If you like to travel, you probably have a road trip checklist that includes snacks, water and entertainment for the long hours ahead. Do you have a similar checklist for your furry four-legged travel companion?
The safest way to travel with a dog in the car is to be prepared. Adding a dog to your long-distance trips doesn't have to be difficult. If you follow a few best practices for driving with dogs you can make the trip less stressful for both you and your dog.
1. Restrain Him
The safest way to travel with a dog in the car is to secure him in a crate. If that isn't an option, try a seat belt specially made for dogs. We've all seen a dog with his head lolling out the window as his pet parent zips along in the passing lane, but letting a dog roam around your car is not safe. A dog who's unrestrained in a crash could be ejected from the vehicle or injured by an airbag. It's also for driver and passenger safety: If a dog gets nervous or excited on the road and begins bouncing around the car the distraction could cause an accident.
2. Make Sure He Wants to Go
While many dogs are excited about taking a ride in the car, others are not interested. Dogs can get carsick, become anxious or otherwise prefer to stay on solid ground. Take your dog for test drives before setting out on an epic road trip to gauge his comfort level in the car. If he's nervous you might want to consider finding a pet sitter or kennel for him instead. If you must travel together by car, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions for car sickness or anxiety.
3. Prepare a Pet Travel Kit
Just like your own travel bag, a kit for driving with dogs should have snacks (dog food and a bowl), drinks (water and a bowl) and entertainment (nylon bones or a favorite toy are a good start). The pack should also contain a leash, grooming supplies, waste bags and any necessary medications. Your pup may appreciate a comfy blanket to rest on if you expect it to be cold or there is no dog bed in his crate. Need more ideas? Make a list and check it before every trip. Make sure to keep any food, treats or medication out of his available reach though. What you don't want is to wind up at your destination only to find out that you need to make a trip to the pet store to pick up more food because he secretly ate his trip rations in the back of the car.
4. Update His Tags
The worst feeling in the world is to realize your dog has gone missing. Before setting out on a road trip — or any time you change your address — make sure your dog's tags are up to date. You should also check that the address and phone number on his microchip are current. You don't want to lose your pup hundreds of miles from home! If your trip takes you out of state or out of the country, be sure to bring his most recent vaccination tag or proof of a rabies shot to comply with local pet laws. It is always a good idea to check country, state and local pet laws before bringing your dog with you to ensure you are compliant with all of the requirements.
Tasty Tips
5. Keep Him Hydrated and Comfortable
You might want to just keep driving to get to your destination as quickly as possible, but a long trip with no breaks isn't fair to your dog. Bring jugs or bottled water for your pet, and give him a water break — along with a chance to stretch his legs and relieve himself — every few hours. Unless you're going on a multi-day trip, avoid giving him food during a road trip. You could easily wind up with a carsick dog. It's a good idea to plan out your stops in advance of your road trip to ensure that he will have amble grass to relieve himself.
Doggy comfort stops can be an adventure all by themselves. Find restaurants with outdoor seating, take turns at rest stops and search for pet-friendly hotels. Never, ever leave your pet alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. A locked car can quickly and dangerously overheat. Many states even have laws that allow them to break into your car if they see your pet is left alone in a car.
Finally, make sure your pup has a relaxed ride by keeping the car a comfortable temperature for him. You can open the windows if he's in his crate, but avoid letting him stick his head out since he could injure himself. Never let him ride in the back of a pickup truck outside of a secured crate.
Feeling a little more ready to take on a road trip with your pup? Great! With a little preparation, you will both have a great journey and make lots of memories together.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Related articles
Escaping Dogs: Why Dogs Get Loose & How to Prevent It
Learn why your dog wants to escape your backyard, their clever ways of getting out, and tips for keeping them from escaping.
Healthy Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
If you're looking for an easy way to create healthy, homemade dog treats for your dog, try one of these 2 recipes from Hill's Pet Nutrition.
Helping a New Dog's Anxiety After Coming Home
Anxiety can be a problem for dogs, especially ones new to your family. Learn how common anxiety symptoms like diarrhea can happen & how to help them relax.
Dogs and Ticks: Protecting Your Pup
Everything you need to know about dogs & ticks: identifying different types of ticks, what diseases they can cause and how to prevent future tick bites.
Helpful Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Around the Holidays
Holidays can be a busy, frantic time of year that most dogs are accustomed to. Ensure your dog stays safe by following our quick tips.
Common Causes of Dog Skin Conditions
Understand the common irritants that cause various dog skin conditions, whether they be due to parasites, infections, food, or the environment.
Why Does My Dog Keep Burying Stuff?
Learn why dogs often seem fixated on burying all kinds of items, which dog breeds like to bury stuff the most and how to curb your dog's burying behavior.
Why Is My Dog Afraid of the Dark?
Discover common reasons why your dog seems afraid of the dark, including things like separation anxiety & traumas, and how to help reduce their fears.
Can Dogs See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Discover how whether your dog can actually see in the dark, how well they can see, and if they're safe when the lights are low or off completely.
Facial Paralysis in Dogs: Is Your Pup Looking Droopy?
Learn how to recognize the signs of facial paralysis in dogs, understand its causes and how the condition can be managed with the help of your vet.
Pneumonia in Dogs: Types, Clinical Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Pneumonia in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, & Treatment
Are Dog Vitamins and Supplements a Good Idea for My Dog?
Dog vitamins are not right for every dog. Dig into common types of vitamins your vet might prescribe and why some supplements are not good for your pup.
Outside Games & Activities for Your Puppy
Get ready to discover fun activities you can have with your new puppy outdoors while learning how to keep him safe and happy.
How Do I Know If My Dog Likes Day Care?
Learn tell-tale signs to figure out if your dog really likes going to day care, as well as signs that it might be time to explore other day care options.
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
It's a tasty treat, but is pineapple safe for dogs? Discover the pros and cons of feeding your dog pineapple and how to do it safely.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
You know that bathing your dog is important, but how often should you do it? Learn the right dog bath frequency, based on their breed, lifestyle & health.
Brain Aging in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn what causes brain aging, behavioral changes and alertness in your aging dog. Discover what you can do to help prevent some of these dog diseases.
3 Steps to Prepare Your Apartment For a Dog
Learn tips to think about if you're considering a dog for apartment living, including ideal breeds/characteristics & how to make your space dog-friendly.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
How to Use Dog Diapers
Learn all about the different types of dog diapers, how to use them and why it might be beneficial for pups that are getting older to wear one.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.