Travelling By Car With a Dog: Top Tips

travelling tips

Taking your dog with you on your summer holiday can be a wonderful way to make memories and have fun with your furry friend. However, travelling by car with a dog in order to get there can be a task – especially in hot weather.

Road conditions, the weather and unexpected traffic delays can cause dogs and owners to become easily agitated and stressed. However, with the right preparation and planning, travelling by car with a dog can be made a lot easier. 

These top tips should help to reduce the stress this summer!

Keep Your Dog Secure

A lot of the stress that dogs experience when travelling comes as a result of feeling unsafe in their surroundings. It’s also a legal requirement to ensure your pet is suitably restrained in the car.

To avoid this, you should give your dog a secure travel space, such as a carrier or travel crate and ensure that they are familiarised with this space before the journey. Ensure the crate or carrier is big enough for your dog can sit, stand and lie down naturally inside.

If your dog is uncomfortable in a carrier, there are also harnesses and pet seatbelts that will stop them from moving around in the car.

It is important that the carrier and harness is safely secured in the car to keep your pet safe and reduce the risk of the driver becoming distracted. 

Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks to walk your dog in the fresh air can make travelling with them easier as it can help to reduce restlessness.

During your breaks you should also provide your dog with something to drink, as this will help them to stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature in a warm car.

Travel water bottleOralade gi_support

Keep The Car Ventilated

A hot car is unpleasant for humans who have the ability to adjust clothing layers, so an overly warm car can be unbearable for dogs that are unable to remove their fur.

When travelling by car with a dog therefore, it is important to keep fresh air flowing throughout the car for the entire journey.

However, you should not allow your dog to put their head out of the window, especially when travelling at speed, as this could lead to injury. 

Exercise Your Dog Before Travelling

Ensuring that your dog is well-exercised before the journey can help them to release any excess energy, meaning they are more likely to sleep during the journey as they will be more relaxed.

You should aim to do this in enough time before you leave to allow your dog to cool down before getting in the car.

Provide Your Dog With Entertainment

As you might with a young child, you can bring toys to distract and entertain your pet on the journey.

Chew toys, KONGs, and other toys that require concentration can help to keep your pet calm as they are distracted from the fact they are travelling. This will likely help to reduce restlessness.

Be Aware of Dog Travel Sickness

It is not uncommon for dogs to experience travel sickness. If your pet suffers from this, is can make car travel very stressful for both dog and owner.

The majority of cases of dog travel sickness can be managed with behavioural therapy and in some cases, supplements or travel sickness tablets. Take a look at our blog on Travel Sickness in Dogs for more advice on how to prevent and treat it.

Stay Calm

Even though you may be stressed, it is important to try to stay calm when travelling by car with a dog, avoiding any sudden outbursts of noise that may cause distress. Any stress or anger you show will affect your dog’s mood.

Of course no one can ever be fully prepared for what may arise when travelling by car with a dog, but preparing yourself and remaining calm will help to reduce any possible mishaps.