How to Travel Long Distance with a Dog (9 Tips!)

No matter how exciting traveling with a dog may be, the excitement will come to an end if your pup is uncomfortable and the journey is long.  To give your dog comfort during a long trip, I’ll discuss some important preparations you should consider before you leave your home.

A Visit to the Veterinary Clinic

Your veterinarian is in the best position to decide if your dog can travel. If she gives you the green light, ask her if she can make the trip less stressful for your dog. The vet will know best how to address common problems with your particular breed of dog.

1. Book a Friendly Room

Before you travel, make sure the hotel at which you’re booking is pet-friendly. There are hotels that don’t allow pets and it’s hard to know which ones they are. Plan ahead and do your due diligence.

2. Split Your Trip into Manageable Segments

If you think your pet is going to be affected by a long-distance trip, split the trip into smaller parts. There are some dog breeds that aren’t allowed in some hotels. Don’t just check if the hotel accommodates dogs, make sure your breed is on the preferred list.

3. Travel with Meals and Snacks

Bring lots of snacks for your pets. I recommend a braided chew-friendly dog bone that’ll keep doggie preoccupied.

4. Teach Your Dog to Stay Calm in the Car

Before your long-distance trip, go on short ones with your dog. Acclimation is important, especially if Rover hasn’t traveled before.

But more importantly, you could reward your dog with treats so he’ll be conditioned to stay calm in the car.

And besides, if he’s anything like me, your dog will soon fall asleep from the hypnotic highway vibrations.

5. Eating: When to Feed

Unfortunately, some dogs just don’t do well on car trips. If you haven’t traveled with your pup, you won’t know how he’ll respond to a long drive until you do. In this case, I’d suggest bringing plastic wraps in the event your dog has to vomit. Wrap the area where your dog will be to protect the interior of the car. I’d also suggest you not feed your dog a full meal at least 8 hours before the trip; consider smaller bites more frequently to monitor his health. Do not forget about water for your puppy, especially in the summer hot day.

6. Secure Your Pet’s Crate

If you intend to use a crate to transport your dog, ensure it’s well-secured. The last thing you want is for it to become unfastened and compromise the safety of your pet. Use the seatbelt around the crate if it’ll reach, or consider purchasing a seat-belt extender to do the job.

7. There Should Be Rest Stops

You should remember to stop in intervals of between two and three hours. This would strengthen your pet and give him the energy he needs to move around when he arrives at your destination.

8. Bring Interactive Dog Toys

Have you considered interactive favorite toys to keep your dog preoccupied? This is one of the best ways to keep him relaxed and mentally stimulated.

9. Bring Washable Dog Beds

A dog bed should be washable because we know how dirty and smelly dogs are. By laying out a bed, you’ll keep your vehicle clean. You’ll also be providing a familiar environment for your dog.

This is especially important if you’re traveling far from home, camping in the woods, or even RVing with your dog at a campground. Having a familiar place will lower your dog’s stress during the trip.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed these tips. Remember, your dog shouldn’t be an afterthought. If the above suggestions aren’t to your liking, consider listening to slow music during your trip to reduce stress — for you and your best friend.