Dog Travel - Road Trip Dog Tips for a Comfortable Ride

Being on the road with a dog can be a wonderful experience. Some dogs love to travel, enjoy the experience of being in a car and all the excitement of new smells and an ever-changing environment. On the other hand, many dogs have a hard time coping with the stress of a long road trip in a cramped car. To keep stress at bay, follow these four tips to make sure your next road trip with Fido is a good one.

1. Stick to your regular routine.

Even on the road, you should stick to a regular routine with your dog. If your dog typically eats Purina twice a day and takes a bathroom break 30 minutes later, then stick to that routine. A drastic change in diet, eating times or bathroom routines combined with the stress of a long car ride can quickly lead to major digestive problems like diarrhea, loss of appetite or constipation.

2. Properly identify and tag your dog before you leave.

Before you head out on a long road trip or a big move, make sure your dog is properly tagged with your full contact information, both temporary and permanent. Because you'll be in a new environment, you can't assume that your dog can wander off and find his way back to you and though losing your dog is an awful thought, you should be prepared for any situation.

To prevent this from happening, always keep your dog on a leash when in a new area and don't let your dog burst out of the car every time you open the door. Instead, attach the leash to his collar before you let him out of the car.

3. Watch out for weather extremes.

Avoid traveling during periods of extreme heat, storms or high levels of humidity unless you have air conditioning or sufficient ventilation. If you stop for a break, never leave your dog in the car for an extended period of time, especially during hot or cold weather. If you need to stop and eat, opt instead for takeout and let your dog out of the car with you, find a shady spot to eat your lunch and eat it there.

4. Give your dog lots of exercise.

By stopping for frequent breaks and making sure your dog gets a healthy amount of exercise, you're ensuring a better ride for everyone. A quick run during your stops lets your dog work out that pent up energy and will help him relax.