Who needs air travel when you can pack up your car or RV and hit the open road with your 4-legged pal? It may seem daunting if you've never done a road trip before, so we've put together everything you'll need to know to begin your adventure.
It's important to remember that you don't have to drive across the whole country to make your road trip worth while - we all get so busy and used to our everyday routine that we don't even realize what's in our own backyard. Take a road trip to other towns in your state that you've never visited - you may be surprised what's hiding just down the road!
As for preparation, you'll want to pack a doggy first aid kit. We suggest including things like tweezers for removing ticks and splinters, anti-motion sickness relief, and antibacterial wound spray/ointment and gauze in case your pup gets any nicks or cuts while you're out exploring. It also doesn't hurt to bring a copy of your dog's medical history, just in case you need to take an emergency trip to the vet.
Next, is safety. It's important to use either a car hammock or seatbelt that attaches to a harness so that your dog is safe while you drive. You'll also want to make sure your dog's ID tags are up to date with your name and phone number in case they were to run off during your trip. Another great tool to have on your dog is a Fi collar so that you can track their location should they find a squirrel that they just have to chase.
Next, entertainment! You'll be driving for a long time, so be sure to pack lots of toys to keep your dog entertained while you jam out to your favorite playlist. Though we wouldn't recommend feeding them a lot of food during the drive to help prevent car sickness, chews, toys, and bones are great to keep them busy and happy. Just make sure that it's something that won't break into small pieces and cause a choking hazard since your eyes will be on the road and not them. You can also look up local dog parks at each of your stops so that your pup can stretch their legs and get a good game of fetch in before heading back out.
Don't forget to take lots of breaks - it's easy to forget just how long you've been driving for, so we suggest sticking to a 100 mile or 2 hour rule. Depending on your and your dog, pick one of these intervals and stop every time you reach it. Use these stops to go to the bathroom, walk around and stretch your legs, and offer your dog some water.
And finally - be prepared, but don't plan too far ahead. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best part about a road trip is being able to park and walk around and explore lots of amazing places. If you plan all of your activities ahead, you may be missing out on some cool sights and experiences on the way to your final destination!
