Your furry pal loves to go with you on a car drive. Just on the mention of those two words – “car drive”, your pooch starts wagging tail enthusiastically, waiting to go. So, just plan a wonderful and memorable dog road trip with a family.
Before setting on a trip, there are certain things, which can help in for your smooth journey. Just pick one by one and find how comfortable you can make the road trip for your lovable companion.
Seat Belts for Humans and Dogs
When you were children going along with your parents on the car, there used to be no seat belts, while you used to drool from front to back. However, today the scenario has been changed. We know that cars without seat belts and car seats are unimaginable. They save our lives and put away from dangers. With your pooch on the board, ensure that you have put him on a dog seat belt. This is for his safety as you are safe in your seat belt. It’s important that everyone on the car is safe.
Exercise Before You Go
During a long drive, your legs get stiffed and the rate of blood circulation lowers. Doing just a warm up, before handling that steering will help your muscles to feel relaxed for a longer time without being too stiffened. Long road trips mean lack of movement or exercise for your pooch also for a long time. With no exercise for prolonged period can cause anxiety, stress and destructive behavior in your Fido.
Taking your dog out for a longer period before the day of the trip and having a longer walk than routine days before starting a trip is the best way to help your pooch.
Stay Hydrated
It is essential to stay hydrated to remain healthy wherever you are – at home or out on a drive. Staying hydrated avoids unwanted dangers caused due to dehydration. The same thing applies for your pooch.
Your Fido requires 1 ounce of water per day per pound. The larger breed requires more water compared to puppies. Provide water to your pooch every 2 hours.
Schedule Breaks
When taking your four-legged companion on a long journey, it is important that you take regular breaks in between for your pooch to run and relax for a while. Sometimes on a long way, pets feel suffocated or nausea when breaks are not taken in between. As you need break for water, food and natural calls on a long run so do your Frodo needs.
Your dog needs potty breaks at least every 4 – 6 hours, with puppies more frequent breaks. This also gives opportunity for your Fido to relax and stretch out as you do.
Entertainment
Without any thing to do, you can easily get bored during a long journey. Playing audio, sing-a-longs, license plate spotting are some of the things that you can do along your ride. Same thing applies for your Frodo. On a long drive, he can easily become bored and frustrated for being fitted there for a long time.
To ease your Fido from boredom get along with some treats, dog chews, dog toys and food puzzles. This helps your dog to relax and free from getting bored.
Food to Pack along
When travelling to distance places, you cannot get along hungry. Rather than eating out in the restaurant, plan to pack your food and enjoy a great picnic outside. Pack some cookies, cup cakes, wafers, fruits and cold drinks that can be great to have whenever you are taking a break.
How can you miss Fido for the same? Pack some dog food for your Fido to enjoy while you are enjoying yours.
Out from Car
When you are taking a break, its normal that you are out and enjoying the fresh air to relax and get energized for the remaining journey. Nevertheless, check into your car whether you are making a mistake of leaving your Fido inside the car, which is unattended under the hot sun.
Cars act as greenhouses and trap heat. Under the sun, even during the normal day, the temperature can rise over 20 degrees above the outside temperature. If outside temperature is 82 degrees, inside temperature can rise up to 102 degrees, which is very dangerous for your pooch. He can suffer from heat stroke or other dehydration health issue, so better take your pet along with whenever you are taking a break.
These tips will make your dog road trip wonderful and full of enjoyment. If we have missed any important tip that you always take care and help you to have a great trip, do share with us in comments.