Tips for a Safe and Fun Road Trip With Your Dog

Koa and I have many road trip adventures together.  Sometimes it’s a quick trip from NYC to Woodstock or the Catskills, other times it’s a longer trip to Chicago or Boston. In either case, Koa loves visiting new places with new sights and smells.

Whether you are thinking of going on a hiking trip or heading to the beach, there are plenty of dog-friendly travel options. It’s important to travel together safely, the best way is to prepare beforehand and have a plan. There are a few things to consider, below are some of my top traveling tips and some of our favorite products for a comfortable and smooth journey.

Before I hit the road

• Plan the route and locate dog-friendly stops
• Many restaurants with outdoor seating allow dogs
• Stretch your legs and human bathroom stops at stores
• Pet stores (eg, Petco, PetSmart) and grab your pup a new treat or toy!
• Department stores (eg, Macy’s, TJ Maxx) and browse around for a new outfit or seasonal decorations
• Find dog-friendly accommodations
• I love Kimpton Hotels, they are a 5-star dog-friendly experience
• Websites like Bring Fido provide a list of accommodations for every budget
• Don’t forget to bring enough dog food, a dog water bottle, any medications, and poop bags

Health and safety tips:

• ID tag with Koa’s name and my contact information
• Ensure vaccines and preventatives are up-to-date
• A copy of Koa’s current medical records/health certificate
• Be prepared for an emergency, I have a dog first-aid kit handy. I also have our health insurance helpline and policy number in my contact list. ASPCA has a Pet Poison Helpline number 888-426-4435

During our road trip

Tips for car sickness:

• Travel on an empty stomach, and limit the amount of food 4 hours before to minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting
• Exercise before to get Koa’s energy out
• Keep the car well-ventilated, I keep my windows cracked to circulate fresh air
• Blanket for familiar smells and comfort
• A thundershirt, it swaddles Koa to reduce anxiety
• Medication, ask your veterinarian if this is right for your dog. Koa has tried trazodone, alprazolam, maropitant citrate, and clonidine

 Tips for the car ride:

• Koa uses the back seat and has a car harness and belt (https://amzn.to/3UkenAi) that allows him to be restrained
• Stop frequently to stretch and empty their bladder, we stop every 2-3 hours traveling up to 7 hours a day
• I keep high-value treats handy for positive rewards and sometimes to coax Koa in and out of the car
• Rear seat protector, we use rental cars 

Now you are ready to have a safe and fun road trip!

Have any other tips and tricks? Let us know, comment below.

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