Travelling with dogs (Road Trips) Tips, Tricks, Advice and more!
So, now that we know Covid-19 is here to stay, a lot of people have been trying to take road trips. And of course, we don't want to leave our furry friends behind! But traveling with a dog in the car can be hectic, especially if you're also taking children along with you. Well, now you don't need to worry - we have a lot of experience! Barfi's only a year old and he's already gone on 4-5 road trips (Some of them are even days long!) So here are some of the tips we found useful when traveling with dogs -
1. GET YOUR DOG USED TO THE CAR
Now, dogs are not like us. They aren't familiar with the idea of traveling in a huge, claustrophobic box with air vents and music for hours on end. So, most of them take their time to get used to the car. For example, before we actually took a road trip with Barfi, we took him on short car rides to the beach, to the ice cream parlor, etc. This way, he became comfortable with the car, and after the first few rides, he even started falling asleep in there. On your first road trip with your dog, make sure to carry a few treats (unless they have an upset stomach - I'll get to that later) so that you can reward them when they relax in the car. This way, they'll associate the car with good things.
2. NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
The first step was to get your dog desensitized to the car. But now, I'm going to walk you through all of the necessary precautions you should take, especially if it's your first road trip with your dog. In fact, it's advisable to take a quick trip to the vet and get a checkup done, just to make sure your doggo is completely healthy and fit to travel! Sometimes, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, or has trouble digesting his/her food, the vet will give you a couple of tablets to take before getting in the car. This was the case for Barfi, so around an hour or two before the trip, we put the tablet in with his breakfast, which helped a lot. If you are in a similar situation, please wait for an hour or an hour and a half after giving your dog the tablet and only then get into the car.
Please note that although the tablets are quite effective and make your journey easier, they do not always work and so it is advisable to carry a bag, towel, or cloth in case your dog has an accident in the car. They are also just precautionary and you should give them to your dog only when they are necessary. For example, after the first two road trips, we stopped giving tablets to Barfi and he was fine! At the end of the day, tablets aren't good for your dogs, so you should limit them as much as possible.
3. MEALS
The number of meals your dog has on the road trip depends on two things -
1. How long the road trip is
2. How sensitive his/her stomach is
So, if you're taking a journey that overlaps the timings of their meals, don't worry! The important thing is not to feed them in the car. It can get really messy, and there are chances of them puking. The car is usually very bumpy for dogs, and after all that food is in their stomach, they are going to be very uncomfortable. It'll be better to give them their full meal after you reach your destination, or give them extra food in their next meal. It's okay to do that, it's only for one day, and it'll ensure that your dog has a safe and comfy ride.
If your journey stretches over two days (like ours was when we traveled from Bombay to Goa - you can read about that here), then it's a good idea to make a stop someplace for the night. We stopped at a resort called Heritage, which is on the outskirts of Kolhapur, for the night and then continued to Goa on the next day. We gave Barfi all of his meals in Kolhapur and just water in the car.
A QUICK AND EASY SOLUTION TO FILL YOUR DOGS' STOMACH DURING THE TRIP
Well, when your dog is traveling, especially if it's a long trip, it's usually advisable not to give them food in the car. So to make the first meal more filling (This works especially well with kibble), mix yogurt and applesauce into it. This way, your dog won't feel hungry during the trip and you'll be able to have a smooth journey! (To make applesauce, just put an apple, peeled and cored, in your blender and mix a little water as well until it forms a paste.)
4. BATHROOM BREAKS
Obviously, your dog can't do his/her business in the car. If you have a small dog and are carrying it in a crate or a doggie bag during the car ride, you can train it to do its business in there. Or, if your dog is still very young and using pee pads, then that's even better, you can train it to go on the pad. But probably the easiest and most convenient way to do it is to stop the car in a secluded area (preferably with some grass or plants - your dog will feel more comfortable).
5. KEEP YOUR PUP OCCUPIED
Dogs are restless. You cannot expect them to sit quietly and obediently during a car ride. If not kept busy, they can get really naughty and create a mess. But don't worry, 'cause there's a simple solution! Take your dog's favorite chew toy the day before your trip and place it in the freezer for the night. In the morning, take it out and give it to your dog in the car. The hard, cold toy will provide a good source of entertainment for your dog! If chew toys aren't exciting enough, don't worry. Just give them a chewy treat or a Kong toy, provided they don't have sensitive stomachs. They'll be busy the whole time!
6. A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY KEEP HANDY
Last but not the least, I've compiled some items that you definitely need when going on a road trip.
1. Dustbin bags - Road trips can take unexpected turns. (pun intended.) But to steer the situation in the right direction (I couldn't help that one), you can prevent accidents, which include puking, by carrying these bags with you.
2. Car seat cover - This is probably one of the most useful things we found for Barfi. All you need to do is drape it over your car seat, and your upholstery won't be damaged, scratched, or covered in fur. It also provides a better grip and is more comfortable to sit and rest on.
3. Long leashes - If you're traveling somewhere where there's a lot of open space, I suggest getting a long leash. Please don't mistake this for a retractable leash. Retractable leashes are very harmful to dogs and can cause severe damage. A long leash simply makes it easier for your dog to run around without pulling you.
4. Medicine - Even if your dog's health is perfect, it's a good idea to carry a few basic medicines for the stomach, etc. in case something happens during the ride.
5. Blanket - If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or does not like leaving the house, it's helpful to carry a blanket or something else which has the scent of your home so that they are calm.
6. Flea and tick repellent - You never know what might be lurking out there. Carrying flea and tick repellent keeps your dog safe and happy.
7. Brush/Comb - Make sure to carry these, they can prove useful for combing out fleas and for brushing out knots and dirt. If you brush your dog's teeth, carry a toothbrush as well.
8. Carrier bag - A good carry bag to organize all of your pooch's belongings in one place is essential. After a lot of research, I found that the PetAmi bag is the best - it has compartments for every item, from food to toys to towels. It has many designs and is compact and easy to carry, so it takes up less space as well. It can be found on the official PetAmi website, Amazon, and various other shops!
That's it! I hope these tips helped you to have a safe and happy journey. Remember to have fun with your dog and not worry too much. The important thing is to spend time with them and create an unbreakable bond! Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips to add or if you enjoyed reading this article!
A friend forever,
Sneha.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Image credits -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQwS9LM7MZg&ab_channel=POPSUGAR
https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Sleepypod-GoBag.jpg
https://www.tailslife.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/leash.png
https://i.insider.com/57e448e6b0ef97b3088b78a1?width=700
Comments
~The prettiest Emu of her species.