also great and better for space-saving.
You can never have too much. Refill old juice bottles or water cans to keep you and your dog hydrated. Reward your dog for being a great traveling companion, or use the treats to reassure your dog in any unfamiliar areas.
Snap lock bags
The world’s best invention. If we are going away for short trips, I pre measure the food into single-day portions. This will save space and eliminate the need for measuring cups or big, bulky bags of food.
Diaper or Waste Bag
You will be on the road most of the time, so expect that there will be unexpected potty breaks now and then. If you don’t want to regularly go to pit stops or go down every time, then you should bring a diaper or waste bag.
Pets will feel cooped up in cars the same as humans and unless you have lots of time and patience in going to the bathroom then you should just bring the bathroom with you.
Essential to pick up after your dog along the way. Most parking areas have bins to throw these away, but if not, take some extra thick plastic bags. Dog Poo STINKS!
Dog Carrier and Leash
Going on a road trip also means spending a lot of time outside. You should bring a dog carrier and leash with you all the time. Security guards sometimes don’t allow dogs to enter some premises without being carried or on a leash.
Besides, having them on a leash or your carrier means also making you in control of all of their movements while outside. Dogs also tend to panic, get eagerly excited, or run when they are in an unfamiliar place. There are plenty of dog carriers and leashes on the market that you can purchase depending on your preferences.
Dog bed
Place the dog bed on the back set to make a safe and comfortable place for your dog to settle. May encourage him to have a nap on the way too.
Towels
Road trips are fun, and if you come across a nice place, let your dog out for a play. You will appreciate the towels to dry off before getting back in the car.
Toys
Who doesn’t need their favorite toy on a long road trip? If your dog gets irritable or bored in the car, take a toy that will keep him occupied.
As mentioned before, your dog may feel trapped in the car, especially if they are not used to car rides. You should help them not to get restless by bringing them toys that they can play with when they start to get a little bit restless. It doesn’t have to be plenty of new ones, it will be better if it is their favorite or familiar item. You should bring a ball or stick too for them to play with when you’re on a pit stop for them to release pent-up energy
Something to keep your dog relaxed
How about going all out for your furry friend and buying them a private label dog treat, for example? If your dog tends to feel anxious or stressed, a CBD treat could help to keep them calm throughout your trip.
Conclusion
A road trip will be even more fun with your best friend. It will not only be a way for you to form stronger connections and release stress, but it will also create good memories for both of you. You just have to make sure that your pet will be well-prepared physically and mentally for the trip. And with this list provided, it will be much easier for you to prepare the necessary items without the hassle.
No need to leave your dog home when you go on your next holiday. A little planning and preparation will ensure that the whole family has a safe and enjoyable holiday. Have you ever been on a road trip with your four-legged furry friend? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Take a look at this other article to learn more tips about traveling with pets.
