Road trips are one of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life as we know it. Taking a drive, whether long or short, to a different destination is scientifically proven to not only relieve stress in humans and pets but also enhance the quality of life due to a change of scenery.
It should, therefore, come as no surprise that taking a dog on a road trip brings a level of excitement for the furry friend, and in fact, dog owners are encouraged to travel more with their pets as this also enhances the creation of strong bonds. Dogs are considered man’s best friend, and including them in travel plans makes them feel loved and even tends to trust their owners more.
We now get to look at everything a dog owner should know and do when going on a road trip with a dog.
Understanding Your Dog's Needs
It is better to start training your dog for road trips while they are still at the puppy stage. The saying that it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks is very true in this case. A dog that starts traveling at a very young age gets accustomed to the thrills and challenges that come with travel, and they easily adapt to new situations compared to dogs that start traveling when they are older and set in their ways.
Taking a road trip with a dog does not mean just putting the dog inside a car and driving off. In the same way, humans plan and carry essentials during any trip, dogs also need to be planned so as to make any trip enjoyable. Dogs are bound to have anxiety attacks when taken out of their familiar environment and may thus be resistant initially, even to getting inside a car.
Key Considerations Before the Road Trip
Dogs’ personality
Just like humans, dogs have different personalities. There are dogs that are always down for a great time in the outdoors, and there are those that prefer being in their familiar environment all the time. Outdoor dogs will be the first to hop in a car without caring whether they will be changing their environment or not. The more reserved dogs, on the other hand, would rather stay where they feel safe so as to be the best version of themselves. It is important to know your dog’s personality so as to avoid putting them in uncomfortable situations that can cause panic and anxiety attacks.
Distance of the road trip
Even the most outgoing dog may not enjoy being on the road for long or being in unfamiliar territories for long. It is advisable to start with small-distance trips and get the dog accustomed to time. Ambushing a dog with a long-distance trip can psychologically affect the dog and introduce trust issues with his owner. For very long distances, it is important to ensure the dog’s comfort mimics that of the home environment as much as possible to avoid the dog going into shock.
Health issues
It should be a no-brainer that unhealthy dogs should not be subjected to road trips unless it is an absolute necessity. When dogs are unwell, they prefer solitude so that they can recover peacefully and fast. It would be a great injustice to subject an ailing dog to a road trip. Always consult with the veterinarian before traveling with a dog to ensure their travel is worthwhile.
Must-Have Items for Your Trip
- A comfortable car with enough space for the dog to wiggle around without feeling too constrained. Allow the dog enough space to lie down and stretch a bit so that they do not get too tired during the trip.
- Up-to-date information tags for the dog that include the current home address, owner’s address, as well as next-of-kin address, and medical information that a rescuer might need to know in case of an emergency. One can also include the veterinarian’s contact should first aid need to be administered. Any insurance taken on the dog should be up-to-date in addition to carrying copies of the dog’s vaccination information.
- A GPS tracker as well as LED collars to ensure the dog’s whereabouts are known at any particular moment. This is especially crucial since dogs tend to be restless and like to explore their new surroundings. Should it get dark at any point, collars with light on them make it easy to spot the dog and thus keep them safe.
- Food for the entire trip should be planned in advance. Knowing the route ahead of time can be helpful so as to know whether to pack all the food from home or whether there are any locations along the way where dog food can be accessed. It is dangerous to starve a dog, especially during a road trip, since their stress levels are high, and they may cause harm to themselves or even to their owners. The food should be high in energy to keep the dog strong. And there should also be plenty of water for the dog to stay hydrated. While at it, always remember to carry the dog bowls for serving your dog.
- Pet diapers and poop bags are another essential for road trips with a dog. While you should stop every few hours or on demand for a bathroom break, it is important to plan for any poop and pee accidents that happen inside the car. A waterproof seat cover is a great alternative for these kinds of situations. Poop bags will come in handy when you have to pick up after your dog to avoid leaving a messy environment.
- A high-capacity portable power station ensures a continuous supply of power for all your power needs, whether off-grid or not. The portable power station should have an automotive-grade battery cell for safety while on the road and should also be chargeable within a short time because nobody has time to waste waiting for a portable power station to charge. Ease of portability cannot be underrated, as it would beat logic to have a power station that is too bulky to carry around. BLUETTI Elite 200 v2 is one of the best reliable power stations for such road trips.
- A portable solar panel can also be considered for road trips. The beauty of solar panels is that they are easily foldable and portable, and they use solar energy, thus making them environmentally friendly. A portable solar panel that efficiently converts solar energy into usable electricity, such as BLUETTI SP200L solar panel, can also be considered for a road trip.
- An alternator charger for the portable power station is another must-have. When choosing a charger, consider its compatibility with your portable power station, whether it has a smart protection feature to prevent the vehicle’s battery from draining so fast, as well as how fast it actually charges the portable power station. The BLUETTI Charger 1 is one of the products on the market that ticks all these boxes.
- A dog carrier, especially if the dog in question is a puppy.
- A first-aid kit to handle any emergencies during the trip. Dogs can injure themselves or suffer from sudden weather changes that may disorient their bodies. Knowledge of pet first aid is essential, especially if the road trips are expected to be frequent.
Road Trip with a Dog Etiquette
- Always pick up after your dog. It really is the bare minimum thing to do. Nobody likes to step on dog poop, look at it, or even endure the nasty smell.
- Always crack the window open if leaving the dog inside the car. Dogs should not be left in the car alone for long, especially on hot days.
- Always confirm locations that are pet-friendly. It is impolite to have a dog in an area that is shared by many other users who prefer pet-free areas. Checking with local regulations beforehand can help with this.
- Always try to train your dog on basic orders to avoid chaos while out in the open. The dog should know how to react on command to avoid posing a safety threat to strangers as well as being a danger to themselves.
Conclusion
The best way to plan for a road trip with a dog is to consider the well-being of the dog, the owner, and anyone or animal that they might interact with. Carrying the dog’s favorite toy can help calm the dog and give them a sense of security. For outdoor trips, a portable power station like the BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 provides reliable energy for charging devices or running essential equipment. It would also be great to consider camping for overnight stays instead of hotels so as to give the dog enough space to stretch and play to relieve the stress of a long drive. Overall, going on a road trip with a dog is a great way for both the dog and the owner to experience the outdoors and enjoy new sights while making great memories.
