Many dog owners wish to bring their furry friend along when they go out, but it can be challenging. If you're planning to take your dog with you on a long car journey, there are some important things you need to prepare for. Our veterinarians in Oak Grove can provide you with all the information you need to know before embarking on a road trip with your dog.
Traveling With A Dog
Traveling with your pet can make trip planning more complicated. It's important to plan ahead for your furry friend.
This includes mapping out your route to include frequent stops for bathroom breaks and fresh air. Some dogs can get car sick, so breaks are essential to avoid this.
You should also create a packing list specifically for your pet to ensure you have all the essentials. Remember to pack food, water, toys, and any necessary medication or documentation.
Food & Water
Before embarking on your trip with your furry friend, it's essential to ensure that you have enough food and water for your dog for the duration of your journey. Also, make sure to bring good dishes for them to eat out of.
It's best to avoid the hassle of stopping to buy more food during the trip, which can cause delays, and there's a possibility that you may not find your dog's preferred brand of food, especially if your dog is picky.
Bringing your own water is critical, either in bottles or larger containers, to avoid having your dog drink from unknown sources, which can lead to stomach problems. Water is a vital necessity, so it's best not to take any chances.
Leash/Collar
When you take your dog with you on trips, make sure to keep their collar on and attach their I.D. and license tags to it. If you take them outside of the car, make sure to leash them.
Don't forget to update your dog's information on their I.D. tags with the correct phone number so you can be reached if they get lost.
It's also a good idea to add a friend's phone number as a backup number on the tag, especially when you're traveling.
Toys
If you're taking your dog on a long drive, it's likely they'll get bored. To prevent this, make sure to bring some toys and bones for them to play with and chew on during the trip. This will keep them entertained and make the journey less dull for your furry friend.
Medication
If your dog needs medication, it's crucial to remember to bring it with you when you travel. Forgetting it could cause problems like having trouble finding a vet to replace it or your dog getting sick. Also, consider packing preventive medication like motion sickness medication for your furry friend.
Treats
When you're driving, giving your dog treats can help encourage them to behave well.
Towels/Blankets
You can use towels to clean your car seats and wipe your dog if it gets muddy or wet on the trip. It's a good idea to bring your dog's blankets from home, so they can have a familiar place to sleep during the car ride, and also to protect your car and keep your furry friend comfortable.
Waste Bags
When taking your dog for a ride, make sure to have poop bags on hand. This way, when you stop to let your furry friend do their business, you can clean up after them and dispose of the waste properly. It's a good idea to keep these bags in your car all the time, so you're always prepared when nature calls for your pup.
First Aid Kit & Vaccination Records
In case your dog gets sick or injured due to an accident, it's crucial to have all their vaccination records handy in case you need to take them to the vet. It's also a good idea to keep basic first aid supplies such as bandages and gauze in your dog's emergency kit to handle any minor injuries.
Cleaning Supplies
If your dog has an accident along the way, you are going to need some cleaning supplies to clean up your car. We suggest you pack air fresheners, rubber gloves, fabric cleaners, and trash bags.