Get Your Dog Road Trip Ready

Road trips are so much fun when you have your best bud in tow. Here are some top tips on how to make road trips enjoyable for your doggy companion.

1. Make sure riding in the car is a positive experience for your dog. Training experts suggest warming up your furry friend by taking them on frequent, short trips to places they enjoy. If they are still nervous around the vehicle, encourage them with positive reinforcement any time they interact with the car.

2. Keep your dog as comfortable as you can. Make sure the lights, sounds, and movements of the car aren’t stressful to your dog. If they are heavily panting this can either indicate overheating or anxiety. Crank up the cool air and classical music. Maybe grab a few over-the-counter anti-anxiety treats or ask your vet to order anxiety medication.

3. Make plenty of pitstops. Your dog is going to need to relieve themselves regularly. These stops are a perfect place to let them run around and sniff all the new smells they can.

4. Your pup’s safety is very important. There is a large range of vehicle safety products that you can test out to see what will work best in your family. A carrier, booster seat, or seatbelt adapter are just a few options. For emergencies, map out where Vet Clinics are located on your route.

Learn more about these tips and others on the Independent.