How to Take Your Dog on a Car Trip

Many dogs love car rides, and it can be a lot of fun to take them with you wherever you go. However, not all dogs feel the same way. This article will share some tips to ensure the safety of your furry friend while traveling by car, whether they enjoy it or not.

Find ways to keep your dog safe in the car. It's important not to let your dog roam freely in the car as it can be dangerous. If you're going on a long trip or if your dog gets anxious in the car, it's best to confine them in a pet carrier. This is the most effective way to keep your dog secure and under control while driving. Keeping your dog in a carrier will help you focus on driving instead of worrying about your dog, which is crucial as distractions while driving can easily lead to accidents. Additionally, your dog will be safe in case of sudden stops or collisions.

• If you don't want to use a carrier, at least find a way to keep your dog in one spot. For instance, if your car has a separate trunk space, you can place your dog in there. If the car's trunk is spacious, you could use a pet barrier to prevent your dog from jumping to the back seats. You can also lay down a blanket or place their bed in a corner so they can rest comfortably during the journey. Make sure there are no unsecured heavy items, such as bowls or bottles, in the car, as they can pose a hazard in the event of an accident. Many dogs prefer to sleep to avoid motion sickness.
• You can also buy a car seat for your dog. Although these seats are not as secure as a carrier, they provide a safer and more comfortable option for your dog during sharp turns or sudden stops. A pet booster seat is one of the most popular choices. These seats attach to the front seat and the backrest, creating a soft space for your dog to sit in, and even contain any accidents. You can either make your own seat or buy one at a reasonable price.
• Alternatively, you can use a dog seatbelt if you don’t want to use a carrier or if your car only has two seats. Remember to attach the seatbelt to the dog harness, not to the collar. The dog seatbelt has two ends: one attaches to the car seatbelt latch, and the other has a hook similar to a dog leash. Hooking this to your dog's harness ensures their safety and avoids injury to their neck in case of an accident.
• If using a dog carrier, make sure it's properly secured. The dog carrier must be fastened securely so it won't move during sudden stops or collisions. An unsecured carrier can be even more dangerous than allowing your dog to roam freely in the car.

Introduce your dog to the crate. It's important to help your dog become comfortable with the crate in a positive way. You can let your dog sniff the crate before getting in the car. Once the crate is in the car, place your dog inside. Maintain a positive attitude while your dog is in the crate, and step away for a few minutes. You should also encourage your dog to enter the crate on their own using treats, and never force them inside.

Let your dog exercise before the trip. It's best to tire your dog out before placing them in the crate. A dog that is confined to a crate when tired may not enjoy the ride, but confining them when full of energy could make the situation worse.

Don't feed your dog right before the trip. You should allow at least a few hours between feeding and the trip to prevent car sickness or accidents on the ride, which could make the experience uncomfortable for both you and your dog.

Pack essentials for your dog when traveling. Prepare a comfortable space for your dog by placing their bed or a blanket in the car. Don't forget to bring water, treats, their collar, leash, favorite chew toys, and a plastic bag for bathroom breaks.

Give your dog a few chew toys to keep them busy. It's better not to give them bones or food as rewards, as they might vomit if they get car sick.

• Don't give your dog noisy toys; they might drive you crazy.

Consult a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of motion sickness. Never administer Dramamine or other medications to your dog without a veterinarian's guidance. The vet can also recommend other methods to help prevent motion sickness in your dog.

Manage your dog's hyperactive behavior before the trip. If your dog is particularly energetic, consult with a veterinarian prior to the trip to see if there are any mild and safe sedatives, especially for long journeys. Be sure to follow the prescribed dosage as recommended by the vet.

Acclimate your puppy or new dog to sitting in the car. Start by letting your dog sit in the car while the engine is off. Gradually take your dog on short trips until both of you are comfortable with longer car rides.

Take your dog to fun places during the first few trips. Don't go on long journeys immediately. Allow your dog to become familiar with the car's space. You can take your dog to a park or grassy area so they associate car rides with something positive, rather than just visits to the vet.

Always make sure your dog wears a collar during car trips. No matter how well-behaved your dog is, there’s always a chance it could jump out of the car and run off. Ensure you can identify your dog if it gets lost while traveling.

Take breaks during the journey. Let your dog run around and burn off some energy. You should also offer them a light snack and some water during these stops. Remember to stop every hour of driving for a short walk, even if it's just on the grass near a roadside snack stand. This gives your dog a chance to relieve itself, and you can hydrate it too. Taking a break is essential for your dog to stretch its legs and avoid boredom.

• This is especially crucial for long trips. Four hours is generally the maximum time a dog can sit in a car without needing a long break. As the driver, you should stop every two hours. Choose spots with grass and quiet surroundings. Don't stop right by the road. Lock your car, offer your dog some food and water, and then take it for a walk to burn off some energy.
• If you stop near a busy road, ALWAYS use a leash to keep your dog safe.

Never leave your dog in a parked car on hot days. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke and die quickly if left in a car. To ensure safety, avoid leaving your dog in a car alone when the weather is hot, even for a short period.

• If you stop to buy food, park in the shade and crack the windows slightly to allow cool air in. Leave a bowl of fresh water in the car for your dog, unbuckle the seatbelt if your dog is sitting in a seat, then lock the car and get takeout.
• Avoid leaving your dog in the car for more than 5 minutes on warm days to prevent overheating. If you need to stay longer, such as waiting in a long line for food, secure your dog right outside the door or near a restaurant where you can keep an eye on it. At least this way, it won’t get too hot while you wait. Be sure to attach the leash securely to prevent your dog from running off or being taken by someone else.

Don’t comfort your dog when it seems sad. While comforting might seem like a natural response, it could make your dog think that something bad is happening. Try to remain calm as usual and observe whether your dog is genuinely sad or just uncomfortable.

Reward your dog when you reach your destination. As soon as you arrive, take your dog for a walk, give it a treat, and offer praise for completing the journey.

• Bring along your dog’s favorite blanket or towel to help them feel more comfortable during the trip.
• Before your dog's first car ride, avoid feeding it 2 to 4 hours prior to the journey so it boards the car on an empty stomach. A few motion-sickness-free rides will help your dog get used to traveling.
• If the trip lasts longer than 24 hours, plan ahead and find a pet-friendly hotel where both you and your dog can rest comfortably.
• Always have a dog-specific bag when you go for walks, so you can clean up after your dog does its business.
• Try to encourage your dog to relieve itself before getting in the car to avoid accidents on the journey and to make the trip more convenient for both of you.
• Be patient, friendly, and loving toward your dog. Just like with you, car rides can be stressful for your dog.
• Never let your dog stick its head out of the window. The dust can get in its eyes, or it could be thrown out of the car in case of sudden stops or an accident.

• Many dogs will vomit excessively. Keep a close watch on your dog, and for safety, it's best to line the back seat with an old blanket or newspaper.