For some dogs, car rides are a blast! For others, it can be a relatively unenjoyable experience. This makes it important to have a plan when traveling with our furry friends. 

Safety tips: 

  • Keep small dogs in their carriers while traveling
  • Use a hard, sturdy carrier with plenty of space to move around
  • Make sure the carrier has plenty of ventilation for air flow
  • Consider purchasing a special seat belt or safety harness (check out this 3 in 1 harness, for example)
  • Never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle 
  • If traveling a long distance, be sure to stop for bathroom breaks, and give your dog a chance to drink some cool water
  • Keep a pet first aid kit in the car (read our blog post here on how to build a proper first aid kit for your dog)

dog in carrier with sunglasses

Keeping comfortable:

  • Throw a blanket or bed in the seat where your dog will be riding so he or she can rest comfortably
  • If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about anti-nausea medications, such as Cerenia
  • If your dog gets anxiety while on car rides, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of using a mild sedative to help reduce anxiety. They help promote relaxation and sleep.
  • If using anxiety medication or anti-nausea medication, get enough doses for the car ride to and from your destination. You can also try things like Thundershirts or Adaptil to help calm your dog during the trip. 
  • In fact, get one extra dose of medications so you can go for a test ride before the big trip to ensure the medication is going to help.
  • Get a toy, such as a Kong for your dog before the trip (check out The Daily Dog’s full Kong review here). Fill it with a treat to keep your pup occupied for a while. A good trick is to fill the Kong with peanut butter and put it in the freezer the night before. This will keep your dog occupied for much longer!

Have a great trip!

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