Tips for Driving Long Distances with Your Dog in a Car

When we take our furry, fuzzy, friendly and funny four legged best friends with us in the car on long road trips, they are the ones who enjoy the trip the most. With so many new and exciting scents, and so many new people to pay attention to and play with them, they can be overwhelmed and forget their training for a while. Tips for travelling long distances with a dog by car would have to start with knowing your dog's limits and training levels, and not surpassing them, or expecting your dog to be as good and listen as well as they do at home. They are, after all, in an environment that over stimulates their senses.

Aside from keeping a constant eye out for our dogs when taking them for a long drive, some tips for travelling long distances with a dog by car include, but in no way are limited to;

* Keep your dog tied at all times. Do not let your dog(s) loose in the rest areas where you stop to let them stretch, exercise, play and do their business, except where expressly permitted and inside an enclosed dog pen. And do try your best to keep them away from areas where dogs are not allowed, like on the side of a busy highway, except for emergency bathroom breaks.

For legal and moral reasons, we must keep our dog tied up at all times, no matter their training levels, in order to keep them safe and nearby, and to limit their exhaustive running after every smell and sight, and from chasing everything that moves. After being cooped up in a car for a long time, a dog will want to run and play as soon as they are let out of the car.

* Car windows. One of the most common injuries for dogs on long car drives is to be injured by a bug or flying debris while their head is hanging out of the window, or when they are in the back of a pick up truck. Neither of these scenarios are encourages, but, yes, many dogs just love having their heads out of the car window while driving. This can cause serious illness, damage their tongues, noses and eyes (or even blind them in one or both eyes) or even swallow too many large bugs.

* Seat belts. Yes, dogs should be in seat belts just like people and children. There are many different styles and sizes of dog restraints for cars, and you should train your dog to be compliant with staying in their seat belt before heading our on that long car drive with them. If you were to be in an accident, your dog could fly through the windshield, causing major injury, or worse.

* Car stereo. It may be fun to blare the stereo out loud and sing along with your favourite tunes, but please don't forget that your dog's hearing is much more acute that yours. If you must have the stereo on, please keep it at low levels for your dog's sake.

* Food and water. Make sure that you bring enough food for your dog, as well as enough water to cover the first full day, until more water can be found, purchased, poured from the motel's or campground's taps, or purified from a spring or creek.

* The dog food that you bring should be the same brand that they eat at home, as a change in foods can cause stomach and bowel problems in most dogs. Bring more food than they would normally eat, as they will be getting a lot more exercise, and therefore need more nutrition.

* Treats. Make sure that you bring your dog's favorite treats, to supplement their training and behaviour.

* Tattoos, collars, dog tags and licenses. When you take your dog on a long car drive, there is always the possibility that they will go on a great, unplanned journey, or chase an animal when it is time to get back in the car. Having your dog tattooed will make it much easier for other people to return your faithful buddy back to your warm family embrace if they get lost along the way, as would dog tags with your phone number and address engraved on them, and a current dog license, tattoo and/or microchip.

If your dog happens to be picked up by animal services, or turned into an animal shelter, they will be able to find the true owners (you) quickly. As well, if there is a medical problem when your dog is found, and they can not contact you, they will have your dog's medical history to better treat them.

* Bring different lengths of rope and tie downs. When you stop for the night, especially if camping, and your dog sleeps in the tent with you, which is advisable when camping in the wilderness, have them tied up in the tent, but with plenty of loose rope. If they make it out of the tent at night after something they hear, smell, or both, they will not be able to leave the campsite, or wander far from the tent or car while tied up. Having a short rope to keep them away from the fire and stagnant water when not being watched closely, and longer ropes for when everyone is around the campsite ensures your dog will be able to cuddle up with whomever it wishes, and stay safe.

* When stopped for a picnic or for other reasons, make sure that your dog is securely tied to a solid tree, to the car, or to a dog tether that screws into the ground.

* Never leave your dog in your vehicle alone. Even if you are shopping for groceries, or just getting some soda pops from a machine, make sure that your or someone else stays outside in the fresh air with your dog, and that the dog is tied securely to a leash. Anytime that you stop, you should let your dog out for as long as you are, as any break from the car is much better for them than it is for you. Also a great time for them to do their business, as the motion from the car can wreck havoc on many a dog's bladders.

* Limit exposure to the sun. Even dogs get sunburn.

* Never stop loving your dogs, or get mad at them when they make a mistake or misbehave. A short time out with a short rope, to limit their roaming ability, will calm them down and remind them that you are the boss if they lose their composure when overly excited in a new environment. Or, at least the person that they train to think that they are the boss.

When travelling long distances with a dog by car, following common sense, and some handy tips will help you to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy, and to ensure that they return home with you from your long car drive.

Travel safe. Travel informed.